Need Immed. HELP! Engine Dropping.

Kaliv · Kaliv's Garage

I could use some immediate advice. I have my engine completely disconnected according to the Bentley manual. I double checked every step. I bought a jack adapter from PP, removed all the bolts and started to lower the engine.

Problem, engine is not coming straight down...is this normal? I'm doing both the engine and transmission drop. The transmission is pretty much staying at normal height while the engine is coming down. If I put a second jack under the back of the engine, the transmission comes down some so I know it's loose. The jack adapter looks to be in the correct placement but the angle the whole thing is at is scarying me some. Looks like if I keep going the way it's going, the whole thing is going to fall foward and onto the floor.

I just want to verify that it's normal from the engine to tilt toward the back of the car while coming down.

scottbooth · 03-29-2008, 03:27 PM

Make sure the shift rod at the front of the transmission is not hanging up in the hole in the back of the tunnel. Usually you need to move the engine straight back an inch or two to get the rod out of the way.

Pushing the rod into the trans as far as it will go (like you were selecting 1st, 3rd, or 5th) can help a bit too.

I have not used a jack adapter so don't know what angle to expect. But if it looks like it's going to tip, it might, so be careful and get some help if you need it.

Good luck
Scott

bell · bell's Garage

check the shifter shaft which comes out of the front of the tranny and goes to the shift coupler which is under the small panel behind and between the seats in the car, be carefull not to bend or damage it

edit: scott beat me to it.....but what he said

Kaliv · Kaliv's Garage

I thought about the shift rod...and yes it was catching at first. I jacked it back up and made sure it would not catch the second time, but it's still tilting. BTW, I'm in neutral.

rootmatt · 03:43 PM

Haven't tried a drop yet but here's my two thoughts:

The PP adapter is designed to tilt and has an adjustment bolt to control the tilt range. Is this bolt screwed in?

If it's not the adapter pivoting then it may be just a balance problem. Can you attach something heavy to the tranny to correct the imbalance?

mackskibum · 03-29-2008, 04:21 PM

In order to clear the tunnel, the fan housing will almost hit the rear of the chassis. If you have the shift linkage disconnected as well as ALL wiring, the engine/trans combo should come out. It does help to select 1st 3rd 5th gear to gain the extra distance. Also, are you hung up on the half shafts somehow? Easy to get caught on the starter if you didn't remove them altogether.

Mr9146 · 03-29-2008, 04:36 PM

The engine is heavier than the trans ... it's gonna tip dramatically. Totally normal. As you let the jack down it will remain that way until the muffler is resting on the jack handle, then the tranny will tip down as you let the jack down further. <--I think that's what you were asking...

ZOA NOM · ZOA NOM's Garage

Get another set of eyes (and hands) to help you.

2.7RACER · 03-29-2008, 06:48 PM

Make certain the ground strap from the body to the trans is disconnected. While you are there check the power wire to the starter.

Kaliv · Kaliv's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr9146

The engine is heavier than the trans ... it's gonna tip dramatically. Totally normal. As you let the jack down it will remain that way until the muffler is resting on the jack handle, then the tranny will tip down as you let the jack down further. <--I think that's what you were asking...

Thanks everyone for the input. Turns out it was just balanced that way. I think it was mostly due to the fact that my jack head had some wiggle to it and the weight was tilting it. I have the engine on the ground now...but unforunately I don't have enough clearance to pull it out. Car is as high as the jack stands will go...so looks like I'll be taking off all the electronics like it is now so I can finally pull it out. Thanks again everyone!!