Engine pull?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 3
Engine pull?
I have a 79 and am planning a 5 speed upgrade and cam replacement this winter. Im thinking cam chance will be much easier on a engine stand. If I remove the trans and bellhousing can I pull the engine with out removing the radiator. I have electric fans and will pull all the accesiores. Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
I pulled the engine, bell housing and transmission all at once without actually having to remove the radiator. Here it is - going back in (The pics show that the shroud is still in place, so you can see that the radiator doesn't have to be removed. I bought a new radiator at the time.) It is much easier to get the transmission on when it's out of the car too (unless you have a lift).
Link
Link
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
I pulled the engine, bell housing and transmission all at once without actually having to remove the radiator. Here it is - going back in (The pics show that the shroud is still in place, so you can see that the radiator doesn't have to be removed. I bought a new radiator at the time.) It is much easier to get the transmission on when it's out of the car too (unless you have a lift).
Link
Link
Wouldnt have thought it was possible, but the pics dont lie. Out of interest how long to drop it in, is it hours of careful adjustment to clear anything or fairly straight foward?
With regards to the original question:
Is yours an orignal auto or manual? Autos have a removable cross memeber that makes TX removal easy with engine still in, wheras manuals were fixed meaning its prob quicker to pull the engine and TX together.
It can be done either way all down to preference.
Lesyer
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 3
I do have a lift and a four speed car so removing the trans first will not be a hassle. Ill be modifying the trans crossmember while Im at it. With the car on the lift doing motor and trans wont happen. Not enough ceiling clearance. Not having to mess with radiator is just one less issue. If i cant keep from removing hood would be nice but thats pushing it.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
i'm just a week-end warrior, but considering the few extra bolts and screws that need to be removed, i'd pull the radiator and support. by doing so, the engine and trans have a lot more room to be turned and twisted into position.
i always wonder why guys say it's no problem to pull the trans out(especially when the x-member is fixed). i've done it twice and it "aint no fun"!
i always wonder why guys say it's no problem to pull the trans out(especially when the x-member is fixed). i've done it twice and it "aint no fun"!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,663
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
I do have a lift and a four speed car so removing the trans first will not be a hassle. Ill be modifying the trans crossmember while Im at it. With the car on the lift doing motor and trans wont happen. Not enough ceiling clearance. Not having to mess with radiator is just one less issue. If i cant keep from removing hood would be nice but thats pushing it.....
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Have you got any pics of the lifting tackle you used? Im facinated!
Wouldnt have thought it was possible, but the pics dont lie. Out of interest how long to drop it in, is it hours of careful adjustment to clear anything or fairly straight foward?
With regards to the original question:
Is yours an orignal auto or manual? Autos have a removable cross memeber that makes TX removal easy with engine still in, wheras manuals were fixed meaning its prob quicker to pull the engine and TX together.
It can be done either way all down to preference.
Lesyer
Wouldnt have thought it was possible, but the pics dont lie. Out of interest how long to drop it in, is it hours of careful adjustment to clear anything or fairly straight foward?
With regards to the original question:
Is yours an orignal auto or manual? Autos have a removable cross memeber that makes TX removal easy with engine still in, wheras manuals were fixed meaning its prob quicker to pull the engine and TX together.
It can be done either way all down to preference.
Lesyer
Pro
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 542
Likes: 3
From: Bloomfield Hills MI
[QUOTE=Z-man;1572759916]You're right about the removable cross member making it easier, but I was able to do it anyway. It took me about three relaxing hours working alone. (Turn the crank, take a sip of beer, turn the crank, etc.) I just used an engine hoist like the one below. You need to have the engine leveler thingy, but most of the better ones come with one. That's what allows you to angle the engine. I rented the hoist at the local rental place.
Nice removal - I did my big block the same way with 4-spd tranny attached but dude, you DO have the radiator out (as I did) so why did you state the radiator was in?
I had less than 1/8" clearance with my radiator out and core support in. Screwed up and did it twice in 1 week "just to be sure" - don't ask.
Nice removal - I did my big block the same way with 4-spd tranny attached but dude, you DO have the radiator out (as I did) so why did you state the radiator was in?
I had less than 1/8" clearance with my radiator out and core support in. Screwed up and did it twice in 1 week "just to be sure" - don't ask.
Last edited by spinadog; Jan 15, 2010 at 01:49 AM. Reason: removed pic of cherry picker
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From: Denver CO
Seriously take the radiator and support out. It was so much easier for me to do with them out. I was able to climb into my hood in front of the engine block and manhandle the thing onto the input shaft while my buddy worked the hoist. I left trans in and just supported the front of it with a jack stand. The radiator support is only six lousy 1/2 inch bolts, an easy removal. also good to replace these with nice zinc coated grade 8, and inspect your radiator support. they have a nasty habit of being rusted out on original c-3's.
(but then again my a/c wasnt charged at the time i did this, that poses a problem as you have to disconnect the condenser!)
(but then again my a/c wasnt charged at the time i did this, that poses a problem as you have to disconnect the condenser!)
Last edited by Raider74; Jan 15, 2010 at 05:25 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I have taken mine out several times with the radiator still in the car. I do remove the trans but with that off it comes right out. I do it by myself also. Mine is currently out of the car.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
You're right about the removable cross member making it easier, but I was able to do it anyway. It took me about three relaxing hours working alone. (Turn the crank, take a sip of beer, turn the crank, etc.) I just used an engine hoist like the one below. You need to have the engine leveler thingy, but most of the better ones come with one. That's what allows you to angle the engine. I rented the hoist at the local rental place.
Thanks for the reply, I had a feeling you would have used something more than just a standard balance/leveller. I have got to hand it to you, you must have had alot of patience to ease it in there - It must have been very tight, especially on your own where its difficult to watch all corners. I will keep it in mind for future use that it is possible
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From: Denver CO
Here is pics of my project!
Enjoy!
Just a simple engine hoist, a length of chain bolted to the engine, and a couple of buddies!
(oh and dont forget lots of beer!) (sorry about the tiny pics, I am going to re post them!)
Enjoy!
Just a simple engine hoist, a length of chain bolted to the engine, and a couple of buddies!
(oh and dont forget lots of beer!) (sorry about the tiny pics, I am going to re post them!)
Last edited by Raider74; Jan 18, 2010 at 04:59 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
The core support is still in - that's what's hard to lift over. The radiator is under that. I had a new radiator sitting near by ready for installation. Most folks wonder about whether they need to take out the radiator support frame because it looks like it would be in the way.
