Any D/FW Area Pelicans want to help with my first engine drop?

[Nathans_Dad]

It seems the consensus is that the best way to address my multiple engine oil leaks is to drop the engine and do a reseal. I've never dropped an engine before and am a relative novice to auto mechanics.

I have a block of time off work from Feb 4-13 and am thinking of doing it sometime in there. If anyone in the area wants to help me lose my engine drop virginity I would be eternally grateful and would pay in beer and food!

I live over in Keller, the car is a 1984 911 coupe which is stock.

Thanks!

[NoYouRelax]

Nathan_dad.... If you get no takers, make sure you go on Craigslist and buy an ATV jack. I bought a Craftsman ATV jack for $50 on CL. With that device there is less of a balancing act and it can be done solo....slow and steady is key in case there is that last forgotten connection (first replacement part too). You can even work on the engine on that jack. I did my first drop almost solo, but had an interested party as another set of eyes. Good luck!

Bill

[Smoove1010]

If you're mechanincally inclined and have worked on cars before, it's really not that big of a deal. I did my first drop using the small-drop method, i.e., I dropped the engine onto a rolling platform just 3", then jacked the car up off of it. 87 Drop Top - Drop-n-Top End
I suggest getting an engine stand like the one I bought - it has a "u" shaped base instead of a T. I used the base with some 2X lumber as my drop platform - very stable.

Use a checklist, and you'll be fine. Good luck!
GK

[Rikao4]

Rick has found the courage..
he has the list & time...
he needs some hands....
some BTDT...

[Nathans_Dad]

Bump

[zzwhm]

I'm in Southlake and glad to help. I have all the stuff you need to do it so we can have it out in a couple of hours. Will pm my contact info.
Bill

[Nathans_Dad]

Awesome!

[NoYouRelax]

GK... agreed the drop is easy. Putting it back and getting in running is probably another story.! The Roller Prevention Project continues

[DRACO A5OG]

Well, I just dropped mine yesterday to do a valve adjust and gear lube swap.

If you need a quick question, pm me your cell and I will give you a remote hand

Jim

[A horse with no name]

Hi Jim...Did you drop your motor just to do a valve set or are you doing a clutch or something?

If for a valve set...I sure wish that you lived closer

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by miglenda

Hi Jim...Did you drop your motor just to do a valve set or are you doing a clutch or something?

If for a valve set...I sure wish that you lived closer

Well there is skype and or cell

Just valve adjust and correct the tob, bentley diagram is very confusing, lucky didnt damage anything. Clutch has plenty of meat left.

[MikeD]

I read your oil leak post and have a few recommendations...

Unless you have an engine stand and a hoist to put the engine on the stand, it would be easier to address your major leaks with the engine in the car, and the rear of the car high in the air.

This allows you access to:
1. remove the heat exchangers (search the pitfalls and tips for rusty nuts)
2. replace the leaking oil cooler lines (search the pitfalls of removing the connections at the thermostat) or have the rubber portions replaced
3. replace the oil return tubes (easy to do and my guess is this is your biggest leak source)
4. replace the lower valve cover gaskets and maybe sand the valve covers flat

1 & 3 are difficult/impossible with the engine out and sitting on the ground.

That leaves the triangle, front pulley seal, the rear flywheel seal and the oil cooler seals to be done with the engine out (oil cooler could go either way).

I would do the in-the-car things first, clean the engine, and see if the out-of-the-car items are really necessary.

[Nathans_Dad]

Well I've found that the oil return tubes on the drivers side are definitely leaking, I can see a trail of oil from both. The oil cooler has not had a visible leak, yet, but the passenger side heat exchanger still has a wet spot. I will likely do the oil return tubes first with the engine in the car and see what happens. I'm just nervous about breaking exhaust studs removing the exchangers...

[M.D. Holloway]

Rick,
I may be able to swing in. Depends on if there is a soccer game or not. Pm me and let me know.