Swapping engines

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by husker boxster

Congrats on scoring a nice engine.

Before scrapping the old one, might be worth taking a few compression tests to pinpoint the problem. It might just be a problem with the oil cooler and the intermix was occurring there.

And now is the best time to easily get to those 'while you're in there' parts. Believe me, having gone the rebuild route, I know it can be expensive to start throwing more $$$ at unbudgeted parts but you'll never have a better chance to get to them like now. Things like radiator hoses, engine mounts, clutch, plugs, coils, fuel injectors, etc.

Yes, I'm curious to know what actually happened inside the engine. Whatever it is, with oil and coolant mixing I'm sure it's fatal — $4200 sure.

New clutch and IMS bearing make sense. And new engine mounts as well. I hadn't figured on plugs, coils, or injectors, but I'll listen to a convincing argument why I should.

[pilot4fn]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

New clutch and IMS bearing make sense. And new engine mounts as well. I hadn't figured on plugs, coils, or injectors, but I'll listen to a convincing argument why I should.

Do the vacuum canister and all vacuum lines before the new engine goes in and check / change the small vacuum operated valves under the intake as well as the oil filler tube part with a flexible accordion section..

[78F350]

Consider keeping your AC system intact with your current compressor unless it was having issues. You can keep the compressor from the new engine as a spare.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by 78F350

Consider keeping your AC system intact with your current compressor unless it was having issues. You can keep the compressor from the new engine as a spare.

Then I wouldn't have to recharge the system, right?

[78F350]

Correct. Most instructions for removing the engine will have you unbolt the compressor from the engine, then remove it as you lower the engine. AC hoses remain attached.
Put the compressor into the new engine before it's fully raised in position. No need to recharge the system.

[LoneWolfGal]

Wish I hadn't sold my cherry-picker hoist. I last used it to install a Chev 230 ci six in my cherry '64 Chevy van (which I should have hung onto), and then it took up space in my garage for years, untouched. Guess I'll just rent one. But this is a good lesson for me: Don't sell your tools. No telling when they might come in handy, like the cherry-picker hoist would for this project.

[husker boxster]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

but I'll listen to a convincing argument why I should.

Assuming the engine isn't in yet, you'll never have easier access to those ancillary items. Would suck to put the engine in, then 2 mo from now the water pump goes out. It becomes a balancing act of how much you can budget for those extras, the odds of an old part failing, and the ease of being able to get to it if the engine is in the car. These projects rarely come in under budget, so the 'while you're in there's' always hurt the wallet but might be worth it if you have easy access to them with the engine out.

I had just replaced the front engine mount and my clutch had plenty of meat left on it, so I didn't replace those items. Was glad I replaced the injectors as those were much easier with the engine out and this was on my Cayman - would be more difficult on a Box. I didn't need to change the WP as it was new on my rebuilt engine. Bottom line, I didn't need to spend a lot of aux items, but swapping in a used engine into a more confined area of a Box brings more of them into the equation.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by husker boxster

Assuming the engine isn't in yet, you'll never have easier access to those ancillary items. Would suck to put the engine in, then 2 mo from now the water pump goes out. It becomes a balancing act of how much you can budget for those extras, the odds of an old part failing, and the ease of being able to get to it if the engine is in the car. These projects rarely come in under budget, so the 'while you're in there's' always hurt the wallet but might be worth it if you have easy access to them with the engine out.

I had just replaced the front engine mount and my clutch had plenty of meat left on it, so I didn't replace those items. Was glad I replaced the injectors as those were much easier with the engine out and this was on my Cayman - would be more difficult on a Box. I didn't need to change the WP as it was new on my rebuilt engine. Bottom line, I didn't need to spend a lot of aux items, but swapping in a used engine into a more confined area of a Box brings more of them into the equation.

Good points, H.B. Besides the parts I've already replaced, including the IMS bearing, rear main seal, and cam chain tensioner pads (almost finished), I plan to replace a number of other items, including motor and transmission mounts and clutch disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing, as well as various and sundry other things forum members have recommended.

[LoneWolfGal]

The almost-finished engine's ready to be covered with a 6x6 tarp and strapped onto the pallet with heavy-duty rachet straps for transport. The pallet's beefy 4" wheels each have a brake, which in addition to securing with ropes to the wall hooks will keep it immobile inside the trailer. I hope. It was a challenge wrestling that 500 lb. engine onto the pallet by myself using the cherry picker. My helpers were otherwise engaged. Hope they're around when I pull the pallet up the trailer's ramp with my come-along, but if not I'm perfectly capable of handling it solo. I hope.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

The almost-finished engine's ready to be covered with a 6x6 tarp and strapped onto the pallet with heavy-duty rachet straps for transport. The pallet's beefy 4" wheels each have a brake, which in addition to securing with ropes to the wall hooks will keep it immobile inside the trailer. I hope. It was a challenge wrestling that 500 lb. engine onto the pallet by myself using the cherry picker. My helpers were otherwise engaged. Hope they're around when I pull the pallet up the trailer's ramp with my come-along, but if not I'm perfectly capable of handling it solo. I hope.

I'm surprised you didn't go out and buy a forklift.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by piper6909

I'm surprised you didn't go out and buy a forklift.

I could almost afford one if I hadn't used up my unexpected windfall on the Solution and other pricey parts. A few years back I had a chance to get a Bobcat for $1500, but I was too late by ten minutes! Someone else aced me. The guy that owned it had died and his wife was selling off his tools. I still feel like howling at the moon when I think about it.

[LoneWolfGal]

The engine pallet and a few tools loaded into a 6x12 covered cargo trailer. Just starting to secure everything with ratchet straps, trying different anchor points. I have eight straps available, plus moving blankets. (And the top toolbox will ride on the floor.) Didn't need to use a come-along to get the engine in the trailer. I managed to get it up the ramp with two helpers as primary motive power. "Put your backs to it, lads," I exhorted them, which they seemed to appreciate. And I pushed, too. I will no doubt need the come-along when I unload it at the destination, solo.

[Newsguy]

I was checking into this some time ago. I discovered tow dolly’s are not recommended for the Boxster. I believe the transmission is the problem.

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

The almost-finished engine's ready to be covered with a 6x6 tarp and strapped onto the pallet with heavy-duty rachet straps for transport. The pallet's beefy 4" wheels each have a brake, which in addition to securing with ropes to the wall hooks will keep it immobile inside the trailer. I hope. It was a challenge wrestling that 500 lb. engine onto the pallet by myself using the cherry picker. My helpers were otherwise engaged. Hope they're around when I pull the pallet up the trailer's ramp with my come-along, but if not I'm perfectly capable of handling it solo. I hope.

Can you get near the truck gate's required height with the cherry picker?

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by Gilles

Can you get near the truck gate's required height with the cherry picker?

It will be a covered trailer, not a truck. The cherry picker would be my choice if the engine wasn't already covered by a 6x6 tarp and then strapped securely to the pallet. The chain with which I was lifting the engine is under the tarp. I suppose I could rig up another strap setup around the pallet for the cherry picker, but pulling it up the ramp on its wheels seems easier.