Need Advice - Engine Rebuilding, Videos/Books/Threads? Options

[bigkensteele]

I have a '75 1.8 that leaks like the Valdez and basically decides to stop running intermttently when I am out on drives. It will turn over, but will not start for anything. This usually happens when I am several miles from home. AAA has more than paid for itself with this car. My wife has revoked my driving priveledges, as the car has caused me to miss a couple of semi-important events. The strange/ironic side of the story, is that it always starts right up after the flatbed sets it down in my driveway, which makes it difficult to diagnose - fuel or spark. Any ideas?

Anyway, I have a '76 2.0 on a stand, complete FI, exhaust, etc. Probably 95% of what I will need to do the swap. However, this thing has been sitting a while, so I should probably tear it down, clean it up and do whatever needs to be done.

Problem is, I really don't know what I am doing when it comes to the inside of a motor. I know what all of the major parts are, and I am extremely mechanically inclined, but I need to see to learn. I need to know how to spot what needs to be addressed, what should be replaced, what kind of sealants to use, etc. I know that Jake has a video. Is it applicable to a refresh or is it geared more toward a complete custom rebuild? I have the Haynes. Is it worthless or all that I need?

In a nutshell, I really want to learn how to refurbish/rebuild a motor, but I am gun-shy. If I could watch a video, or read a really good, descriptive book, I would feel much better about tearing into the 2L.

Thanks,
Ken