Here goes...1st Engine Drop

[CMDR Perry]

Glen, I dropped my engine last month, I used a motorcycle jack from Sears with wooden plate similar to yours. Getting it back in was more difficult. The tranny mount bolts do not tolerate any angle variance. Good Luck and work safe.

[TERRIBLEHONDO]

I am down in Fort Lauderdale. I ran into a slight problem removing the clutch release lever. It is not coming off the shaft. The Bentley manual states it should just come off. Mine looks like it might have a drift pin holding it on. Did yours have a pin or did it just slide off after removing the positioning lever. I was as far as I was going tonight until the weekend so I figured that was a good stopping point. It is a project with my 13 year old son so I am trying to teach him as I go and try to get myself up to speed. It is sure different from my 69 firebird but after buying it I wish I had pulled the trigger years ago.

[DaddyGlenn]

I had the same problem with my release lever. There is no drift pin. It looks like it but its not. Leave it on then when you get the engine out seperate the transmission. Take the fork off the top of the shaft then slide the whole shaft out the bottom. Once the shaft is out spray the lever with liquid wrench or WD-40. then put the little lever back on and use it to twist the release lever back and forth. That will work the chemicals in. You may still need to give it a few wacks with a hammer to get it off. I did.

I plan to use some 00 steel wool to clean up the shaft and lever. There are also some seals that you will want to replace.

Sorry I can't just zip over and give you a hand. It is a bit of a drive from Daytona.

[TERRIBLEHONDO]

Thanks for the info! I wish you were closer too I would like to check out someone elses 1978 to see and compare it against mine to see whats been done over the years. It would also help to get more wrench time working on one anothers cars. As for the seals required I was waiting to get the motor out before I ordered everything for the leaks and the cis. Mine does not have a high idle now and I would like to get that fixed too. It is annoying but at least it's always warm here so the warm up time is not to bad.

[TERRIBLEHONDO]

Can I drop the engine by itself with the release lever in place? Or do I need to drop the trany with the motor and then split it?

[DaddyGlenn]

Anything I can do to help, just let me know. I'll post pics when it is useful.

I'm waiting until I complete the clean up before ordering. I'd rather take the pain all at once $$$$$$$

[Scott R]

Originally posted by TERRIBLEHONDO
Can I drop the engine by itself with the release lever in place? Or do I need to drop the trany with the motor and then split it?

I would drop it in one piece, it's easier IMHO. It's also much easier to stab the transmission back in while the motor is out. Did 1 time leaving the tranny in, the next four were engine and tranny together.

Once it's out you can unbolt the release arm form the side of the transmission and drop the whole assembly off.

[DaddyGlenn]

Just like Scott said. Keep them together until they are out.

[DaddyGlenn]

Terrible, here is a post you may be interested in.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/southeast-us-ar-al-fl-ga-ky-la-ms-nc-sc-tn/311418-central-florida-project-group-post2892344.html

[TERRIBLEHONDO]

Thanks again I had seen your group post for getting together which seems great. I wish I was 4 hours north. Alright motor and trany drop together that was always the way on the US cars anyways. I will finish it up this weekend and see what I have got.

[DaddyGlenn]

Terrible, post pictures along the way and good luck.

[DaddyGlenn]

I got a chance to spend some time working on the transmission this evening.

Before:



Spray on the degreaser, crank up the pressure washer add a bit of scrubbing with an old tooth brush and....





I still have more scrubbing but I'm happy with how it looks so far.

[lusso]

Looks great Glenn

[Scott R]

Damn I wish I had a pressure washer, the only remaining dirty oily part on my rebuild is my transaxel. That thing looks a 100% better, nice work.

[SP2]

Glenn,

Nice pic of your clean transmission. I just dropped my engine and transmission last weekend. I am interested in trying your technique, because I have a pressure washer.

Which degreaser did you use?

Is there anything you needed to avoid spraying water onto?

I assumed I cannnot do the same to the engine for fear of getting water into the cylinders. My CIS is off the top and the intake manifolds are stuffed with engine rags.

Thanks!

[DaddyGlenn]

SP2, from earlier in this thread....

Originally posted by Dan in Pasadena
Glenn,

... I took it on with a variety of Scotch Brite pads, brushes and spray degreaser - ALL from either the 99 cent store or Big Lots (Pick 'n Save). Also, Harbor Freight has a gallon of seriously strong yellow degreaser for $9.99. Much cheaper than anywhere else. ...

The only part I avoided was the bolt at tht top that has a hole in it. Everything else is fair game.

I plan on doing the same with my engine with the CIS still on but avoiding the intake and distributor.

[lusso]

Scott,
Take your transmission to the coin-op car wash. Cheaper than renting or buying one.(One that recycles their water)
Cover your reverse light connector
Carb or brake cleaner make great degreasers.
Dave

[Scott R]

Originally posted by lusso
Scott,
Take your transmission to the coin-op car wash. Cheaper than renting or buying one.(One that recycles their water)
Cover your reverse light connector
Carb or brake cleaner make great degreasers.
Dave

I was hesitant to do that because I don't know the rules for those coin-op places. I'm going to drive over there tonight and check it out.

[DaddyGlenn]

Spent another couple hours on the transmission. Its not perfect but this is a daily driver not a show car. Sunday, the clutch comes off and the engine cleaning begins.

Just in case my fears are recognized, what is a reasonable price for a stock clutch kit?

[DaddyGlenn]

I couldn't wait for the morning. I pulled the clutch. It is hosed. the disc was worn to the rivets on the pressure plate side and there are grooves in the pressure plate. Good news is that the flywheel is smooth but with the usual heat marks.

In addition to the previous question regarding price....

Is it worth the extra $$ for an alum. pressure plate?

Since my flywheel is smooth, can I get away without resurfacing it?

I eagerly await pelican wisdom.