So I've heard from several sources that the old pushrod engines are actually light enough that one person can literally lift them out of the engine bay. After unhooking everything of course.

 

Is this true? Or should I just break down and get a cherry picker?

 

I don't have the best of backs (I did a lot of un-braced lifting back at Toyota and I'm starting to feel it now and know it's going to catch up with me when I get older), and even if I manage to get it out, I don't want to be overwhelmed once it's out and drop it or something.

 

So... can it be done?

Oh yes... It can be done. I did it when I was 14. Picked up an ea81 and threw it, no accessories on motor.

 

But just be on the safe side man, buy or borrow a hoist. What's $300 for a good one when compaired to a life with a bad back?

Yeah dude, [HTi]savage and I muscle the motors out our selves. That or a forklift (instead of a cherrypicker). I wouldnt recommend lifting it yourself, but with a buddy. three is even better; then it is easier to get on the engine stand, or whatever.

At 22 you may be able to do it if your back is good. I would suggest you and a freind.

 

nipper

Use a hoist!

 

Your back is PRECIOUS! (and easily damaged) Your fenders are easily damaged too!!

 

Also, you need some control in getting it back in and aligned on the trans. I would fine it impossible to do that without a lift to support and angle the engine.

 

Good Luck!

 

Todd

Edited September 9, 200916 yr by SUBARU3

I've pulled the solid lifter pushrod out of a couple old subarus. It's not easy and the thing is heavy. Upwards of 200 or 250 pounds I believe. I definately would not try putting it back in with out some kind of hoist or lift or something. Cheap engine extraction = a minimum 5ft long 4"x4" and some 1" or larger straps and a buddy.

 

Edit: if you unbolt the engine crossmember and steering components (steering rack goes with engine crossmember) it is pretty easy to drop it out the bottom.. then the only hang up is getting your car high enough in the air to get the motor to slide out.

i lifted the motor (ea71) out of my brat and it wasn't very fun... do-able, but not fun... i removed as much as possible before i did it... intake, alt... then once i got that stuff out of the way i moved the motor forward and removed the flywheel and clutch...

 

the flywheel practically doubles the weight of the motor and REALLY throws off the balance if you're lifting it out the front alone...

 

drained all the fluids too... with 2 people it should be a snap... after i got the motor out my buddy showed up and we moved it the rest of the way to the back of the brat... he said as he picked it up with me, "sh*t dude how the hell did you do this alone!":rolleyes:

 

with 2 people you shouldn't have a problem... although an engine hoist is always a better option!!!

yes it's possible, but don't do it.

 

if for some reason you're really bent on doing it this way, pull everything you can off, leaving just the block to yank if you're disassembling the engine anyway.

ive done it, ea 81 twice, an 3e82, and a few months ago i did a ej22t with all accesories on it still.

 

i dont recomend any, but yes, you can do it (after the ej i couldnt walk)

i a pretty big guy, but i agree with everyone else, rent or buy a picker

Good point about the flywheel. I forgot about that.

 

I'm gonna heed your guys' advice and try to get someone to help me at least.

 

Think offering the potential assistant a six-pack of beer will be enough incentive?

 

I do actually have access to a cherry-picker, but the car is already in my one-car garage, up on jackstands, and has no transmission or front suspension in it. In order for me to use a cherry-picker, I'd have to disassemble it, carry it in pieces through my laundry room, then reassemble it in front of the car. I've already had to do that once and I'd like not to do it again.

Good point about the flywheel. I forgot about that.

 

I'm gonna heed your guys' advice and try to get someone to help me at least.

 

Think offering the potential assistant a six-pack of beer will be enough incentive?

 

I do actually have access to a cherry-picker, but the car is already in my one-car garage, up on jackstands, and has no transmission or front suspension in it. In order for me to use a cherry-picker, I'd have to disassemble it, carry it in pieces through my laundry room, then reassemble it in front of the car. I've already had to do that once and I'd like not to do it again.

 

One option to this would be foresight. Knowing to back the car into the garage and not pull it in.

Get the lift - I did it when I was 16 with one of my 73 coupes; pulled my back- thought I was having a heart attack- couldn't breathe! Worst part was it took weeks to fully recover, the car sat untouched, and I ended up having to get the hoist anyway to put the other engine back in!

We pulled it last night.

 

That's definitely a two-person job, and since I had the car up on jackstands, we actually needed a third person.

 

That was a lot crazier than I thought it would be.

 

But anyway, it's out, on an engine stand, and I've already started tearing it down. I didn't know an engine was capable of COMPLETELY covering itself with oil, but this one sure did!

Good to hear you got it out. Not surprised you needed 3 ppl. Ive done it with 2 but wouldn't again. Your back like said above IS precious.

 

Get a come a long and use the garage rafters to assist you and your friend while pulling it out. Don't TRUST it just allow it to do the work and be there in case the cable snaps or something happens.

When i was young and stupid, i rebuilt a ea63s, 1400 gsr motor in the bedroom of the house, as we all do, the motor was complete with all accessories and clutch, my brother was going to give me a hand to lift to the garage but the wife said she will help, so when we went to lift it she said it was to heavy, by that time i couldn't get hold of my bro so in frustration i picked up the motor single handed and and through the house and down the stairs to the garage i went, it is possible, i moved lots of engines around the garage but not long distantses like that time.

Thierry

(not so young and stupid just older)