First time jacking up car (with pics)

[ajackson]

From talking to people in this thread, I think I need to take out the starter and either clean it up or get a new one...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/168122-need-some-help-diagnose-starting-problem-please.html#post1367494

I've never really been one to work on my car (just fluids and brake pads so far), but I decided to try it this time after lurking here for a few months.

After reading some waynes 101 projects book, I jacked up the car. Tonight after work, I'll try taking out the starter and see what I can do with it. I'll let everyone know how it goes.


Don't mind the water spots, I'll wash the car once I get it running again!





Other side where jacks are supporting the car.





Fortunatly they deliver the paper I used to protect the bottom of the sump to my mailbox every day.

[Sonic dB]

There are varying opinions on whether jacking up from under the engine is good or a bad thing.

The 911 owners manual strictly states to not do it... but other sources say it is OK.

it would be nice to get the definitive answer on this.

Nice car btw...

[ajackson]

I'm open to other suggestions... My knowledge of parts is a little fuzzy though, so pictures of where you guys jack up your car from (with enough context in the picture) would not be a bad thing.

[rcecale]

According to what was explained to me by John Walker, a better spot to jack from would be here...


(And if you have to ask who John Walker is...you haven't been around here long enough! )

Randy

[JP911]

Jack the car up by the exhaust? You're kidding, right?

[rcecale]

JP911, I am totally serious!

I was asking the same question two months ago and John Walker told me this...

"the exhaust crossover pipe that runs under the bellhousing is jack friendly, if you have stock exhaust. get under the big flange, and be careful about the clutch arm just in front of it, so you don't catch it with the jack. the torsion bar tubes on the ends of the spring plates for the jack stands. and block the front wheels for the hell of it."

When John Walker says it's so....it's so!

Randy

[KobaltBlau]

Whoa. That's really odd if that is a decent jack point.

[rcecale]

All I can say is, "It worked for me!"

I don't think I misunderstood what John was telling me. Perhaps he'll honor us with his presence and put this to bed once and for all.

Looking back at the thread in which he told me this, I actually did ask if ajackson's original spot would be okay and John replied with...

"the crossover pipe flange under the bellhousing would be safer, like i previously suggested."

Randy

[SpeedracerIndy]

The exhaust flange is a safe place from what I have heard also. Just be careful not to hit the clutch release arm directly behind the exhaust flange.

[Zeke]

I put a 2x4 lenthwise under the trans. It's flat all along the bottom so the load is well distributed. It is hard on the tranny mount ears, but I've been jacking 914's and 911's this way since the first time many years ago. I haven't broken a trans yet. There's always the first time.

If you want to be safe, jack the car from each side a little at a time. I really don't like jacking under the engine case, especially around the sump plate. I can't give you a reason why other than the book says not to. I've always wondered about the square block that hangs down below the case bottom line near the flywheel.

If I'm gonna break something, I'd rather break the trans.

[Doug Steinel]

For years I have been using an 18 inch length of 4X4 under the seam of the case with the floor jack under it. That newspaper scares me. Substitute the wood for it and I would feel better.