Replacing engine, how to pull? Install? Pointers appreciated
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee FL
Replacing engine, how to pull? Install? Pointers appreciated
'06 A6, replacing the engine. I've done a number of motor swaps, cam swaps, head swaps, etc. I know I can figure it out, but it seems like a good idea to ask those that have actually done this very thing on the same car for pointers 
Is there a way to do this without having to pull the Tq Tube? If you must pull the tube, what's the easiest way? Do I have to drop the rear cradle, etc?
Being this is an auto, I've looked into the dust cover at the front of the tq tube (engine side), looks like the input shaft (tq tube) is connected to the flex plate by some kind of clamp or something. How does this work, any tricks I need to know?
Flex plate bolts, are they TTY?
If the Tq tube is left in place during removal, any tricks to the install? I've got an HD engine hoise, stand, etc. I may or may not have access to a lift though.
Finally, what kind of fluid does this A6 use? I'm guessing GM Synth, maybe Dex III Mercon, but the manual isn't much help and searches here didn't yield much for me since it's not easily user servicable. Where is the fill plug/hole? Having pulled the radiator a couple of times, and maybe having to touch the Tq Convertor for this, it might be a good idea to be prepared with fluids.
Thanks for any suggestions!
Is there a way to do this without having to pull the Tq Tube? If you must pull the tube, what's the easiest way? Do I have to drop the rear cradle, etc?
Being this is an auto, I've looked into the dust cover at the front of the tq tube (engine side), looks like the input shaft (tq tube) is connected to the flex plate by some kind of clamp or something. How does this work, any tricks I need to know?
Flex plate bolts, are they TTY?
If the Tq tube is left in place during removal, any tricks to the install? I've got an HD engine hoise, stand, etc. I may or may not have access to a lift though.
Finally, what kind of fluid does this A6 use? I'm guessing GM Synth, maybe Dex III Mercon, but the manual isn't much help and searches here didn't yield much for me since it's not easily user servicable. Where is the fill plug/hole? Having pulled the radiator a couple of times, and maybe having to touch the Tq Convertor for this, it might be a good idea to be prepared with fluids.
Thanks for any suggestions!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,145
Likes: 1
From: Bradenton FLORIDA
Were not far from you....it's easy to drop it all out on the frnt cradle using a 2 post lift. I'm curious though, why are you pulling it out?
Call us if you want it done for a reasonable price.
Call us if you want it done for a reasonable price.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee FL
#1 intake valve had a disagreement with the #1 piston.
I'm hoping to get use of the lift (2 post), but it's not certain. I'd be ALL about somebody else finishing this at this point, but alas, I'd have to trailer it to Tampa
Had you guys tune a GTO for me a year or so ago.
That said, dropping it from the bottom. I can see the cradle bolts and all, but the Torque Tube is throwing me off. How do you handle that? Can you drop the tunnel plate, then slowly lift the body enough to get room to unbolt the tube? The shaft feeds into the flex plate somehow, can you get enough room without dropping the rear cradle to pull the front cradle and engine assembly out?
Sort of off topic but related... what kind of fluid for the A6? Where is the fill plug? I've never looked, but it might be easier to ask anyway.
I'm hoping to get use of the lift (2 post), but it's not certain. I'd be ALL about somebody else finishing this at this point, but alas, I'd have to trailer it to Tampa
Had you guys tune a GTO for me a year or so ago.That said, dropping it from the bottom. I can see the cradle bolts and all, but the Torque Tube is throwing me off. How do you handle that? Can you drop the tunnel plate, then slowly lift the body enough to get room to unbolt the tube? The shaft feeds into the flex plate somehow, can you get enough room without dropping the rear cradle to pull the front cradle and engine assembly out?
Sort of off topic but related... what kind of fluid for the A6? Where is the fill plug? I've never looked, but it might be easier to ask anyway.
Last edited by Riceman; Dec 1, 2007 at 12:30 AM.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
I took it out from the top as did AINTQIK. TQ tube stays in and you drop the exhaust and tunnel plate. I have reused the same bolts there over and over.
The tunel plate comes off to remove the bell housing bolts. You aparenty ly have the heads/intake manifold off.
A/C compressor and mount bolts....If you remove the front accessories and drop the cradle a bit for pan clearance it comes forward and out.
Once its out it is one of those things you ask youself why you had any questions.
Dont forget the sensor connections and the trans lines. I had the radiator out too.
What shortblock are you going to replace it with? Look into Lngenfelter's 427 shortblock at 6200 bucks.
The tunel plate comes off to remove the bell housing bolts. You aparenty ly have the heads/intake manifold off.
A/C compressor and mount bolts....If you remove the front accessories and drop the cradle a bit for pan clearance it comes forward and out.
Once its out it is one of those things you ask youself why you had any questions.
Dont forget the sensor connections and the trans lines. I had the radiator out too.
What shortblock are you going to replace it with? Look into Lngenfelter's 427 shortblock at 6200 bucks.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee FL
TSP 427 should be here next week 
Spin: Exactly what I was looking for! Appreciate the tips. I've got everything removed aside from the AC compressor which I was waiting until the last minute for. Well, that and the plate which I was waiting/hoping for a lift.
With the trans lines, any special considerations? Radiator and everything (save the AC condensor) are out as well.
I've lost some trans fluid being this is the 2nd time the cooler lines have been pulled, do I need to top it off? What kind of fluid is in there stock? Fill plug is just above the pan or something on the trans?
Spin: Exactly what I was looking for! Appreciate the tips. I've got everything removed aside from the AC compressor which I was waiting until the last minute for. Well, that and the plate which I was waiting/hoping for a lift.
With the trans lines, any special considerations? Radiator and everything (save the AC condensor) are out as well.
I've lost some trans fluid being this is the 2nd time the cooler lines have been pulled, do I need to top it off? What kind of fluid is in there stock? Fill plug is just above the pan or something on the trans?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,145
Likes: 1
From: Bradenton FLORIDA
You will need to have it running after all is put back together, in the air level with the fill plug out. Pump DexIII into it until it starts to flow back out, and your full.
Good tips from Spin
Good tips from Spin