Swapping the engine

[couchonwheels]

Hi,
Just joined and wanted to know if I can get some heads up on swapping the engine. Got a pretty pristine 2002 LeSabre limited from auction with 93k miles but the engine has a hole on bottom side near the drain pan. Looking at swapping the engine with a used one( still have to find one) but I'm going through the processing of lining up my ducks. I know about the rear bell housing bolt and plan to remove the alternator (already off), water pump to get to the bolt with a couple of extensions. If you have any advice to clean/replace other parts "while I'm down there anyway" that would be good. Also havent found a step by step for a LeSabre but did find one for a Bonneville so it SHOULD be similar.

 

[ulycyc]

This is for your car. Good Luck

https://charm.li/Buick/2002/LeSabre%20V6-3.8L%20VIN%20K/Repair%20and%20Diagnosis/Engine%2C%20Cooling%20and%20Exhaust/Engine/Service%20and%20Repair/Removal%20and%20Replacement/Engine%20Replacement/

 

[couchonwheels]

This is for your car. Good Luck

https://charm.li/Buick/2002/LeSabre%20V6-3.8L%20VIN%20K/Repair%20and%20Diagnosis/Engine%2C%20Cooling%20and%20Exhaust/Engine/Service%20and%20Repair/Removal%20and%20Replacement/Engine%20Replacement/

Oh thanks!! I do use charm.li but didn't know had a full engine removal!!!

 

[5.0MX5]

couchonwheel, if you're anywhere near Arkansas I have an engine you might want to consider. The story, back in 2019 we bought a 72k mile 2001 Park Avenue. Over the course of the first couple months I did all the recommended preventive maintenance to include; new upper and lower intake manifold gaskets, new upper intake manifold, new belts and hoses. The ol car was amazing, 29 mpg at 70mph, engine so quite you almost could not hear it, no smoke or oil leaks. Well, late in '01 during a rain while dodging deer we went off road, hit the end of a driveway culvert doing about 20 mph. Totaled car but the engine still ran fine. I pulled the engine, only issue was part of the aluminum oil pan was broken, no oil leak but it was damaged. At the time the car had 82,000 miles. Engine has been in the shop since then. I've robbed a few items off it over the years, coil pack to put on another PA we bought, and a couple sensors I can't recall which.

At 74 years young, I'm very likely not going to ever use the spare engine. With the sensors off your car and oil pan swap you can have a great engine for a mere $500.00. That's assuming no shipping involved. You can do a search on my name and see some of the history I've referenced above.

Good Luck,
Ronnie

 

[BossHog39]

that rear bell housing bolt can be gotten with a 36" extension going through from p side wheel well done 5 of the 3.8's and got that bolt on all from that location 18mm socket

 

[couchonwheels]

couchonwheel, if you're anywhere near Arkansas I have an engine you might want to consider. The story, back in 2019 we bought a 72k mile 2001 Park Avenue. Over the course of the first couple months I did all the recommended preventive maintenance to include; new upper and lower intake manifold gaskets, new upper intake manifold, new belts and hoses. The ol car was amazing, 29 mpg at 70mph, engine so quite you almost could not hear it, no smoke or oil leaks. Well, late in '01 during a rain while dodging deer we went off road, hit the end of a driveway culvert doing about 20 mph. Totaled car but the engine still ran fine. I pulled the engine, only issue was part of the aluminum oil pan was broken, no oil leak but it was damaged. At the time the car had 82,000 miles. Engine has been in the shop since then. I've robbed a few items off it over the years, coil pack to put on another PA we bought, and a couple sensors I can't recall which.

At 74 years young, I'm very likely not going to ever use the spare engine. With the sensors off your car and oil pan swap you can have a great engine for a mere $500.00. That's assuming no shipping involved. You can do a search on my name and see some of the history I've referenced above.

Good Luck,
Ronnie

I'm in dfw texas. Since I'm new to the forum not sure how to get in touch with you.

 

[couchonwheels]

that rear bell housing bolt can be gotten with a 36" extension going through from p side wheel well done 5 of the 3.8's and got that bolt on all from that location 18mm socket

Great!. I'll try that first then

 

[BossHog39]

Great!. I'll try that first then

with wheel off of course with a flash light there is one small spot where you can go in straight to it