HELP! with Transmission Removal...

thradke · 10-06-2006, 05:02 PM

I am replacing the clutch on my '98 318i. I have been following the Pelican Parts tech article to the letter. Everything has gone well until now; I am at the point of separating the transmission from the engine. I can get them about 3/4" apart, but no more. The trans seems to be hung up somehow on the starter. I am sure I have the two starter bolts out, yet I can't get it any further apart. Shouldn't the starter be hanging free at this point? Does anyone have any experience/suggestions???

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Hmm, it can't be held up on the starter, as the starter, flywheel, and clutch are attached to the engine, not the transmission.

As I write in the 101 Projects Book, there is a metal "seal" that is connected to both the transmission and the engine. Some bolts attach it to the tranny, some to the engine. You probably missed a bolt that is facing the opposite direction?

-Wayne

thradke · 08:53 PM

Okay; I will check for that possibility. If there is a bolt facing the opposite direction at the top of the engine, it's going to be a bear to get at it...

thradke · 10-07-2006, 08:57 PM

I figured out what the problem was: The dowel pin that helps to align the starter with the transmisssion was corroded. A squirt of liquid penetrant and a long screwdriver between the starter and the transmission took care of the problem.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Sweet - glad to hear you got it out!

-Wayne