Swapping engines

[LoneWolfGal]

Barring unforeseen circumstances, I'm going to install the Solution bushing — I mean, bearing — tomorrow. Reaching a point where I understood the process turned out to involve a modicum of head scratching. LN's engineering's IMS Solution Installation Manual, supplied with every Solution, is sorely in need of revision, one with clearer photos. Written by Jake Raby, the current manual is unclear in spots, skips over crucial steps, and relies on assumptions, although it makes perfect sense if you already know how to do it. Jake, being the inventor of the Solution, could probably install one in his sleep.

But then, Jake's a brilliant engineer, not a professional writer. For about three seconds I considered offering LN my services, but I'm currently stretched too thin with other projects, not including the engine swap. However, I think I'll start a new thread and create the kind of concise Solution installation how-to I wish had been available from the get-go. I'll do it for the DIYers of the future.



Above: IMS Solution Supplemental Tool Kit (L.), IMS Pro Tool Kit (R.). (And toolkit is one word, but let's not go schoolmarm on LN.) The Solution's bush... bearing and its installation tool and the IMS tube plug are beside the manual (but not beside the point). Some of the Pro kit's tools are in use, thus the empty foam pockets.

[LoneWolfGal]

Best laid plans... I'd forgotten I had promised to help a friend remove the starter from his Isuzu Rodeo and rebuild the solenoid, since I had done it on mine a couple months ago. Needless to say, the IMS bearing will not be going in today. I want to be rested and fresh for the procedure.

[LoneWolfGal]

I thought I had viewed all the IMS Solution videos available, but somehow I overlooked this one, in which Jake Raby fills in the holes in LN's installation manual. I was glad to see that the details I'd worked out on my own were correct.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oKlgMNYOxA

So there's no need for me to write up a how-to, leaving more time for actual wrenching. Speaking of which, I finally have a chance to install the bearing after lunch.

[piper6909]

Take lots of pics, please.

[LoneWolfGal]

Jake Raby mentioned that variances in the inside diameter of the intermediate shaft can sometimes result in a tight fit for the bearing, and he wasn't kidding. Forget tapping — seating the bearing required many mighty blows with a heavy rubber mallet. That was a surprise, since I kept the bearing in the freezer and lubricated its outside liberally with assembly lube, as per Step 30 in the IMS Solution Installation Manual. I managed to get it seated before my arm gave out. Next comes a shim, followed by a retainer clip that fits in a groove around the inside of the shaft to keep the bearing in place. Getting it in the groove is a challenge. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to master the technique, I decided I needed a break. I'm on my break now!

One hour later... I can't think of a single reason why that blankety-blank clip can't wait until tomorrow.