Porsche Repair: porsche 944 engine removal, porsche 944, driveshaft

Question
Dave-
  I'm pulling the enging in my 87 944, but I can't seem to get the enging off of my drivetrain.  The book I have just says to lower it on out, but it seems like that's putting too much pressure on the driveshaft.  Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

                             -Bill Gruner

Answer
Hi Bill,

I checked my book, especially noting any drivesahft issues and here's my take on the subject.  (My source is the Haynes published Porsche 944 Automtive Repair Manual).  First, the idea is to support the engine by a hoist from above while using a hydraulic jack to support and then lower the engine at the crossmember.  It seems obvious, but the instructions say to lower the engine down and forward, out of the engine compartment.

The key step you'll be interested in and that I'll excerpt directly word for word is the instruction for re-installing the engine, particularly related the the driveshaft/engine mating.  After you read this, reverse the steps in your mind and see if you're removal steps are identical.

"Connect the engine hoist and raise the engine into place.  Use a jack under the clutch housing to raise the rear of the engine, align the driveshaft with the splines and move the engine rearward until the driveshaft is seated in tyhe clutch splines.  Install the drive tube bolts and tighten them evenly to pull the driveshaft splines into the crankshaft pilot bearing..."

At this point I sure hope lights flash and you're saying: "oops...I forgot this or that...or I didn't do this or that"...and then all will be well.  If not...well write back to me using the follow-up feature of Allexperts and let me know more about what seems to be hanging up.  At this point don't force anything, especially with any tool larger than a tiny screwdriver, perhaps for prying.

Hope to here from you soon.  Please let me know how this story ends.  Thanks.

Dave

P.S.  Not being there getting all slimy and greasy under a Porsche (life is great, right) I'm not exactly sure, but it would seem the rear of the engine may need to be cocked upwardmore than you have it...to both remove and insatll the engine.  I'd try raising it a bit and then checking to see if the starin on the drivesahft is better or worse.