Remove Engine in Less Than Two Minutes

[Yellow Bird]

As I recall two good VW mechanics could remove the engine in a VW bug in less than two minutes during competitions. I wonder how long it takes to remove the smart engine?

[forestacademy]

Well chances are it would be the entire drive train. Engine, Trans, wheels and all.

But if they did, that would really cut into the service charges at the dealership.

[Big Panda]

I didn't think to do that when I installed my silicone air intake hose.

I might have saved myself some time removing the resonator if I REMOVED THE ENGINE FIRST!

Silly me.....

[Yellow Bird]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

Well chances are it would be the entire drive train. Engine, Trans, wheels and all.

But if they did, that would really cut into the service charges at the dealership.

When you look at the car from underneath it appears you take out four bolts and the entire module with the engine/transmission, axles, wheels, suspension drops down. Since you have to drop this module to change the alternator (per the Smart manual) I was hoping it was pretty easy and that someone with a shop DVD or expertise would provide some general knowledge.

[WhiteNBlack08]

Originally Posted by Yellow Bird

When you look at the car from underneath it appears you take out four bolts and the entire module with the engine/transmission, axles, wheels, suspension drops down. Since you have to drop this module to change the alternator (per the Smart manual) I was hoping it was pretty easy and that someone with a shop DVD or expertise would provide some general knowledge.

I am wondering why people are so worried about the alternator in these cars? I was asked this same question last weekend at a car show I attended (although the guy asking was definitely on the shallow end of the gene pool ). I'm pretty sure these things run a Denso alternator, which has proven itself to be one of the most reliable brands there is. I've been driving over 20 years, and last year I finally had to change my first alternator, it was in my 1983 truck with 140K miles on it, I just wore out the brushes. Have others really had that much trouble with alternators to warrant this?

[pdboilermaker]

I have never replaced an alternator in any car that I have ever had and I drive all of my cars to 100k+. BTW I was also approached at the same car show by the same hillbilly as WhiteNblack08, it was stunning

[sandalscout]

Originally Posted by WhiteNBlack08

I am wondering why people are so worried about the alternator in these cars? I was asked this same question last weekend at a car show I attended (although the guy asking was definitely on the shallow end of the gene pool ). I'm pretty sure these things run a Denso alternator, which has proven itself to be one of the most reliable brands there is. I've been driving over 20 years, and last year I finally had to change my first alternator, it was in my 1983 truck with 140K miles on it, I just wore out the brushes. Have others really had that much trouble with alternators to warrant this?

You've never had an ACDelco alternator, have you?!?!? hahahaha

I've replaced several Delco alternators, but no Densos!

[smartSEATTLE]

Originally Posted by Yellow Bird

As I recall two good VW mechanics could remove the engine in a VW bug in less than two minutes during competitions. I wonder how long it takes to remove the smart engine?

Have only done one so far. Took us about about 2 1/2 hours to get it out.

It is actually much easier to just drop it down then try and remove the whole thing. smart has some special bolts provided to the dealerships that are about a foot long allowing the subframe to drop down and allowing more room to work on the vehicle.

[WhiteNBlack08]

Originally Posted by sandalscout

You've never had an ACDelco alternator, have you?!?!? hahahaha

I've replaced several Delco alternators, but no Densos!

Nope, I don't touch that GM crap. Up until my smart, I've been Mopar all the way!

[WhiteNBlack08]

Originally Posted by smartSEATTLE

smart has some special bolts provided to the dealerships that are about a foot long allowing the subframe to drop down and allowing more room to work on the vehicle.

I've heard about these bolts, seems like a creative DIY'er could make a set for their own use.