Lower PS return line replacement - possible with engine in?

[es.biggs]

I have my engine on a stand right now and I just found a PS leak from the lower return line - this: http://www.importpartspro.com/sipostrehof9.html

Is it possible to replace this hose with the engine back in the car? I am planning on dropping the engine back in very soon, and I don't really want to wait for the hose to be shipped over until I do it. I would rather do it at another time than to postpone the engine re-install any more than I already have. I am borrowing somebody's garage and I need to get my car out soon. It's been there ridiculously long.

I noticed on Z1 that they recommend doing it when the engine is out. Is it possible to do it with the engine in the car?

Thanks,
Ethan

[marty1mc]

Ethan, I replaced mine with the engine out. But, I don't remember anything that would make this impossible to do with the motor in. I would give it a try. At worst, you may have to loosen the motor mounts and lift the motor a little.

[car nut]

It would be a real pain in the a** to do it with the motor in, but it can be done. It goes from a 5 minute job to at least an hour or so with the motor in but I'm 99% sure you could still do it. Just get it shipped over quickly!

[es.biggs]

Too late...I rented the engine hoist and at $30 a day I will just deal with it being more difficult lol. Engine is back in

[marty1mc]

Too late...I rented the engine hoist and at $30 a day I will just deal with it being more difficult lol. Engine is back in

You pulled your motor? That was a rather drastic solution, but I'm glad it's done.

[es.biggs]

LOL no way, my engine has been out for the past 2 months while I rebuilt it. I was in a pinch for time when I noticed the leak just the other day, and the motor needed to go in yesterday.

[marty1mc]

OK, I understand now. Why didn't you just carve out a half hour and replace that thing? Also,It's too late now, but did you replace your steering rack mounting bushings??? (Also best to do when the engine is out).

I replaced all of my stuff down there when the motor was out (all ps hoses, all oil hoses for TT, rack mount bushings and even a new PS sensor since mine broke.) Doing this stuff gets expensive, but once it's done you don't have to worry about it for a long time.

[es.biggs]

I couldn't wait another 3 or 4 days for the line to get there. Project is moving slow enough alreday. Did do the rack bushings though

[car nut]

Worst case scenario, figure out a way to support the engine while it's in the bay (dozens of ways to do this) and drop the crossmember. Then running the hose would be easy. How'd the install of the motor go?

[es.biggs]

Easy as pie. I used a load leveler from Harbor Freight and 4 600lb ratcheting straps running under the intake plenum (cylinders 1,2,5,6)