2007 Mini Cooper S R52 Project

I'm working on changing out clutch -- and at same time replacing bunch of oil seals, servicing supercharger, replacing CV axles (boots leaking everywhere), etc.

I've also now got to work on two "difficult" bolt on exhaust manifold - snapped at catalytic converter so was removing.

As taking everything off engine -- thinking likely much easier to do everything with engine out of car. Radiator and AC condenser already off car so front of car completely open.

Question -- if don't have an engine hoist -- has anyone just rolled the engine/transmission combo right out front of car using couple of jacks? Do I still need to remove subframe before doing so?

I've read thru threads -- but can't find anyone whose posted up pics of just rolling out front of car.

 

You could rent an engine hoist or buy one from Harbor Freight for about $180.

When I was a teenager, I took the engine out of my Morris Minor by just unbolting it and lifting it out by myself.

 

Would think with the subframe out, you could roll the whole thing. The thing in my head is how you keep the thing from falling over.

ModMini has the video where he takes the engine out in like an hour so you should be able to figure out if there is anything that is going to trip you up.

 

Yeah ... same thought keeps coming up in my head.

I just found a coupon for $99 Harbor Freight 1 ton engine hoist -- think that's the way I'm gonna go.

I'm going to watch Mini Mod video again (dang his videos Rock) --- I can't find any good images online showing where the heck everyone connects the engine hoist changes.

 

I have an old metal framed dolly and I would fab up a metal strut that would attach to the angle frame of the dolly and then bolt at the top into an exhaust header point.

 

^^ This ^^
It can be done pulling engine and trans together, but the tricky thing is keeping it balanced on the floor jack until you clear everything enough to drop it to floor height.

 

Home made bracket with 1.25" angle iron.

 

Thanks for sharing pics !