Transporting an engine

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 21 Feb 2010, 11:55

Will I be able to fit a CT engine and box in a Xantia hatch?

I ask as I've been offered one for a good price, and even though I'm not entirely sure what I'd do with it. It may be worth having due to the fact it was rebuilt about 20k ago.

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 21 Feb 2010, 12:06

Shold go in fine, probably with the seats folded. Didnt Peter have twn engines in his Xm estate not too long ago, im sure one will fit in a xantia

Post by **CitroJim** » 21 Feb 2010, 12:12

Paul (citroenxm) is likely the best to advise about getting quarts into pint pots!

If he can squeeze a MK2 bonnet in a hatch, I'm sure, for him, an engine would be a doddle

It'll be a bit tricky Toby, due in part to the tailgate lip. It would have to be craned in and out. I'm sure Xac has moved an engine and 'box in his estate though, where things would be easier...

last time I transported an engine, I used a small box trailer. Has yours a towbar? If so, see if a small trailer can be hired...

If you do transport it in the hatch, I recommend laying thick polythene on the floor, separating the engine and gearbox and then loading the gearbox in first, toward the front and then crane in the engine and lay it so that it will ride reasonably well. Lay it exhaust side down and prop it with baulks of wood. Beware of oil spilling. It'll be be by far the best if the engine is drained of all fluids totally before loading it.

If you do have the engine, also rescue the ECU and immobiliser pad if from a MK1 and if from a MK2, rescue the ECU, transponder, body computer and ignition lock/key.

Else that, do you know anyone with a small van?

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 21 Feb 2010, 12:19

Yes, though it was an estate - guess you'd need to watch the height
going into the back with a hatch;

have you got use of a crane hoist though. I've even walked a 16v 2.0
engine from a trailer into the boot of an Xm hatch so a Xant saloon
should cope. Just have thecweigyt as far forwards as you can go for
driving stability.

Andrew

Post by **CitroJim** » 21 Feb 2010, 12:23

That's a CT engine in there Andrew

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 21 Feb 2010, 12:25

Thanks fellas,

I will rescue the ECU and loom and everything too. It's actually from a 406 with a blown turbo this one.

It's a shame I can't use the works Sprinter. I could ask my dad for usage of the Ulysse but otherwise it does seem it'll just about fit in the Xantia.

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 21 Feb 2010, 12:27

Wonder if it's the same engine I was aiming to collect - unfortunately a pal has
put my trailer out of commission whilst borrowing it so I can't make promises
about carrying an engine hoist and the engine together in my Xant estate...

Andrew

<<edit>> oops forget this comment - just seen the latest reply!

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 21 Feb 2010, 12:33

The only real worry is the top of the engine fouling the hinge area of the roof
when offering in the engine through the hatch on a hoist - you may need to
draw the bottom of the engine through from inside the car - care obviously
needed not to be squished!!

I had an extra boot carpet and loads of old footwell mats to support the engine
on a decent stout piece of ply so no damage would be directed onto the floor
or oil onto the trim and then plenty of ropes to stop it rolling and chocked
wood etc - had an old rimless tyre wedged between the engine and the folded
back seats as a kind of buffer too.

Andrew

Brigsygtt · Post by **Brigsygtt** » 21 Feb 2010, 15:54

Ive had two engines in the back of my xantia hatch at the same time, renault f7p 1.8 16v & c1j 1.4 turbo.

Fitted in fine with no dramas & with the suspension raising the back up to normal height was a total win.

candy · Post by **candy** » 21 Feb 2010, 17:35

my boss and i managed to get a DS engine and my toolbox into a metro

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 21 Feb 2010, 17:48

Hi Toby,

Don't risk damaging/dirtying that lovely Activa, use my Ashtray estate... if you can handle being seen in one .

Post by **Peter.N.** » 21 Feb 2010, 18:49

Citroenmad wrote:Shold go in fine, probably with the seats folded. Didnt Peter have twn engines in his Xm estate not too long ago, im sure one will fit in a xantia

I did indeed, a 2.1 td + gearbox and a 1.8 F**d diesel engine, went in a treat

lexi · Post by **lexi** » 22 Feb 2010, 10:39

Remember and be safe guys. In an accident what would consequences of insurance be if that load broke free and ended up on top of ya?

Post by **Peter.N.** » 22 Feb 2010, 11:33

They would have to get through the seats before they hit you

addo · Post by **addo** » 22 Feb 2010, 20:28

That nearly happened to a valued friend; hard braking made the engine slip forward despite being tethered - it squeezed him between the seat back and steering wheel. I'm always treading on eggshells with load like that; you need to drive like it a large truck and allow plenty of space while eyballing your "escape routes".