1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

one-man engine install: tips?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-27-16, 08:19 AM
  #26  
Junior Member
 
Georgethefierce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Ma
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by NCross
Install the engine cross mount after getting the engine in place (mated to the trans) as opposed to before.
this is my biggest recommendation. It is WAY easier moving the engine around without worrying about the mount clearing stuff.
Old 07-27-16, 10:46 AM
  #27  
Full Member

iTrader: (4)
 
IO_303's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I actually just did this last night. I dropped the stripped keg in and mounted it. Then crawled under the car and lifted the transmission into place. Just took a couple hours.
Old 07-27-16, 10:52 AM
  #28  
Lapping = Fapping

iTrader: (13)
 
Jeff20B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Near Seattle
Posts: 15,725
Received 83 Likes on 76 Posts
1st gear.
Old 07-29-16, 04:08 AM
  #29  
RX HVN

Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
7aull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,889
Received 228 Likes on 168 Posts
Originally Posted by IO_303
I actually just did this last night. I dropped the stripped keg in and mounted it. Then crawled under the car and lifted the transmission into place. Just took a couple hours.
LOL - you make this sound painless. Not sure if I should be relieved... or jealous!
So you dropped the engine straight in THEN muscled the TX up and on to it?

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
Old 07-29-16, 09:56 PM
  #30  
Full Member

iTrader: (4)
 
IO_303's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by 7aull
LOL - you make this sound painless. Not sure if I should be relieved... or jealous!
So you dropped the engine straight in THEN muscled the TX up and on to it?

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
I got under the car, rolled the tranny on to my chest and lifted with my hands at the bell housing and supported the back with my knees.
Old 07-30-16, 07:52 AM
  #31  
roTAR needz fundZ

iTrader: (1)
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Freeland, MI
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
Received 31 Likes on 31 Posts
Originally Posted by IO_303
I got under the car, rolled the tranny on to my chest and lifted with my hands at the bell housing and supported the back with my knees.
Your a beast lol
Old 07-30-16, 09:54 AM
  #32  
Full Member

iTrader: (4)
 
IO_303's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It is actually not as heavy as you would think in that position.
Old 07-30-16, 10:02 AM
  #33  
Full Member

iTrader: (4)
 
IO_303's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Keep in mind the car is only this far off the ground. I am lifting less Thant 12"

Edit: pic didn't upload. Stand by

Edit2:

Name:  FB995443-1819-4615-AE32-8FDA770DFCDD_zpsk9n9yvxb.jpg
Views: 104
Size:  204.1 KB

Last edited by IO_303; 07-30-16 at 10:11 AM.
Old 07-30-16, 11:55 AM
  #34  
roTAR needz fundZ

iTrader: (1)
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Freeland, MI
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
Received 31 Likes on 31 Posts
Your a skinny beast, my big a$$ wouldn't fit, i'd need the rear jacked up too lol
Old 07-30-16, 12:18 PM
  #35  
Moderator

iTrader: (2)
 
rxtasy3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Spartanburg, SC
Posts: 9,362
Likes: 0
Received 264 Likes on 245 Posts
Originally Posted by Jeff20B
I always do engine installs and removal by myself. I always leave the tranny in the car. I always go in from the side. I don't use a leveler. Works fine every time.
Originally Posted by IO_303
I got under the car, rolled the tranny on to my chest and lifted with my hands at the bell housing and supported the back with my knees.
exactly how i've done it. and keep the drive shaft stuck in the tranny so fluid don't run out.
Old 07-30-16, 12:21 PM
  #36  
Full Member

iTrader: (4)
 
IO_303's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I usually do it with the tranny drained. I still put a rubber glove over the tail shaft and zip-tie it on to catch any left overs.

I am not that skinny. 6'0" 240 lbs.
Old 07-31-16, 07:15 AM
  #37  
My job is to blow **** up

iTrader: (8)
 
lastphaseofthis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: palmyra Indiana
Posts: 2,900
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by IO_303
I got under the car, rolled the tranny on to my chest and lifted with my hands at the bell housing and supported the back with my knees.
i did it this way ONE time with a turbo trans, never again. ever. i had to get a friend to help me lift it so that i could slide under it and put in the bench pressing position.. yes i am 6,4 210 lbs. on the lean side.
Old 08-04-16, 06:23 PM
  #38  
Senior Member

iTrader: (1)
 
TimWilbers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 531
Received 8 Likes on 6 Posts
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.
Attached Thumbnails one-man engine install: tips?-dscn0585.jpg  
Old 08-04-16, 07:49 PM
  #39  
HeyHeyHey..Its the Goose

iTrader: (3)
 
Qingdao's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Charleston
Posts: 2,803
Received 79 Likes on 58 Posts
^^^ 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.
Old 08-08-16, 05:39 AM
  #40  
Have RX-7, will restore


iTrader: (91)
 
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Ohio
Posts: 21,754
Received 1,062 Likes on 899 Posts
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.
Old 08-14-16, 04:35 AM
  #41  
RX HVN

Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
7aull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,889
Received 228 Likes on 168 Posts
Thanks Dave - good pointers. So tempting to mount up most of the accessories on a hanging motor!
RX8 keg in an evening?! impressed!!

Stu Aull
80GS(s)
Alaska
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Akaviri
NE RX-7 Forum
4
05-02-16 10:14 AM
Thomas Fitzgerald
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
6
05-02-16 09:22 AM
naud420
General Rotary Tech Support
0
04-24-16 12:00 PM



Quick Reply: one-man engine install: tips?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:51 AM.