Swapping engines

[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.

[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/

[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…

[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.