Engine Swap: Tips and Tricks

Patience
You'll need this quality throughout the entire job, from inspecting the used engine for quality and compatibility to filling the fluids properly, and much in between. For instance, even if the used engine appears to be an exact or acceptable match, don't start any prep work on it until you've removed the old engine and have it side-by-side with the good one.

Details
Then carefully check details such as flywheel-to-crankshaft compatibility, exhaust manifold configuration, ancillary component location (including sensors), and external coolant plumbing configuration. Sometimes apparent discrepancies in these details can be corrected easily simply by transferring the old part(s) to the good used engine. And sometimes not—you'll have to determine this firsthand and work out the best solution, which may involve requesting another engine.

Fluids
In addition, take the time to drain all of the applicable fluids before the actual removal of the engine/transmission assembly. This would especially include draining coolant from the engine block, via the block drain plugs—unless they're just too inaccessible. You'll avoid making a slippery, potentially dangerous mess unnecessarily.

Disassembly
Obviously, you'll have to disassemble the engine somewhat in order to safely remove it from the engine bay. How much disassembly is required will be determined by many factors. These include whether the transmission can or should be removed at the same time, which old parts have to be transferred to the good used engine, and which direction it'll be removed (top, bottom or front of the vehicle). Don't forget the type of removal equipment you will be using as well.

Components
Make sure that all relevant hoses, cables, linkages, mounts and stabilizers, electrical connectors, and other components are properly disconnected at the simplest, most accessible points. If any of these components are dangling or protruding into the removal path of the engine assembly, they should be tied out of the way. Plastic cable ties work excellently for this. It is very important that this is done before any attempts are made to lift the engine assembly from its installed position.