I’m about to start this project. I have basic mechanical knowledge and have seen an engine removed from one of my earlier 3.0 V6 Espace cars back in 2005 for a cambelt change.
What I would like to know, if anyone can help, is once I have removed the engine what else should I take the opportunity to service, replace or rustproof once I have an empty engine bay. I realise that the condition of the front subframe can finish off one of these cars so I have my fingers crossed in that respect. Whatever it’s condition, provided it is saveable, I intend to get it professionally stripped, painted and rustproofed.
I envisage this total job taking me several months as I am not a mechanic and not in a rush.
My car has done 65000 miles and there is no record of a cambelt change during its 19 year life. Aside from a bubbling power steering fluid issue and a whine from the PAS pump, it is mechanically sound.
Thank you.
Hello Brad,
You are really lucky the belt has not broken before now, if it has been in from new, or even changed once, as they have a time limit and yours is well beyond that! Time takes precedence over mileage if the mileage per year is very low.
Whilst the engine is out, you also need to replace the water pump as you would need the engine out to do that as well, and as the block and pump are both alloy, they can be very difficult to separate. I even had one where I had to damage the pump body to get it off!
Does your V6 have coil packs over the spark plugs with H.T.Leads from the front to the rear spark plugs? Those rear plugs are difficult to get at in the car, and you should install new ones whilst the engine is out. The modern long life plugs are good for about 60,000 miles so this is the ideal time. (and they may have not been changed yet from new, based on your mileage)
Roy