99 GTP: How to lift/hoist engine out

[DrRadar]

I'm pulling the engine to overhaul (but I'm a virgin ). I've borrowed a hoist and think I'm ready to lift the engine out, but I don't know how to strap the engine to the hoist. I first thought of using the brackets with the eyelets bolted to each head and bought chain and hooks. But I had to remove the rear bracket so I could remove the rear exhaust manifold so I could remove that darn rear engine-transaxle bolt. (That really bites because I want to have the exhaust manifolds on when dropping it back in.)

Are those brackets intended for lifting the engine? If so, I could reinstall the back bracket and give it a go.

Searched the internet for info but didn't find much. Did find a 3800 being lifted with two straps completely under the engine.

Also, the engine-transaxle joint hasn't cracked open yet. I'm guessing it's because they're stuck after 198k miles and will eventually separate. But I did not find one of the engine-transaxle bolts mentioned in the 98 FSM: front lower (#1). I don't see how I could have missed it ; maybe the 99 doesn't have it?

[olopezm]

Yes, those hooks are there to lift the engine. When we removed the engine on mine, I don't remember having to remove the manifold to do it, everything was straightforward.

Oscar.

[DrRadar]

I came to that conclusion. I wish how I could figure out to bolt the transaxle to engine with the manifold on. It would make re-installing easier. I just don't see how.

[tazpal15]

Sorry I didn't get to you sooner. The Chilton books say to pull it up and out. I just finished mine. I pulled it the way it was made on the assembly line. I dropped the four sub frame bolts and six strut tower nuts. Most everything else is straight forward. I lifted the body up with a friend. Slid the whole powertrain assembly out to where it was easy to work on it. I put it back together myself minus a friend to guide the steering shaft and watch alignment of bolt holes. Definitely worth it this way. I unbolted the a/c compressor and left attached to car. Didn't want to have to recharge the system.

[DrRadar]

So you pulled the engine with the tranny still connected? That may be easier than how I did it...unbolting the engine from the transmission and only pulling the engine. Wasn't too bad except for one damn bolt in the back the goes in from the engine side into the transmission housing...it's behind the rear exhaust manifold. I followed the shop manual instructions and put the exhaust manifold on before putting the engine in...then had to take it off.