Helicopter

2000 es300
Hello All
I am removing the engine for transaxle overhaul. I am getting near the point to pull it out but on the RH side of the engine (Aft in the car) is a hook (see photo).
I don't think this is an engine hoist point and the wiring harness is between it and the engine,.
Correct me if I am wrong, but this has to come off before engine can be removed?

And how many freaking electrical connectors must the have going to this engine? !!!!! There is a maze of them.
NX
Roy

LeX2K

That is technically a pull hook but unless you have your load balancer (if you don't have one, stop and go buy) you'll bend it. Disconnect the harness inside the car at the engine ECU and fish it through the firewall. Remove the necessary connectors going to the various fuse box locations. Pull the engine with harness.

Helicopter

I tried that but the wiring harness is too large (because of the various connectors and branches) to come out.
Surely this hook is not for engine removal. The slightest yaw or dip and the engine will fall back into the car.

LeX2K

Harness is fed through the firewall at the factory which means you can remove it (I've done it). I use braided lift straps tied around the timing belt side mount and a relocated lift hook on the cylinder head (transmission side). With a load leveler it makes pulling the engine easy.

Helicopter

Tomorrow I will have a go at it,.
There are so many electrical connectors, I doubt I got them all.
Getting this engine/transaxle out is a monumental task.
I was in the USAF Reserves . A Crew Chief (mechanic) on C-17s and THIS thing is harder to work on than a Strategic Airlift Jet. Whew !!
TNX

LeX2K

Bend the wires so the connectors are in line with the harness then tape them.

Helicopter

You are right
. One reason they would not come out was yet another bundle of ground wires attached to a deeply hidden bolt behind the Air Plenum.
Getting this engine and transaxle out is a BIG job !!!! I am still a ways from hooking up the hoist.
How many large engine mounts are there? I found 3 so far. Are there more?

LeX2K

There are 6 mounts
near timing belt
dog bone (same area)
front mount (close to radiator)
front absorber (looks like a suspension shock, near battery)
transmission mount
rear mount (axle goes through it)

Job has many steps for sure take your time. Put as many fasteners back into their home as possible. This may seem daunting but it's all about familiarity for me it is simple. If I started working on aircraft it would be intimidating.