How-To Engine Removal Guide: Pontiac G6 with 3.6L V6 (LY7)

[Robert]

Engine Removal Guide: Pontiac G6 with 3.6L V6 (LY7)
Applies to: 2007–2009 Pontiac G6 GXP with 3.6L LY7 V6 (FWD automatic)

Difficulty: Intermediate – Requires basic tools, jack stands, engine hoist, and mechanical experience

Estimated Time: 6–10 hours depending on experience and rust

Tools & Equipment:​

• Engine hoist (2-ton recommended)
• Basic hand tools (metric sockets, extensions, swivels)
• Jack and jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Screwdrivers, pliers, fuel line quick disconnect tool
• Drain pans
• Ziplock bags & labels for bolts
• PB Blaster / rust penetrant
• Torque wrench for reassembly

Step 1: Prep Work​

• Disconnect the battery – Always start here. Negative terminal first.
• Set the car on jack stands – Securely lift the front of the car and support it under the subframe.
• Remove the front wheels – Gives access to the axles and lower components.

Step 2: Drain Fluids​

• Engine oil
• Coolant – Open the radiator drain plug or pull the lower hose.
• Transmission fluid – Remove the cooler lines or allow it to drain once axles are removed.

Step 3: Intake and Front End Disassembly​

• Remove the engine cover, MAF sensor, airbox, and intake tubing.
• Disconnect the MAF sensor, PCV hose, and throttle body and camshaft sensor wiring.
• Remove the coolant reservoir and move it out of the way.
• Disconnect the upper radiator hose and heater core hoses at the firewall.
• Disconnect radiator fan wiring and remove the radiator fan assembly (2 bolts at top).
• Optionally remove the radiator for more clearance.

Step 4: Electrical Connections​

• Label and disconnect all engine harness plugs – injectors, coil packs, O2 sensors, VVT solenoids, etc.
• Disconnect the engine-to-chassis grounds.
• Unplug the alternator, starter, and AC compressor (you can leave the AC compressor in the car if you want to avoid evacuating the system).

Step 5: Fuel and Exhaust​

• Use a fuel line quick disconnect tool to detach the fuel line at the rear rail.
• Remove the exhaust downpipe bolts at the rear of the engine near the firewall.
• Unbolt the rear exhaust manifold if needed for clearance.

Step 6: Transmission and Suspension​

• Disconnect the shift cable and transmission range sensor harness.
• Remove both axles (remove 36mm axle nut, drop lower control arms or remove strut bolts, then pull axles from the transmission).
• Unbolt the torque strut mount near the radiator support.
• Support the transmission with a jack.

Step 7: Engine Mounts​

• Unbolt the front and rear engine mounts from the subframe.
• Remove the upper engine mount near the passenger fender.
• Check for any ground straps still connected.

Step 8: Lifting the Engine​

• Connect chains or straps to the lift brackets on the cylinder heads or intake manifold.
• Begin lifting slowly while guiding the engine up and forward.
• Watch for any wiring or hoses still connected — double-check before committing to the pull.

Tips:​

• Leave the transmission attached if you have room — it simplifies reinstallation.
• If you're separating the engine and trans, remove the flexplate bolts through the access cover on the bellhousing.
• Label everything. The G6 LY7 wiring harness includes multiple cam/crank/VVT connectors – label carefully.
• Use a tarp or cardboard to catch drips and protect your floor.

Optional: Drop Subframe Method​

For shop environments, you can drop the entire engine and trans out the bottom:
- Support the engine and trans with a rolling cradle.
- Unbolt the entire front subframe assembly and lift the body upward with a hoist.
This method is faster but requires overhead lift equipment.

Reinstallation Notes:​

• Replace any damaged or corroded engine mounts.
• Refill fluids after everything is installed and hoses are connected.
• Torque everything to spec, especially axle nuts and suspension bolts.
• Bleed coolant thoroughly to avoid overheating.

 

2018 Chevrolet Trax LT cleanup

[Robert]

Pontiac G6 3.6L LY7 Engine Removal – Tips & Tricks
Applies to: 2007–2009 Pontiac G6 GXP with 3.6L LY7 V6 (FWD)

General Tips:​

• Label every electrical connector and vacuum hose. LY7 engines have multiple VVT solenoids, cam sensors, and coil connectors that look similar.
• Take photos before you start. Especially around the throttle body, fuel rail, and rear bank – it helps a lot during reinstallation.
• Remove the hood for better overhead access. Mark the hinge positions first to simplify re-alignment.
• Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or equivalent) the night before on exhaust bolts, engine mounts, and axle nuts saves major time and broken tools.
• Have extra hose clamps and zip ties on hand. You’ll likely need them during reinstallation for old brittle clamps.

Engine Hoisting Tips:​

• Use proper lift brackets or heavy-duty straps bolted to the heads or upper intake. The LY7 doesn’t always have obvious lift points.
• Lift the engine and trans together if possible – separating them adds time and increases the chance of damage to the flexplate or torque converter.
• Tilt the assembly slightly toward the transmission side while lifting to help clear the firewall and subframe.
• Watch the power steering lines – they tend to snag under the rear cylinder bank. Unbolt or bend brackets gently for clearance.

Subframe/Exhaust Tricks:​

• You don’t need to fully drop the subframe, but loosening it slightly at the rear can provide more engine clearance for hoisting.
• Unbolt the rear exhaust manifold heat shield for more room behind the engine.
• Removing the catalytic converter helps with exhaust flex and reduces pressure on the rear downpipe bolts.

Reassembly Notes:​

• Clean all mating surfaces – especially the engine mounts and ground strap locations. Poor grounds cause many weird electrical issues.
• Replace old heater core hoses and clamps while you have access. The rear bank firewall area is nearly impossible to reach with the engine installed.
• Top off and bleed the cooling system with the front of the car raised to help release air pockets from the rear bank.