one-man engine install: tips?
#26
#38
After having the transaxle + Kamann Giha - engine, come down and rest on my chest while trying to lift out the transaxle from underneath, I'm a bit hesitant to try the full-manual method. (I was able to hold up the transaxle +car with one hand and re-position the supports with the other, but there was the initial idea of a car sitting on me. 1971)
I used the jack from my 74 Rx3 under the tranny as I found the turns easier to control precise up and down positions when aligning the motor.
I used the jack from my 74 Rx3 under the tranny as I found the turns easier to control precise up and down positions when aligning the motor.
#39
^^^ HOLLY CRAP!!!! Almost the same exact thing happened to me about a month ago.
I had my 72 ghia up on ramps with the car in gear. It was in gear to keep it from rolling. I didn't think about without the compression of the engine holding the clutch the car could roll freely. Immediately after I pulled the engine out of the bell housing the car rolled off the ramps and on to me. Unfortunately the Karmann is low and I was on my knees; and when it rolled off the ramps my knees formed a wedge between the ground and the rear bumper. I pushed it up the ramps and let the engine fall.
Fortunately VW's don't weigh ****; and I can push it up a set of ramps. Shoot I'm doing some front end work on it right now..... My jack stands are a couple of plastic 5 gallon pails.
I had my 72 ghia up on ramps with the car in gear. It was in gear to keep it from rolling. I didn't think about without the compression of the engine holding the clutch the car could roll freely. Immediately after I pulled the engine out of the bell housing the car rolled off the ramps and on to me. Unfortunately the Karmann is low and I was on my knees; and when it rolled off the ramps my knees formed a wedge between the ground and the rear bumper. I pushed it up the ramps and let the engine fall.
Fortunately VW's don't weigh ****; and I can push it up a set of ramps. Shoot I'm doing some front end work on it right now..... My jack stands are a couple of plastic 5 gallon pails.
![Lol](https://www.rx7club.com/images/smilies/lol.gif)
#40
I install all of my engines as complete as possible. Much easier to assemble when the engine is at your fingertips. There's plenty of room to work, especially with a 12A so clearance shouldn't be an issue. I install a tiny amount of grease on the input shaft to ease its mating with the disc and pilot bearing.
Having a load leveler for your engine hoist is very helpful and be prepared to use a floor jack to manipulate the height of the transmission if need be.
I install the engine with the front support mounted in place if its going in with the trans. If not, it can be left off fr more wiggle room. Just a matter of preference there. Otherwise its not a complicated task at all. When you're done you'll feel like a lot of the process was overthought. I had my RX-8's engine out and back in the car and running in one evening after work. Had a set of hands to help me but the whole process was much easier the second time around. You'll find yourself getting good at this pretty quickly.
Having a load leveler for your engine hoist is very helpful and be prepared to use a floor jack to manipulate the height of the transmission if need be.
I install the engine with the front support mounted in place if its going in with the trans. If not, it can be left off fr more wiggle room. Just a matter of preference there. Otherwise its not a complicated task at all. When you're done you'll feel like a lot of the process was overthought. I had my RX-8's engine out and back in the car and running in one evening after work. Had a set of hands to help me but the whole process was much easier the second time around. You'll find yourself getting good at this pretty quickly.
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