Dennis K

The time has come to pull the engine from my '88 S4. My mechanical skills are poor at best but thanks to the generosity of some friends, I'll have some help in doing this. I would, however, prefer not to rely completely on their good will and sweat. I'd like to do most of the work myself.

I'd like to have at least have a general game plan on what to do and the order to do it in so at least I can get started and take care of the simpler stuff. Any special tools, tips, tricks, pitfalls, books, websites etc. you can list would be of great help. Thanks!

FlyingDog

Auto or 5-speed?

Buy a big book of expletives because you'll need plenty, disconnect exhaust and drop headers if you have them, drain all fluids, drop clutch (if you have one), pull radiator, disconnect all engine harness connections, pull intake and fuel rails, grab with hoist, drop steering rack, disconnect motor mounts, unbolt bellhousing, move engine forward and lift out.

Assembly is reverse of disassembly.

Dennis K

Yes, 5-speed. Yes, headers. No A/C.

Thanks! Sounds easy!

Big Dave

Don't follow the manual's instructions about pulling the main wire harness through the firewall. Disconnect the harness from the engine instead.

Put all fasteners back where they came from (i.e., finger-tight back into their holes) so that it's easy to put things back together.

See if you can get yours hands on the '85 Service Manual (pictured) if not one for your '88 specifically. It contains step-by-step instructions for an engine pull.

Richard S

Dennis, I think you will have to remove your headers, they won't clear when you lift out the engine otherwise. Sterling's write-up is comprehensive. I have a write-up for pulling the engine from my 79 A/T, but it looks like Sterling covered everything. Push the harness thru the firewall as you lift out the engine....1 person inside pushing out the harness, 1 person outside to guide it out. Keep me posted.

Rich

Big Dave

I guess I'm in the minority. That damn harness would not budge...I was risking damage by pulling/pushing it through the wall. Just an option.

Jim Morton

Beverages and goodies for your friends...

Bill Ball

Yep, that's why we're doing this!

IcemanG17

Pick a date and I'll be there......granted my skills are novice as best....but a another hand-perspective always helps.....plus I seem better at fixing other 928's than my own!

Jim bailey - 928 International

Disconnect the big engine ground wire right rear of engine or you will lift the car with the engine. If you are taking the engine apart you may wish to leave the engine harness in the car since you are going to disconnect all the engine connectors anyway.

Big Dave

Maybe this will help... It's for an '85-'86, but it's pretty darn close to what you'll be doing.

Big Dave

More...

Richard S

Dennis, here is a link to the removal and installation checklist PDF's I made when I pulled my engine.

Engine Removal PDF

Engine Installation PDF

Definitely some differences with yours, but a good starting point to go along with Sterling's post.

Rich

Dennis K

Thank you Matt, Dave, Rich, Jim M, Jim B, Bill & Brian. This has been very helpful. Thanks to those of you who spent the time to assemble those writeups. I will be studying them.

One more question (especially for you local guys): What kind of beer do you like?

BC

I think it may be obvious to some and so much so its not been mentioned:

Take the hood off.

And take the bumper off as well if you feel like making your life easier - you can get the crane in closer.


If you don't have the room for a cherry picker, then you could try the old "down through the bottom" trick, which make you take the engine/TT/Trans all out at the same time.