Planning first engine drop...
 

Following my local PCA chapter's next tech session in March, I plan to execute my first engine drop. All I want to do is perform a valve adjustment and replace some seals, which I'm waiting to double check at said tech session. I know the valve work can be done with the engine in the car, but I've heard it's a lot easier with it out. And some of the leaky seals are otherwise inaccessible. I really don't want to turn this into a big project (you know, as long as you're in there...) -- just do some small stuff and be able to say I did my first engine drop (aka "I now really own my Porsche"). How big a project is this? Can I do it in a day without an assistant? At my disposal I'll have a huge barn, several floor jacks, jack stands and probably everything I would need. Thanks.

If youre an engine drop virgin, it would be quite helpful to have someone to check on things at certain times. Or at least that the other person checks that everything is disconnected and "free" of any "obstacles" while same time the other lowers the jack.

Richard, I've done a couple of engine drops using this tech article: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_engine_drop/911_engine_drop-1.htm It is pretty thorough, although I would recommend dropping the transmission with the engine. I've done it both ways and find dropping them as a unit easier then trying to separate them under the car. Of course you will have to disconnect the axles to do so, but that is not a big deal. You might be able to do this in a weekend if you work 15 hours each day. I would suggest making it a 3 day weekend to take care of any unforseen problems.

Richard -

I did my first engine drop (with tranny attached) last fall, and I certainly wouldn't want to try to do it in a weekend. Maybe I'm just overly inquisitive, but I took my time during the process, looking at (and learning about) all sorts of things during both the removal and reinstallation process. My inquisitiveness caused me to take quite a bit more time, probably the equivalent of at least two or three weekends' worth of time, and I enjoyed the leisurely pace.

Yes, it would be possible to do it in a weekend (as long as you're only making minor fixes/replacements while in there), but personally, I'd feel rushed doing it that quickly.

Richard I did my first engine drop last fall, and have done it 3 times since. I agree with gslater take your time and learn. But it is quite easy. I actually took mine out replaced a few seals and put the engine back in the car once in an afternoon. Mostly it was for fun and practice but those seals did need to be replaced. I have only taken it out with the tranny, seems WAY easier to reasssemble.

Good Luck
Shawn

Richard,
If your barn is really big, and reasonably close to NOVA, and your beer buget is decent, then maybe this event should be promoted a la Superman's recent NW Engine Drop Clinic. OK, we don't have Tyson, but maybe Kurt M and others can be enticed to participate?
Sounds like a good idea for a Saturday - I'm sure there are plenty of VA/MD/DC engine drop virgins who would attend.

Thanks Tony. I was planning on using a friend's barn in NJ. I only have a townhouse in Alexandria with no garage. But I sure would love to have an engine drop clinic in the NoVA area. I would gladly pay admission and bring beer. This is one of those great mysteries to me and I've long aspired to perform this great task myself. I've thought about suggesting such a clinic to Kurt for one our tech sessions. But it's probably a bigger job than any local garage would give us time for on a Sat. and Kurt's 912 is just too different from mine for me to learn all I want to know.