Engine mount bolt

[RatboneRanch]

I just wrapped up a water pump replacement and even though I supported the engine throughout, the small bolt (10 mm head) in the center of the engine mount bracket won't go back in its hole because the hole won't quite line up with the threads on the engine. I spent about 15 minutes fiddling with a jack and tightening the larger 15 mm head nuts in various sequences, which would make the engine shift around a little bit, but the small hole never did line up right. I was wary of jacking on the bottom of the engine too much so I quit. The hole is now covered with tape to keep dirt out. Is this something I can let go for awhile or should I sort this out before I drive again?

[JFP in PA]

You need to loosen up the other bolts and jiggle the engine around a bit while supporting it until the last bolt can be started.

[DBJoe996]

You can do this, support the engine with a jack, loosen the main motor mount nuts (you probably don't have to remove them all the way), loosen the other engine support bracket bolts and move the bracket around.  I remember having a tough time getting it to align as well, but you can do it.  You just have to have the support bracket loose enough to move around.

[RatboneRanch]

Well, I've been trying as suggested but no matter what I try, there's significant off-centeredness between the eye in the bracket and the threads on the engine. Maybe 3 mm? And my best efforts can only reduce that to maybe 2 mm, not close enough to insert the bolt without it threatening to cross-thread the casting. The pic is blurry due to the close range but it shows the situation accurately.

[DBJoe996]

The engine support bracket has to be loose or it will not align.  See this diagram and make sure you support the engine and loosen all of the nuts, including the engine mount nuts (4, 5, 11). It is a bit difficult, but it can be done. http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-parts/hardparts.php?dir=996-99-05&section=109-00

[RatboneRanch]

Thanks for posting that diagram. There are nuts on there I didn't know about so I'll give it another try tonight.