Who here has installed their engine by themself?

[efhughes3]

I was planning on a "group" install next weekend, but I had a good day today, as I'm down to my last two tasks and my motor will be ready to go back in. I got it off the engine stand today with the ATV jack, and there it sits. It seems to me the "hardest" part will be lifting the tranny up to mate to the motor.

So, I'm tempted to go ahead and slide her under...Maybe it is just a psychological hurdle?

[Purkinjefibre]

Hi Ed, i did mine alone. For me the trickiest part was getting the rear of the car high enough. It was very precarious up so high on stands. It's always a good idea to have someone around...

[walt]

I just installed mine today. Needed a few minutes of help to get the tranny mounted, other than that you should be fine.

[rhk109]

I've done it each of the last two winters by myself. Just take your time and doublecheck everything.

[J Smith]

Putting it back in is definitely easier than taking it out. I've done two drops/installs all by myself. Like the others said, just take your time and check everything as you're raising it up.

Good luck.

[jwmc1]

I did it...used a cherry picker to help slide it in...

[azasadny]

I did it and I used a Sears Craftsman ATV/Motorcycle jack which made it much easier to line everything up and get the engine in place.

[efhughes3]

Thanks guys, we'll see how it goes tomorrow. If I get it in, I'll be a week ahead of schedule!

The motor is sitting on my ATV jack right now. There is no way I'd use a floor jack to pull an engine after dropping mine this way. It really balance the motor well.

[yelcab1]

I have done it myself, but prefer to have at least one more person

[89911]

I've done it a few time, some with two people, others with one. Those that have done it by yourself, where are your friends when you need them? It can be done solo, but the potential for something bad to happen is definitely increased.

[rotorhead]

I have found that putting the rear wheels of the car on car ramps is the safest way to support my car while removing and reinstalling the engine.

I use two jacks, one under the engine and one under the transmission mounts. I made up a trolley to drop the engine onto and jacked it up to under the engine. I then alternately lowered the ends of the engine/ transmission and pulled it clear before lowering it onto the trolley.

Installing was the reverse procedure.

[ricochet]

I did the install on VW motors quite often (way back then). Seems my wife (still) was my best helper. We changed them out every time I blew one (pretty often, maybe every every 6 months)).
I was green, not a mechanic and no book to go by.

While observing safety first, the rest should be do-able. Read and take your time. Just don't shortcut the safety stuff.

[Fishcop]

I did it all myself using one large jack and a smaller one for support.... I found it very therapeutic But then again, according to my wife, I don't play well with others in my garage

[Chuck Moreland]

Friends are overated. If the trans and motor are already mated, this is easily done solo. If it's just the engine, you need a second pair of hands for about 3 minutes when you slip the clucth fork on while pushing the engine forward.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by 89911
It can be done solo, but the potential for something bad to happen is definitely increased.

my solo act always uses Two 10ft lengths of 3/8in low stretch rope/ important. One line goes up thru each engine rear cross bar mount hole into the tub motor mount hole. The bottom is knotted so it doesn't pull thru. The top is slightly tight knotted and readjusted as it's raised. It ain't going anywhere.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Ive done it by myself using two floor jacks. it isnt too hard..

the key is balancing it right with a board.

[Install425]

Just get a helper to take a picture.

[ChrisBennet]

It's not hard to do solo but its helpful to get the wifey to be your eyes on the inside of the car to tell you when the shift rod is lines up with the hole. That can save you going back and forth a few times.

Like Jared said, the key is having the engine well balanced. You want to be able to rock the motor back in order to "aim" the shift rod into the hole.

-Chris

[wowzer911]

I pulled it out, placed on engine stand, removed from engine stand, and re-installed it all alone. I used an atv/motorcucle jack, misc. blocking and alot of patience. Engine ant tranny balance quite nicely. Jacked car up nice and high w/ rear bumper removed. I was quite pleased w/ myself!

The most difficult part is linning up the throw out fork on the the throw out bearing. make sure the for is turned about 45 degrees out so it can line into the beaing grooves. I also use an ATV jack and a second jack to help tilt things as needed to align properly. Also, I listen to Jazz music and down a beer while I do this to keep me calm and pace myself. No heavy metal.