Genuine 1987 Acura Legend Engine

1987 Acura Legend Engine Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: What Is the Proper Process for Engine Disassembly and Overhaul on an 1987 Acura Legend, and What Tools Are Required?

  A: It's much easier to disassemble and work on the engine if it's mounted on a portable engine stand, which can often be rented cheaply from an equipment rental yard. Before mounting the engine, the flywheel/driveplate and rear oil seal retainer should be removed. If a stand isn't available, disassembly can be done with the engine blocked up on the floor, but caution is necessary to avoid tipping or dropping it. When obtaining a rebuilt engine, all external components must be removed for transfer to the replacement engine, including the alternator and brackets, emissions control components, distributor, spark plug wires and plugs, thermostat and housing cover, water pump, fuel injection components, intake and exhaust manifolds, oil filter, engine mounts, clutch and flywheel/driveplate, and engine rear plate. Attention to detail is crucial when removing these components, as the installed position of gaskets, seals, spacers, pins, brackets, washers, bolts, and other small items may be important during installation. If acquiring a short block, which includes the engine block, crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods, the cylinder head(s), oil pan, and oil pump will also need to be removed. For a complete overhaul, the engine must be disassembled in a specific order: cylinder head/valve cover(s), intake and exhaust manifolds, timing belt covers, timing belt and sprockets, cylinder head(s), oil pan, oil pump, piston/connecting rod assemblies, crankshaft rear oil seal retainer, crankshaft, and main bearings. Before starting the disassembly and overhaul, ensure that common hand tools, small cardboard boxes or plastic bags for storing parts, a gasket scraper, ridge reamer, micrometers, telescoping gauges, dial indicator set, valve spring compressor, cylinder surfacing hone, piston ring groove cleaning tool, electric drill motor, tap and die set, wire brushes, oil gallery brushes, and cleaning solvent are available.