trans stuck... seems to be the starter. Help!

[miatawnt2b]

I am just about ready to lower the tranny out of the car, but it seems to be hung up on the flimsy bell housing shield which seems to be caught on the starter. The trans will pull about 3/4" from the block but gets stuck on something. The starter is still moving with the trans. It looks as if the starter is starting to pull away from the bell housing, but is stuck on something and I can't pull it completely away from the trans. I removed the 2 torx holding the starter in place, but I'm wondering if I am missing something small. I can't see any more bolts anywhere. Help please! The bell housing shield is free to pivot somewhere above the starter so I am wondering if I missed another one of those small 10mm bolts holding the shield.

thanks,
-J

[miatawnt2b]

well I got it out. I am betting it was hung up on the alignment pin for the starter. I just twisted and pulled on the trans until it let go. Need to remember to lube up that pin with anti-sieze when she goes back together. Now to wait for the clutch in the mail.

-J

[Jeron]

My tranny was difficult to pull the first time. I had to use a pry bar after I was sure there were no bolts left.

Also try not to let the tranny droop down and hang on the input shaft, not that it matters now that it is out but it will help when putting it back in. One tip is to jack the front of the engine at the oil pan to tilt the flywheel down. This is very helpful when replacing the tranny.