Going to remove engine today, Engine removal Options

[Ncchany]

Hey guys i am going to try and remove the engine from my 914 today any advice? I am kinda scared to be honest. Is there any advice u guys can offer? I dont have a lift i am going to use a 3 ton floor jack and jackstands along with a furniture dolly. I think i am going to have trouble removing the cv joint.

[ntmatter]

The articles above helped me to remove mine last year, I did it entirely by myself without any particularly technical knowledge. Basically if you can unscrew stuff you can manage it as long as you follow the steps in order - use a checkmark to indicate when you've done something, and another to indicate when you've put it back while re-installing.

A point on the CV joints - BUY THE SPECIALIZED triple-square socket as suggested. You can get a full set for less than $20 off of Amazon and they will arrive in 2 days with Prime shipping. DO NOT try to get these off with a 6 point or hex socket, even if they fit because if you strip one of the bolts out you are going to be humped. This is the only specialized tool you need, and they do come in handy from time to time.

If you have the car on jack stands rather than a lift, a motorcycle jack from Sears is handy for removing the motor because it sits very flat and will hold the motor/transmission more stably if you're going to work on it. You can use a regular floor jack to lower the assembly down, but I'd suggest attaching it with maybe some small tow straps or something to keep it from tipping off the jack.

Next, take good pictures of all the emissions crap on the top of your motor if you're planning on keeping it on there. You'd think that this would be easy to re-route but nooooo - there are numerous ways these are configured and not all of them are easily findable. My 76 has hoses going into points that are not in the manual or online diagrams for '76 cars, no idea why. You will not remember where they all go, so lots of photos and maybe label the emission and other hose ends on each side just to be safe.

When reassembling, get CV joint grease specifically. Regular grease will get churned into grout pretty fast. Personally I prefer to clean and re-grease everything, new gaskets (mandatory) and new CV bolts (these typically are stretch bolts and single use). I think there's little else that must be replaced just when pulling the motor, but I'm a bit proponent of respecting the CV joints. To that end, double-bag them with good plastic bags and strong rubber bands both at the axle and transmission, or you will get grease everywhere. You think you won't, but you will.

Final thoughts: don't panic. The above guides are good, print them out and have them with you. Take notes on where stuff goes before pulling anything off, because you'll forget even where the big obvious stuff is supposed to go after a few days. Use good jack stands, and if you can get the wheels or wood blocks under the sills as well just to be extra safe. It took me about half a day to pull the motor the first time entirely by myself and with basic tools, I did it the second time in about 2 hours - you can too.