8 replies to this topic

[r850glt]

I was thinking about dropping an engine from top of the car rather than pulling the subframe. since I do not have a lift. I have access to a engine lift & was wonder if I can drop it from the top of engine bay.

Who has done this & any tricks involve, old engine is already out of the car. I am prepared to remove header panel & rad & intercooler to accomodate installation.


If I go subframe option, do I just bolt engine to subframe via motor mounts & lift subframe onto car ? I do not have access to the tool that hold engine in place that goes from fender to fender.

I have 3 or 4 friends that will assist in top mount of engine, lify is a large heavy duty unit.

[tenn850]

I would take the hood off and drop it from top. Dealers disconnect everything from the engine and tranny then drop the subframe since they have the lift to raise the whole car up and catch the subframe with the engine on it. Other mechanics do it from top sit on the mounts.

[gronberg]

you can rent a lift for about $30-40. Also heard that autozone sold them for $130 something.
I would just flip the hood right up and then lift the engine in from the top.

[r850glt]

Engine drop from the top it is.

[Bay13]

Actually like mentioned in another thread, the Volvo procedure from the VADIS cart is to bring the engine and trans out the top. The dropping of the sub frame is a trick some tech like to use. I've pulled maybe 10 engines and I have always come out the top, I like it better.

[Bay13]

8 years at a dealer, thats not that may. Ususally cause the customer hit something, lost oil and kept driving.

[MrWinkey]

Ummm yeah....that pan is in a critical spot. That's one thing I can say 95% of my customers are good enough to call me when something like that happens(hitting something). I have had to replace a few pans. Man are they salty! I have broke into the ole' JB weld a few times to ...that stuff is awesome! Best one I ever had was a Nissan Maxima, the oriental lady that couldn't speak hardly any english other than when she bought the car, the dealer told her it was "maintenance free" it went about 15K before it blew without an oil change(used car that is) nice people but a huge bill! I kinda felt sorry for them

[r850glt]

Any tricks to getting this in ?

Planning dropping in then attach

1. front lower mount then
2.rear motor mount. Then
3.Tanny subframe mount &
4.right side mount &
5.top mount.

Our main concern is dropping motor in, we have never done one before, so any helpful tips are appreciated. I bought the car without motor in it so the engine bay has been cleaned out. Getting a motor with all accesories on it.

Then attach hoses & wiring, axles to hub, control arm reconnect to subframe,

Giving myself 3 days to do the job. with help of 4 friends. THe following week-end we will tackle connecting wirng, hoses etc.

Is this a realistic approach & timetable ?