2012 Kia Soul 1.6L Engine Replacement In 4 Minutes

Being a good mechanic isn’t really about speed. But, it’s no secret that if you do something long enough, you’re bound to get faster at it. And here’s a pretty darn quick, mostly one-man, engine swap, to prove the point. Don’t let the 4 hour and 41 minute completion time fool you. No shortcuts were taken and no details missed. This fun one-shot timelapse of this Kia Soul engine replacement covers the entire job, from start to finish, in only 3 minutes. The timelapse is made of 4249 individual hi-res photographs shot on a Motorola Droid Turbo 2 XT1585 and manipulated in Adobe After Effects to explore all the important details. The car is a 2012 Kia Soul 1.6L Automatic with air conditioning. Questions and comments are always welcome. Liking and subscribing is heartily encouraged. And be sure to watch the end of this one, where we reveal important secrets to help you save time and avoid mistakes on your next Kia Soul engine replacement.

OK, since you’re still reading, and we're not good at keeping secrets, here are some of the key secrets to this repair:

1. Engine can be easily removed from the top. There is no need to remove engine and transmission from bottom.

2. Radiator can stay in car.

3. A/C system doesn't need to be discharged of refrigerant prior to engine removal. Just remove A/C compressor (4 bolts to block) and position it aside.

4. Alternator can be left attached to engine when engine is removed, just disconnect its wiring.

5. Disconnect the exhaust manifold from cylinder head while engine is still in car. Then disconnect the first 3 rubber hangers from the exhaust and you can slide the complete exhaust system back far enough to remove engine without disconnecting any other parts of the exhaust. Exhaust will stay complete, resulting in less chance for leaks and broken bolts.

6. Engine to trans bolts are several different lengths with all the same thread pitch, so note their locations (mark with nail polish) to prevent damage.

And general rules for getting a job done correctly and quickly are as follows: Limit distractions. Always try to work in a clean, organized well-lit work space. Maintain clean and well kept tools. Only pull out what you need and put away what you don't. Take pictures along the way. And use lots of magnetic trays for bolts. If you like our automotive repair content, please share and subscribe to keep more Mechanic Secrets coming. Thank you!!!