Engine disassembly — general part (Opel Ascona C)

1. It is best to disassemble the engine on a special stand, but if this is not possible, you can use a work table or even disassemble the engine directly on the floor.

2. Absolute cleanliness must be maintained during disassembly. First of all, you should thoroughly clean the engine from the outside from oil and old dirt.

3. The work will be easier if you use a good fat solvent. Apply the solvent, wait for a while and wash it off with a strong stream of water. The fat will be washed off along with the solvent. If there is a thick layer of old dirt, rub the solvent in vigorously with a stiff brush.

4. After cleaning, wipe the engine with a rag and only then begin disassembling it. As you remove individual parts, clean them in a kerosene bath.

5. Never immerse parts with lubrication channels in kerosene (for example, crankshaft and camshaft). Such parts are wiped with a cloth soaked in kerosene. The lubrication channels can be cleaned with wire and then blown out with compressed air.

6. When overhauling the engine, all gaskets must be replaced with new ones.

7. When disassembling, do not throw away the old gaskets, as they can be used as a template if you cannot find new ones.

8. It is best to disassemble the engine from top to bottom. Once you get to the point of removing the crankshaft, you can turn the engine on its side and continue working.

9. Whenever possible, replace the removed nuts, bolts and washers and tighten them one or two turns. This will prevent you from losing or mixing them up. If this is not possible, arrange them in the order they were removed.

10. You will need a valve lapping tool and a valve spring remover.