First, clean the engine bay and the outside of the engine with an oil-based deposit remover. This will make the job easier and prevent dirt from getting inside the engine. It may be helpful to remove the hood to make the engine easier to access during repairs (see Chapter 11).
If there is a leak in the vacuum system, exhaust system, lubrication system, or cooling system and a gasket or seal needs to be replaced, repairs can usually be made without removing the engine from the vehicle. Intake and exhaust manifold gaskets, oil pan (and oil pump), water pump, starter, alternator, distributor, and fuel system components can be removed for repair without removing the engine. Since the camshaft(s) and cylinder head can be removed, valve train service can be performed without removing the engine. Timing belts and sprockets can also be replaced without removing the engine from the vehicle.
Engine Identification Chart
| Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) Engines | ||
| Model | Engine designation (volume) | Valve type |
| Galant | ||
| 1985-1987 | G64B(2.4n) | Adjustable with injection valve |
| since 1989 | 4G63(2.0n) | Hydraulic without injection valve |
| Precis | ||
| 1987 and 1988 | G4DJ(1.5n) | Adjustable with injection valve |
| since 1989 | G4DJ(1.5n) | Adjustable without injection valve |
| Cordia/Tredia | ||
| 1983 | G62B(1.8n) | Adjustable with injection valve |
| 1984 and 1985 | G62B Turbo (1.8L) | Adjustable with injection valve |
| 1984 and 1985 | G63B(2.0n) | Adjustable with injection valve |
| 1985-1988 | G62B Turbo (1.8L) | Hydraulic with injection valve |
| 1985-1988 | G63B(2.0n) | Hydraulic with injection valve |
| Mirage | ||
| 1985-1987 | G15B(1.5n) | Adjustable with injection valve |
| 1985-1987 | G32B(1.6n) | Adjustable with injection valve |
| Since 1989 | 4G15(1.5n) | Adjustable without injection valve |
| Engines with two overhead camshafts (DOHC) | ||
| Model | Engine designation (volume) | Valve type |
| Galant | ||
| since 1989 | 4G32(2.0n) | Hydraulic without injection valve |
| Mirage | ||
| since 1989 | 4G61(1.6n) | Hydraulic without injection valve |
In special cases, when the necessary equipment is not available, repair or replacement of piston rings, pistons, connecting rods and connecting rod bearings can be performed without removing the engine from the vehicle. However, this is not recommended, since cleaning and preparatory work are required to perform this work.