Can you replace the Engine Support with engine in place?

[Emission]

While replacing my engine mounts, I bent/broke the engine support.

Both of the enigne mount bolts were heavily corroded in place after 16 years... and even after heavy soaks with penetrating fluid (good suggestion from Wayne that worked on the left side), the right bolt refused to give before the mount bent. When I bent it back, it was obvious the metal was significantly weakened. Now, it is time to replace the engine support.

I want to replace it with the engine in place by simply unbolting the engine mounts, supporting the engine, and replacing the support. Can I do it this way? Will I have to drop the engine?

[cstreit]

If you can access the four bolts that hold that rear crossmember/support to the engine, there is no reason you couldn't do this with the engine still in the car.

Just put a jack under the engine, raise the jack untill it's supporting it, remove the old support, bolt in the new one, easy-peasy...

Now if you can't get to those four bolts, you might have to lower the engine a bit to get at it, possible remove the muffler, but there is still no reason you would need to remove the engine. (Lowering it is simple)

[Emission]

I can get to the bolts. I've already soaked them in penetrating spray...

Now, I am wondering if I can maneuver the new engine support in from the top. It seems like it may be too wide.

[Neilk]

They should give those supports away with orders of two motor mounts.

I was able to replace it in my '73 911 w/o dropping the engine, but I see you have a turbo. It's a tight fit and you may have to flex (bend) the support to get it in place.

[Emission]

Originally posted by Neilk
They should give those supports away with orders of two motor mounts.

You put a smile on my face. I was feeling pretty stupid about the whole thing!

[MotoSook]

Removing the muffler should give you enough room, I would think, to remove the bracket the mounts to the motor. Take that bracket and the cross member out together, then separate the cross member from the bracket. If I recall correctly, there is on 15MM nut and two 13MM nuts that is between the muffler and the bracket. There is a fourth one on the inside of the bracket in the pulley channel. An off set wrench (or what ever you call it..like the one used to adjust your valve with) should get in there to undo it, 13MM.


But if the turbo mounting is different, disregard the above...ha!..I'm going to bed!

FWIW, I've done it on a non-turbo 77. Wasn't hard at all, just a little tedious chasing down all the bolts and washers that wanted to hide down under the crank pulley.
I don't think I moved the muffler. Turbo mileage may vary.

[RoninLB]

I know Zip about the 930..

but I always allow the engine to settle in the cross member after tightening the rubber mounts. I'll start the engine with those bolts loose. then tighten afterwards.............Ron

[Emission]

Well, it can be done, without too much difficulty.

You need to drop the engine about five inches (not a big deal considering the engine is being supported by the jack when you are replacing the engine support anyway). Slide one side of the support (I dropped the passenger side first) deep down and slide as far to the right as it will go. Then you'll have to slide (pry, force, jam, whatever...) the other side into place. I had to use a flat screwdriver to "convince" it in place around the mount plate. Raise the engine back up, then re-assemble the support bolts (all four) loosely until you have them all in. I jammed a paper towel into the recess below the bolts so I didn't lose any nuts/bolts under the pulley.

Good luck!