Hi Acura community I'm a newbie and this my first post. Bought an 2007 tl 3.2 about 6 months ago with 82k on it, was driving around town the other day and heard a loud pop and the engine started running rough, then cut off. After I coasted into the nearest parking lot and got the car towed home I got to look at the damage. A hole in the side of the block and oil everywhere, so I'm guessing it dropped a rod. To the point of the post, I bought a used engine with 50K for a replacement. After looking at the service manual it says to remove the engine from under the car and dropping the subframe and tranny. I'm trying to do this myself at home without a lift. Is there any feasible way to this replacement from the top of the engine compartment or am I looking at expensive shop time? This would be my biggest job by far, but have done timing belt changes and so on, so average experience. Sorry if i wrote a book just trying to be detailed. Any help appreciated.

 

Sorry, can’t give an answer on pulling out the top, never did the TL, but have done a few FWD vehicles years ago without a lift. I actually dropped everything as a unit, wheel to wheel. Raise the car and remove all necessary components, top and bottom, even the shocks, steering, exhaust, use a 2x6 across the width of the assembly, remove subframe bolts, lower the jack, then use another to raise the body, or a couple on the sides at the sill. Not fun, takes time, but at least it's possible without a lift.

 

more interested in how the bad engine died.

 

sounds like a bent rod finally let go and put a hole in the side of the block after getting hydrolocked or something of the sort.

OP, good luck doing this since it will be a challenge. Drop it from below and raise the body of the car away from the engine/drive-train.

 

I want to know the How part.

 

remove hood and take engine out from the top of the car using an engine hoist?

 

Not quite sure How to raise a car 3 or 4 feet to clear an engine without a lift?

 

Rent a cherry pick

 

drop the engine and trans together with the sub frame from below. gonna be the easiest way

 

drop the whole subframe complete with motor and all... make sure to take out the lower transmission mounts while it is still in the car... and the torque converter/flex plate bolts while it is still in the car... mission if you forget them. also have to drop the steering rack with it as well. its a struggle with no lift but its easy enough. good luck

 

best to search for DIY Auto Garage and rent a bay equipped with a lift and tools provided which in my area costs around $25/hr ~