VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc How do I remove the engine from a 1924 Superior?

I recently purchased a 1924 Chevrolet Superior touring car, and when I finally got it running, I hear a deep knock, suggesting bearing issues, maybe a piston, something not good. Engine needs yanking. I have removed many engines from many cars, but this one defies easy removal of this engine: a frame cross member separates the oil pan from the flywheel, and it appears to have the original rivets still intact, but the engine either needs to pull straight up, or this cross member needs to be removed. Straight up is not an option either, as the firewall impedes this.

Any one know how I can take this 4 cylinder engine out without dismantling the entire drive train? There's got to be a trick to this.

Welcome to Chevy Chatter! This is certainly the correct place to pose such questions.

Do you have a copy of the shop manual? They usually have instructions for removing and putting the engine back in. There are reprints available from many vendors and on ebay.

I am more familiar with the '28 engine, so take my post with a grain of salt.

Before removing the whole engine, I suggest taking off the oil pan and checking the rod/crank clearances. When new, the babbitt bearings were pored oversized and extra shims were put under all the bearing end caps. As the bearing wore, you could remove a shim and tighten up the clearance.

You can get to the end caps (at the least for the rods and the main center bearing) with the engine still in, so it is worth checking. You might not have to pull the engine to fix the knock.

Cheers, Dean

Hi, Dean:

I have a copy of each of the following:

1. Instructions - For the operation and care of Chevrolet Motor Cars. Nothing in this 95 page publication details the engine removal procedure.

2.Chevrolet Service Manual - 158 pages, a bit more detail on mechanical procedures than #1, but still no mention of engine removal.

I am not inclined to lay on my back under this car for hours trying to diagnose, remove rod bearing caps, deal with shims or lack thereof. My shoulders just ache thinking of such arduous effort, not to mention the vertigo and certain to follow nausea of such an ordeal. Removing the engine and getting it onto a stand is the only way I will consider doing this repair.

I did, however, take your advice and look on eBay, located and subsequently purchased a third manual, 186 pages, and it does not appear that I have this info. It was labeled "Repair Manual," specifically for my Superior and a few other similar models, and if this procedure is not within this book, I would be surprised. I expect delivery of this manual by July 5, so at least that is somthing.

I was hoping one of you guys would have the section at hand, scan it and post it here. No such luck, however.

Still, I am making progress.

Oldmotorsguy,

Good thing you have already received excellent answers to your question.

I was going to say that you should merely remove all the wood and then your engine would be just sittling there. Vola (whatever)

Sorry,

Charlie