Engine removal 1980
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Engine removal 1980
I am just at the point where all I have to do is un bolt the tranny from the block . I have pulled a few engines in my days but this is my first auto trans . I am assuming that the torque converter is attached to the flywheel .What is the procedure for engine -trans separation . Any input would be great ,I think I got a pretty good idea what needs to be done but some advice before I dive in would be great .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
The torque converter is bolted to the flywheel. Remove the inspection shield to gain access to the bolts. I generally pull the plugs so I can turn engine over with the crank bolt and undo the converter bolts and then push the converter back towards tranny. Undo the bolts mounting tranny to engine and you're done.
Are you taking the tranny out as well? If you are I would undo the converter bolts and then pull motor and tranny together, very easy with 2 people and there is plenty of room without pulling the radiator. Good luck.
Are you taking the tranny out as well? If you are I would undo the converter bolts and then pull motor and tranny together, very easy with 2 people and there is plenty of room without pulling the radiator. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
The torque converter is bolted to the flywheel. Remove the inspection shield to gain access to the bolts. I generally pull the plugs so I can turn engine over with the crank bolt and undo the converter bolts and then push the converter back towards tranny. Undo the bolts mounting tranny to engine and you're done.
Are you taking the tranny out as well? If you are I would undo the converter bolts and then pull motor and tranny together, very easy with 2 people and there is plenty of room without pulling the radiator. Good luck.
Are you taking the tranny out as well? If you are I would undo the converter bolts and then pull motor and tranny together, very easy with 2 people and there is plenty of room without pulling the radiator. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
I actually 'propped' my trans up so that I needed only to 'jiggle' the engine away from the trans. But, I also pulled my distributor so it would not be damaged as I pulled my engine.
Of course, removing the radiator, front accessories and fan/shroud are essential to the engine removal regardless of whether the trans leaves with the engine or not.
May be a good time/opportunity to refresh that auto trans, driveshaft u-joints and half-shafts (while you are at it...).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
Very easy pulling both together. Just pulled my motor and tranny a few weeks ago. No need to remove radiator I just removed shroud ,clutch fan, distributor and accesories, alternator ps pump etc. Second person to guide tailshaft definately recommended. I drained the tranny fluid or you could put a yoke in the tailshaft to prevent fluid from leaking out. I had front tires on the ground and rear on ramps. Straddled passenger tire with cherry picker and hooke chain to lift points on engine and directly to hook on picker, leveling device wouldn't hurt. Good luck.
Last edited by 929nitro; Nov 16, 2011 at 08:31 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
I leave the tranny in, and just pull the engine by itself over the passenger side fender. Pull the tire so the cherry picker has room to slide under.
I pulled the combo once a long time ago out of a Firebird, and had a Lake Michigan of tranny fluid on the garage floor because when the drive shaft came out,...all the fluid ran out the tail of the trans. Live and learn..........
Pull the torque convertor bolts from the flex plate, remove the alternator bracket and water pump from the front of the engine so you have more wiggle room, and you're golden.
I have pulled this out with the hood on before too. In this picture it is off. Also I do not have the fan shroud because I've converted to an electric fan. But in the past I have pulled the engine with the shroud in place. If you pull the water pump and such off the front of the engine, you will have plenty of room.
I pulled the combo once a long time ago out of a Firebird, and had a Lake Michigan of tranny fluid on the garage floor because when the drive shaft came out,...all the fluid ran out the tail of the trans. Live and learn..........
Pull the torque convertor bolts from the flex plate, remove the alternator bracket and water pump from the front of the engine so you have more wiggle room, and you're golden.
I have pulled this out with the hood on before too. In this picture it is off. Also I do not have the fan shroud because I've converted to an electric fan. But in the past I have pulled the engine with the shroud in place. If you pull the water pump and such off the front of the engine, you will have plenty of room.
Last edited by The Money Pit; Nov 16, 2011 at 08:47 AM.
