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I have a '99 Subaru Legacy Outback, and I'm working on getting the engine (EJ25) back into the car after replacing the head gaskets. I got the four bolts that attach through the transmission tightened already, but when I set the engine down, the bolts on the bottom don't line up with the engine mount slots on the frame.

Last time I had the engine out, I was able (after like 4 hours) to get it lined up by lifting the engine up and backward with the cherry picker. That didn't work this time. What can I do to get the engine shifted backward that inch or so?

Cullub
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3 Answers3

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Until you have ALL the bolts for engine and transmission threaded don't tighten ANY of them.

Tim Nevins
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There is a piece often referred to as a dog bone in the engine compartment. It's actually the pitch stop mount, bolted to the firewall and the engine (mount? I don't have the car in front of me right now). Unbolt this from the engine, and the engine will slide right in.

Cullub
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The transmission is out of position - usually when the transmission mount is a little worn.

The best solution? once the engine is mated to the transmission, put a block of wood on a solid part of the engine (the crank is good), and use a crowbar to push the engine back while an assistant lowers the engine slowly. Once it's in the slots, use a similar method to center (left-right) the engine mount bolts in the slots, and then bolt everything to torque (including putting the dogbone back on).

On a related note, given the age of the car - check the condition of your engine mounts. It's a 30-second job to change them when the engine is out, and a massive nuisance (4hour job) when the engine is in place.

PeteCon
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