How hard is it to remove an early engine??
 

I have to change the trans in my '71, and fix a main seal leak, but have never removed an engine. I am quite new at this. What do I need to get started? I have "101 Projects" but could use some more advise on dropping it, ie. using a jack to lower it??

Thanks.

There are many, many threads on this topic. Do a search for dropping an engine and you'll find a lot of great advice. It's not a hard job.

You need a motorcycle jack ,some jack stands, a floor jack, easy job took mine out about 3 times, takes me about 45 mins without help, but its not hard. eng and trans.just ask if you need help

there may be a pelican near you that could offer on-site advice. But we don't know where you are!

I did mine a few years ago and I was (and still am) mechanically "reclined" and I was able to do it. I recommend buying a motorcycle/ATV jack (I bought a $100 Sears model) and that made the job easier. Take lots of pictures as you disconnect stuff, take your time and follow the instruction in Wayne's book and in this forum, you'll do fine!

Pull the engine and trans as a unit.....Wayne's book and the Bentley will help out a lot.

The oil lines can be a beeyotch. I use thin Bicycle open ended wrenches.....Park or Campagnola....

Among other things . . .
 

I would strongly suggest an investment in one of these . . . from our Host

911 Engine/Transmission Jack Adapter PN#PEL-PW-2563

Well worth the money. I did my first engine/trans by myself with this adapter. The motor/trans is very well balanced on this adapter and you can adjust the forward/backward angle to help you get the motor back into the car

Would not do it without one . . . too much risk in dropping it.

Of course, you need proper jack stands (4 minimum) and a floor jack that will accept the Adapter I mentioned above.

Best of luck . . . actually removing the motor is easy, putting it back in is more time and work.

Look here:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_engine_drop/911_engine_drop-1.htm

list the city you live in, post up a picture of a fridge stocked with beer.

I'm going for it..........wish me luck. I'm sure I will have a million questions, so thanks in advance.

it is harder than a VW; easier than anything else

do not need motocycle jack but will make it easier

have a friend there & keep a cell hone with in reach - just in case you need to dial 911 - the thing is heavy...

Motorcycle/ATV lift is not needed, but nice to have.
Special lift adapter is not needed, but nice to have.
Transmission jack is not needed, but nice to have.

You can also fabricate a U-shaped dolly out of construction timbers and plywood and suitable caster wheels. The wide base helps balance the engine/gearbox. Roll a floor jack under the inverted U to support the drivetain (engine and gearbox). Once the drivetrain is down, remove floor jack, then roll out the DT. Not needed, but nice to have.

Some guys rest the drivetrain on a stationary pad, then lift the vehicle up and away. That works too.

Wayne's book must have a checklist of parts to disconnect/remove.

911 drivetrains have been R&R'd since 1966 with nothing more than a floor jack. The above variations make the process a little more convenient, but not altogether necessary.

There's more than one way to skin a cat.

Sherwood

One thing to watch. The 71 has a funky throwout bearing/clutch arm design. It has a special procedure to do the separation of the transmission from the engine. I've never done it so I don't know how hard it is. My Haynes manual describes the procedure.

-Andy

Haynes manuals are good as jack pads. Not good for balancing the engine on the jack. certainly not good as a source of intelligent information.

So what manual do you use for an early 911?