romemmy

Hi all,

Following the saga with my engine (documented here: https://rennlist.com/forums/macan/1385680-broken-bolts-found-in-oil-pan.html), it now appears the engine may have developed rod knock within 200 miles of fixing it - possibly from the few seconds it was starved of oil.

I still have a few diagnostic steps (when my new borescope arrives today) to confirm it, but I want to start thinking about getting the engine out as fast as possible.

The factory service manual would have me use this giant purpose built contraption with many arms that goes in from underneath and drops the engine out downwards with the subframe. However I’ve always generally taken out engines from the top.

Does anyone know if I remove the entire front again, suspend the engine by its top engine lift points, disconnect the drive shafts, etc, can I maneuver the engine (with transmission) out the top/front - or will I run in to some unforeseen clearance issue? I have a 4 post lift, engine crane, etc, so access shouldn’t be hard.

Another reasons I’d rather do this is to maintain a “rolling” chassis so I can move it around without the engine/trans installed.

Let me know if anyone has any tips. I’m considering creating a video series of this procedure, rebuild, etc… Never done one before, but if there is interest I might be up for doing it. At least have some fun, and maybe help some folks, in the face of this catastrophe.

Thanks!

S.

rob944s2

Man, I’m so sorry you’re going through this after that whole ordeal with the broken bolts. Porsche really should be offering folks like you some good will.

i don’t have any advice on removing the engine other than to say Porsche’s shop procedures assume what is most efficient in a Porsche shop with all proprietary tools. Doesn’t mean a more traditional way couldn’t be done safely as well, it’s just not the Porsche way.

Keep us posted, I really enjoyed following your other thread.

chassis

I would gather all available manuals and search YouTube.

Is the front upper radiator support removable? If yes you have a better chance at pulling it from the front/above.

If pulling from the front/above the the hood should come off for more comfortable working.

romemmy

Done searches, doesn’t seem to be much out there for this model (lots of other Porsche’s, not any Macan’s that I’ve found so far). I have the full factory tech manual but as I said they remove the entire subframe with a special rack/tool.

I will be pulling off the entire front again to make it easy. Yes, the upper and lower radiator supports come out - it’s completely clear in the front if everything is removed like I did before. Done it once already so should be very fast this time. Hopefully I can do it like my M3 V8 motor - pull it straight forward, through the front.

My main concern is if they have some kind of bolt/mount attaching it to the subframe that is inaccessible without doing it their way.

If there are no other references for this I guess I’ll just have to try it!

Thanks!

S.

chassis

Removing all of the front stuff (crossbars, radiator package, hoses, etc.), it should come out. Detach the engine mounts after attaching the lifting tackle.

Also have a close look at the cowl/base of windshield area to see what needs to/can be removed. Depending on clearance in front, the cowl/tunnel area will likely be a pinch point.

Dealer procedures are not the only way to get a job done. They remove from below because they are equipped with vehicle lifts and supporting tables to do it that way.

VAGfan

Search for Audi Q5 engine removals. I know the Q5 2.0T engine can be pulled out through the front.

romemmy

Didn’t think of that - I’ll take a look, thanks!

#1SomeGuy

I assume you don't have a lift? Or even quickjacks? Dropping out the bottom would be easier, that engine/trans/transfer case together is a big lot of stuff that even with an engine hoist I'd be hesitant to try to pull it all at once. You don't need to drop it onto their fancy table, even a simple structure out of wood could do it if you can lift the vehicle up off of it.

romemmy

I do have a full 4 post lift. However, the dealers use the cheaper 2 post lifts, but that does give them more clearance to drop things from underneath. I don’t think the subframe will clear the middle of my lift (too wide).

#1SomeGuy

Cheaper 2 post? No, 2 posts and 4 posts are for different purposes. Go price out a Mohawk or Rotary 2 post and then a Bendpak 4 post...price has nothing to do with the style of lift and everything to do with how well they're built.

But you're right, won't be enough clearance to drop the subframe through the middle of a 4 post. I've pulled a few sub frames and transmissions on my scissor lift (never a full engine/trans/subframe together though) it's tight to pull a subframe but doable since the lift ends where the fender/door meet.

rob944s2

Just checking in to see how this project is coming along. Have you made any progress getting the engine out?

romemmy

I haven’t had time. I did start working on it again yesterday though, but wanted to check some results with the forum (on a new thread). Will come back to this one if the engine out becomes needed.

Thanks!

S.