Arrrg! Cant get the engine out!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Arrrg! Cant get the engine out!!!
I've been at it all day :mad :smash:
How the @#%)( do I get to the two top motor-to-tranny bolts. I really do not want to drop the tranny at this point. But, it seems impossible to get to them from underneath, no matter what I try with extensions and u-joints, etc. And the firewall makes getting to them impossible from above. Does anyone know what they do at GM? What does the shop manual say. The Haynes manual is absolutely worthless with this one.
I've entertained taking the motor mounts off of the block and tilting the engine forward, but that seems iffy at best. I dont want to remove the stablizer bar on the tranny, because it has those nuts at the top, and I'm afraid I'll never get THAT back together.
Someone out there has to have some experience getting the motor out of a C4 without dropping the entire drive train. What tools were used? I spent 2 hours at Pep-Boys looking for a wrench that would help, no luck. BTW, I'm down to just the block, no heads/manifold.
Desperately,
Joe
[Modified by jcygan, 11:57 PM 11/10/2001]
How the @#%)( do I get to the two top motor-to-tranny bolts. I really do not want to drop the tranny at this point. But, it seems impossible to get to them from underneath, no matter what I try with extensions and u-joints, etc. And the firewall makes getting to them impossible from above. Does anyone know what they do at GM? What does the shop manual say. The Haynes manual is absolutely worthless with this one.
I've entertained taking the motor mounts off of the block and tilting the engine forward, but that seems iffy at best. I dont want to remove the stablizer bar on the tranny, because it has those nuts at the top, and I'm afraid I'll never get THAT back together.
Someone out there has to have some experience getting the motor out of a C4 without dropping the entire drive train. What tools were used? I spent 2 hours at Pep-Boys looking for a wrench that would help, no luck. BTW, I'm down to just the block, no heads/manifold.
Desperately,
Joe
[Modified by jcygan, 11:57 PM 11/10/2001]
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 234
Likes: 1
From: Wesley Chapel FL
Re: Arrrg! Cant get the engine out!!! (BlackRocket)
The carrier beam bolts are difficult, but not that hard after the "learning curve". I just had to remove mine from the 87. Then you can remove motor and tranny as a unit. Much easier! The bolts are "more accessible" with the drive shaft removed. If you remove the bolts from the beam at both ends, it can be pried side ways off the tranny. Reverse procedure to re-install.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Re: Arrrg! Cant get the engine out!!! (Fla87)
How do you hold the nuts on the carrier beam when re-installing the unit? I'd assume they need to be tightened to a fairly high torque and would need to have the nuts held solid. From what I've seen, there's no way to hold them once you have the tranny up to the back of the engine.
Thanks.
Joe
Thanks.
Joe
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 234
Likes: 1
From: Wesley Chapel FL
Re: Arrrg! Cant get the engine out!!! (jcygan)
There is "finger" room to get the nuts started, then use an open end wrench to hold the nuts. The Differential end is much easier. Without the drive shaft in place, access is much easier to both ends. Also, you should find some prior posts on this subject. Raising and lowering the rear of the trans makes it a little easier to reach the bolts. The torque settings are fairly low (check Haynes), but the trans was 37lb as I recall and the diff end is higher. Once you have been through the R&R drill, it is not too bad. The carrier beam install is easier with two people "adjusting" the fit. The manuals recommend sealant at the nuts and bolts also, after tightened to specs. There is also a product (on this forum) that is stronger (they claim), that is a plate with the two nuts attached which would make it easier to attach the trans bolts.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
Likes: 11
From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Arrrg! Cant get the engine out!!! (jcygan)
Take the trans out of the car first. It may seem like more work now but you've got to put it back together and having the trans out will help with the reinstall. Pull the trans.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Re: Arrrg! Cant get the engine out!!! (Muskrat)
All right, I'm convinced there's no way to do this without at least lowering the tranny if not removing completely.
The Haynes says to use sealant on the beam bolts, both on tranny and diff. But, it doesn't say what kind of sealant? Like on head bolts?
Fla87:
What is this product on this forum? I searched around and couldn't locate anything like what you are speaking of.
The Haynes says to use sealant on the beam bolts, both on tranny and diff. But, it doesn't say what kind of sealant? Like on head bolts?
Fla87:
What is this product on this forum? I searched around and couldn't locate anything like what you are speaking of.
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Joined: Oct 2000
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Re: Arrrg! Cant get the engine out!!! (jcygan)
Easy to do. I'm assuming you've already removed the windshield wiper motor, if you haven't, DO IT. Its expensive and crushable. Then remove the tach filer and Voila, there is the top left bolt.
Also, you've removed the distributor, get the other bolt from there.
That is the hard way, but still fairly simple, from underneath you'll need about 3 feet of extensions and a 9/16 in. socket, a common misconception is that they are 14 mm, its so much easier with 9/16. The end extension has to be swivel. Use 3/8 in drive, 1/4 inch is too small and 1/2 is too bulky.
However, I am with everyone else, if not removing the transmission, pull the engine with the transmission, it makes bolting the dipstick back up much easier, otherwise its darn near impossible.
Good luck.
Also, you've removed the distributor, get the other bolt from there.
That is the hard way, but still fairly simple, from underneath you'll need about 3 feet of extensions and a 9/16 in. socket, a common misconception is that they are 14 mm, its so much easier with 9/16. The end extension has to be swivel. Use 3/8 in drive, 1/4 inch is too small and 1/2 is too bulky.
However, I am with everyone else, if not removing the transmission, pull the engine with the transmission, it makes bolting the dipstick back up much easier, otherwise its darn near impossible.
Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 959
Likes: 1
From: Lemoore CA
Re: Arrrg! Cant get the engine out!!! (NoWorries)
I was in the EXACT same boat.... I spent forever trying to get at those bolts. I pulled the driveshaft which came out in 15 min and that support beam and the whole unit came out as one. I removed the tranny halfway out and installed the same way, I hadnt removed my hood, otherwise I would of taken it all out as one.... Worked like a charm just an absolute PITA And Ill NEVER do it again..... :) The experience was worth it though nothing like the sound when you turn the key.
paul
paul
