Swapping engines

[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.

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

"Put your backs into it, lads,"

Congrtulations!

I have never doubt the power of a woman with determination :-)

[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.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by 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.

I can't accept that, Newsguy. If a tow dolly is a problem, then merely coasting in neutral would be a problem.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

I can't accept that, Newsguy. If a tow dolly is a problem, then merely coasting in neutral would be a problem.

I'm in agreement with Newsguy. I would not recommend a dolly. Assuming it doesn't harm the transmission, the low clearance is also a big concern. Your local U-Haul should have car trailers where you can load the whole car.

https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/Auto-Transport-Rental/AT/

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by piper6909

I'm in agreement with Newsguy. I would not recommend a dolly. Assuming it doesn't harm the transmission, the low clearance is also a big concern. Your local U-Haul should have car trailers where you can load the whole car.

https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/Auto-Transport-Rental/AT/

I'll look into it further. I didn't consider rear ground clearance, The full-size auto transport is considerably heavier than the tow dolly, which is a concern. They're made to haul heavy vehicles. I don't want to exceed my Isuzu's 4000 lb. tow capacity, although I once towed a 5000-lb travel trailer with it, so it does have some reserve.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

I'll look into it further. I didn't consider rear ground clearance, The full-size auto transport is considerably heavier than the tow dolly, which is a concern. They're made to haul heavy vehicles. I don't want to exceed my Isuzu's 4000 lb. tow capacity, although I once towed a 5000-lb travel trailer with it, so it does have some reserve.

You can tell the U-Haul rep what your tow vehicle is and the vehicle you're towing and they'll tell you if you're within limits.

This is helpful:
https://www.uhaul.com/Tips/Towing/Auto-Transporter-User-Instructions-121/

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by piper6909

This is helpful:
https://www.uhaul.com/Tips/Towing/Auto-Transporter-User-Instructions-121/

Thanks, Al. Lots of useful information in there. So far I've towed two fully loaded covered cargo trailers over there, a 6x12 and a 5x9. Only the Porsche remains to be moved.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

although I once towed a 5000-lb travel trailer with it, so it does have some reserve.

The Boxster weighs 2778 and the trailer weighs 2210, according to the U-haul website, for a total weight of 4988. If you've already pulled a 5000 pound trailer, this shouldn't be a problem. I would imagine you've pulled the trailer much further than you'll be pulling the Box, right?

Another option is to rent one of their pickup trucks along with the trailer. You can rent them by the hour for fairly cheap. This will give you peace of mind and eliminate any risk to your Trooper.

[Newsguy]

Coasting is not the same as towing for miles.
I would really like that solution to work, but I'm not willing to risk it.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by 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.

I was skeptical, but it turns out you and Al were correct about possible damage to the transmission using a tow dolly::

Transmission damage to your vehicle-in-tow

When towing a rear axle driven front engine vehicle on a tow dolly, the drive shaft must be disconnected to prevent transmission damage. Simply placing the transmission in neutral is not sufficient and will not prevent damage due to a lack of internal lubrication. You must disconnect the drive shaft at the rear axle and tie or wire it up. The universal joint bearing caps must be taped on to prevent loss of the bearings. If you choose to remove the drive shaft entirely, it may be necessary to cap the transmission tail shaft to prevent fluid loss and possible future damage. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual.

https://www.uhaul.com/Tips/Towing/Tow-Dolly-User-Instructions-120/

Drat! And here I'd assumed the problem was solved. Thanks to both of you. You kept me from making a dumb mistake.

[tcoradeschi]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

I was skeptical, but it turns out you and Al were correct about possible damage to the transmission using a tow dolly::

Transmission damage to your vehicle-in-tow

When towing a rear axle driven front engine vehicle on a tow dolly, the drive shaft must be disconnected to prevent transmission damage. Simply placing the transmission in neutral is not sufficient and will not prevent damage due to a lack of internal lubrication. You must disconnect the drive shaft at the rear axle and tie or wire it up. The universal joint bearing caps must be taped on to prevent loss of the bearings. If you choose to remove the drive shaft entirely, it may be necessary to cap the transmission tail shaft to prevent fluid loss and possible future damage. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual.

https://www.uhaul.com/Tips/Towing/Tow-Dolly-User-Instructions-120/

Drat! And here I'd assumed the problem was solved. Thanks to both of you. You kept me from making a dumb mistake.

I’d submit that to be generic U-Haul language, written to address automatic transmissions, where there will be a pump driven via the torque converter. Manuals have no pumps and rely on splash lubrication and you have a manual. Clearly you need to go with what you are comfortable with, so this is simply a point to consider…