So obviously the timing belt was not a porblem. Which means that, like all EJ205s, it spun a bearing. Hurf a durf.
On to the task of removing the engine from the car then. Should be straight forward. I don't need a manual. Or any proper tools to speak of. Or heat in the garage. What's the worst that could happen?
Alternator removed and AC pump unbolted and then perched on the engine like a delicate 60lb birdy:
The intercooler off exposing the tranny and what I believe is called the "Donkey Dick" (scientific name).
Engines need hugs, not drugs <3
Prot-tip for all you noobies out there: if you don't want to end up with a big pile of extra bolts, use a clearly labelled ziplock bag to make sure you know where everything bolts back on. I've got this one covered:
Next up is the ole Convinciner. Just a relax baby, this won't hurt a bit
Don't worry, I'm a professional spine doctor
Well this should just slide right out then with out any issue at all. Right? Guys? Right? :crickets:
After about 10 minutes of brawny manhandling, the engine was only separated about an inch, and wouldn't move beyond that.
Snackers and I had the following exchange: <words> What do you mean the clutch fork is in the ... oh for f sake. Initially, I wasn't sure how exactly we were going to get the pin holding the fork in out of the car since, as mentioned, I didn't have the (any) proper tool(s). What I did find was a big alan key exactly the right size. Sweet! We can use another wrench for leverage which will easily be enough torque to get that clutch fork pin out!
Or it wont...
Well that is broken and useless. Or is it?! #garageofidiots ----> #garageofgeniuses
Seems pretty obvious that this worked flawlessly and we were able to get the pin holding the fork out no problem at all. Also obvious is that we had now f'ed up 2 tools in dramatic fashion. #garageofidiots is back baby. Time for the ole Convinciner to make a return to the game:
With that not fixed but the clutch fork out of the way it was finally time to remove the engine. Finally. GrantC talked about my skid plate earlier in the thread and here I am using it to protect the AC condenser from ending up with an engine shaped hole in it. Thanks again to snackers for this pro-tip. I'm pretty sure I was on my way to wrecking the AC condenser, both headlights, the rad support, the garage wall, the house and everything east of here by yanking on the engine too hard.
The skid plate worked a treat and in addition to deflecting a 2 foot long scratch, it also kept my brother from diving into a frozen lake. Close call on that one.
The secret sauce behind my high-tech launch control system
It's free! The blonde on the wall will cost you though.
So there it is, how to remove an EJ205. The next update will feature a detailed DIY on how to make a nice coffee table with matching lamps. Stay Tuned!
