first time 1972 engine drop - two issues

[rowingone]

Dropped the engine and trans this morning in my 1972 911T to repair a crankshaft seal leak and i have two questions. After I removed the bolts holding the axles at the trans the axles won't come off the trans. I hammered a bit but wanted to check here for better solutions. Also I just removed the set screw from the shifter input shaft coupler and the shaft won't slide out from the coupler . . do I have to remove the 13mm collar and reset that shifter all over again? Or have I just not pulled the motor back enough?

[blucille]

The set screw is all you need. Put the shifter into gear and move the lever left/right.

My 72/ most of these (early) cars have 4 bolts holding the inner CV joint to the flange. In the remaining spots are pins, I suspect the pins are keeping the joint connected to the flange. Give it a whack with a mallet you should be able to get a pry bar in there to separate the flange from the CV joint. There is usually a thin gasket between them.

[rowingone]

Thanks . . that worked! You saved my day! Do I pack those axles with grease when I reattach them?

[rowingone]

I was told to pull the trans and engine together . . I think I got bad advice. Should have dropped the motor a bit to get to that troublesome bolt and just pulled the motor. Live and learn.

[twickes]

Not bad advice. Pulling the two together is the easiest way to do it.

[blucille]

Always a good idea to pack some grease into the CV Joints. Be sure to get the new gaskets.

I’ve done it both ways. It’s easier to remove and install the engine and gearbox together.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by rowingone

I was told to pull the trans and engine together . . I think I got bad advice. Should have dropped the motor a bit to get to that troublesome bolt and just pulled the motor. Live and learn.

You were given excellent advises. How you performed the procedures is the problem. So experience and good mechanical aptitude are necessary for this type of project. This was your first engine drop and you will do better next time. Everyone even the best ones commit stupid mistakes. We all have been in similar situations.

Tony

[tobluforu]

If you had just dropped the engine, you would have found out real fast how much fun it is trying to mate it back up with the tranny. Yes, I have done it, will not do it again. I'm sure there are plenty on this board that find it easy, but I don't go dropping the engine all that often anymore.