Started My First Engine Drop

[arbita1]

I'm on my way to doing my first engine drop. I have most of it done at this point. I have to disconnect the hard oil line, heater hoses, and cv bolts. And then drop.

Does anyone have any methods for removing the cv bolts? Is it easier with the tires off and a long extension or just do it under the car?

Also, with the atv jack, how much room do I need to pull out the engine? I currently have 24" in the photo below.

[Rodsrsr]

If you have a second person it's a little easier. They can be in the car on & off the parking brake while you rotate the axle shafts and undo the cv bolts underneath the car. Also, don't forget to undo the shift coupler.

[efhughes3]

You will need more than 24". I shoot for about 39". Undo CV's at the trans.

[arbita1]

Thanks for the tips. 39"? Wow, its going to be really up there. I guess I'll get it up there right before its time to drop. In regard to the cv bolts. I know that they are disconnected from the transmission. I was looking more for tips on technique. What's the easiest was to get them off?

[efhughes3]

2 people with a foot on the brake as you clock around. Or, one person using the emergency brake. Beyond that, they are socket heat bolts. Be carefull to engage your allen socket well- you don't want to strip one.

[efhughes3]

Keep in mind, it is the height of yor engine plus your jack that has to roll out.

[timmy2]

I'm getting ready to do my first drop too. I was going to use jackstands and the engine/tranny tool for my floor jack that is sold here.
I started jacking my car up to get the needed 39 inches of clearance at the rear bumper and couldn't believe how high it was. I wasn't comfortable at all (getting old I guess), so I checked craigslist for a mid rise scissor lift and found a great deal on one that was originally sold by Snap-On. ($800.00 delivered)
Tried it out today and it is slick. I'll be able to use the floor jack adapter to position the engine and tranny just right, then just hit the button and the car goes up as I lower the jack and pull out the whole powertrain. It's really nice to be able to work on everything else at that height too.
I'll be taking some pictures as I proceed and post them in my "Back in the game" thread.
Good luck, 25 inches on jack stands at the rear torsion bars with the front end sitting normally is what you'll need to get the height at the rear bumper.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by arbita1

... Does anyone have any methods for removing the cv bolts? Is it easier with the tires off and a long extension or just do it under the car?...

Yes its the best way to remove or putting them back.

I only find out when I put them back... From under, you get them started by hand and finish the torquing from the side with the tire off and doing the one at the top. That way the rubber sleeve is out of the way and you got a direct line of sight/work.

[wichitaguy57]

When I did my drop, we didn't so much as lower the engine from the maximum height, but raised the rear end while keeping the engine as low to the ground as possible.

Watch for a 12 pin connector located on the drivers side. It's mounted on the fire wall (forward of the blower motor).

[CorsePerVita]

I considered doing my first drop in my garage. Thankfully a friend of mine has a lift and was extremely kind in letting me use it. Although the catch was I have to help him put his 912 back together when the time comes (I won't complain at ANY chance I have to work on Porsches!).

But you definitely need to get some height on that puppy. Having a lift made it about a billion zillion million times easier. Not to mention it was nice not to have to be on my back working on one of my cars for once.

One site I found had a great suggestion to use one of those nifty jacks that is like a mini platform. Basically a 4 wheeled hydraulic table. Looked very stable, although they were taller than a standard jack but it would be very stable. You can still roll your engine out on a jack if you can get a good piece of wood on it and can stabilize it but be careful! That puppy is heavy.

[arbita1]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

Yes its the best way to remove or putting them back.

I only find out when I put them back... From under, you get them started by hand and finish the torquing from the side with the tire off and doing the one at the top. That way the rubber sleeve is out of the way and you got a direct line of sight/work.

Yeah, the rubber boot seems to get in the way. Seems kind of tedious getting all those out.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by arbita1

Yeah, the rubber boot seems to get in the way. Seems kind of tedious getting all those out.

It won't be in the way if you go the "tire off with long extension".

Spend some time cleaning the bolt recess to ensure a good contact with the bit because you don't want to round them off.

[tobluforu]

Take wheel off and remove the top bolt cv wise. Spin wheel and do the next one so rubber boot does not get in the way.

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by arbita1

Yeah, the rubber boot seems to get in the way. Seems kind of tedious getting all those out.

That's why you clock it around as I suggested. Depending on where the axle is rotated to (assistant with foot on brake, or set emergency brake) you can typically get a straight shot at 2-3 bolts. Again, don't mess around with trying to be lazy and get to all 6 without rotating the wheel. If you strip one of them, it'll just add a lot more time dealing with it.

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by CorsePerVita

One site I found had a great suggestion to use one of those nifty jacks that is like a mini platform. Basically a 4 wheeled hydraulic table. Looked very stable, although they were taller than a standard jack but it would be very stable. You can still roll your engine out on a jack if you can get a good piece of wood on it and can stabilize it but be careful! That puppy is heavy.

That is an ATV jack, and is what many use to support the engine these days.

A garage lift is indeed the easiest way (best tool I've ever bought!), but certainly not necessary. I think everyone should experience an engine drop on jackstands at least once!

[arbita1]

Ok. I'll follow the "turn the wheel method". Truthfully, I don't see how you could do it any other way.

No lift for me right now. I have an ATV jack. I wish I could be working on it now, but I had to come in to work today to set up a crane.

[timmy2]

Great advice has been given here for the cv bolts.

I just removed the CV bolts this morning using a socket drive hex key and a foot of extensions, undid the top 3 with brake on, rotated and reset brake and took out the other 3. No problems. Took about 15 minutes to do both sides. (Wheels off of course)

Everything else is disconnected and I'm ready to drop engine and tranny, car is just sitting on my lift. Now I'm "patiently" waiting for the jack adapter to arrive "by Wednesday" according to tracking supplied by our host...

I could drop it onto my ATV/motorcycle lift, but I ordered the right tool so I'm gonna use it!

Then I'll do a 3 point pick and hoist it onto my MC lift for working on the leaks and other goodies....
My engine stand is currently being used by a behemoth Olds 400 engine...

[schumicat]

I think you will be less likely to strip the heads if you don't use a long extension on the CV bolts. When you get them off, use plastic grocery bags and zip ties to hold the ball bearings inside. Trust me, you do not to reinstall those ball bearings...nightmare.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by efhughes3

2 people with a foot on the brake as you clock around. Or, one person using the emergency brake. Beyond that, they are socket heat bolts. Be carefull to engage your allen socket well- you don't want to strip one.

yes, and clean the internal wrenching fixture out carefully first

you can also hit each one a nice smack with a steel hammer flat on the head to shake it up

this is a good time to inspect & service the CVs

most importantly, that 2nd person should have a cell phone handy just in case

is your driveway slanted or flat? if the former be even more careful

[timmy2]

Who needs 2 people... Just kidding.