Transmission won't separate from engine
 

I'm trying to pull the transmission and replace the clutch on my '88 vert, but I can't pull the transmission away from the engine. I've pulled all the bolts and it wiggles separate from the engine, so its disconnected, but it won't pull away. I've also tried prying it, but still nothing.

The reason for replacing the clutch is that it wouldn't disengage, even after replacing and bleeding the hydraulics. Could the reason the transmission won't pull out be related to the clutch not disengaging? Do you have any suggestions for pulling the transmission? Thanks in advance!

Sounds like broken teeth in the pressure plate. Pry that shiz out.

the transmission input shaft is binding in the clutch disc. keep it supported and just keep rocking it back and forth. Make sure there is nothing rear of the transmission that it's hitting. You took out the driveshaft right and the shifter? I know that sounds obvious but it happens.

yea, exactly what i was thinking. wiggle/jiggle and lift and pull. also, you took the shifter out too right? that can hang up the process as well.

Five bucks says you forgot the little bolt that is hidden by the starter.

Or forgot to take off the clutch slave cylinder.

.

Transmission shifter and drive shaft are both out as is the slave cylinder. I removed the starter and the bolt underneath it, so I think I'm clear on that.

I managed to get a little bit of separation (1-2mm) wiggling and prying on it, but still nothing major. My one concern is at the top there's a bolt that had a nut attached on the transmission side. I removed the nut, but am having trouble removing the bolt because of some hard lines and it seems like it's either threaded into the bellhousing or the engine block, but I can't figure out which. Does anybody know if this bolt has to be removed also, and if so, how?

I just did a clutch on a first gen and I think these are pretty much the same. That bolt on top has to come out. It is threaded into the engine. Only way for me to get it out was to use an open end wrench on it. 1/16 turn at a time! Good Luck

once you get that bolt out, if it still gives you trouble, tilt the engine back.

slpin just used a hammer and wailed on the throwout fork. i dont recommend this method, just an idea.

Lloyd

I've seen people try to take out transmissions with the starter in. Are you sure you have everything disconnected from the bell housing? Also did you disconnect the transmission mount and drive shaft?

Did you get the bolts up top? If the transmission is just handing there, give it a couple good yanks from the tail housing. (Remember there are 2 dowel holders (whatever you wanna call them).)

I have taken it out with the top bolt still in there, but it makes it much more of a pain in the rear to do it. Lift up the front of the engine so you have more angle and try to get it out again.

that bolt is the hook for transmission, if you remove it when you go to put the transmission back you will hate life. if you removed the nut then you are good to go. Keep wiggling the transmission and keep it supported and it should come off. If the bell housing and the rear plate have a gap then you got everything removed and it should take just a little more wiggling to get it off completely

No idea how this would work. The starter hides another bolt that secures the trans to the engine.

^It simply won't work.
What 2s4s is saying that you need to double check all your connections.

That said, since the OP has it cracked and wiggling, its ready to come out.

I found it to be easier to put the trans in without said bolt. :dunno:

I only bring up the "forgot to remove a bolt" theory because I did exactly that when removing my motor the last time. I got the two separated by half an inch on top but not the bottom. Because I forgot that bolt.

with a transmission jack yes. But two skinny guys under the car having the hook is nice.

Guess its the double skinny that makes a difference. I have used many combination of skinny and large, but never two skinny people.

So this is way late, but for completeness, it turns out the problem was actually that the pilot bearing had seized. Because of this, the car behaved as if the clutch wasn't disengaging, but it was just that the transmission shaft was turning with the flywheel. This is also why I was unable to separate the transmission from the engine.

heh, i was about to say the pilot. considering not one of you fools had mentioned it yet but had theorized just about everything from aliens to PB+J sammiches causing the issue..

with the RX8s i have to use a port-a-power to hydraulically press the transmissions off of the engine, they have a death grip when they fail and there's nothing to pry on.

so,Karack..would PB+J in this case equal Pilot Bearing and Jammed?..heh!

lol

I once had an 81 toyota 4wd truck that I had to change the clutch. I had that same problem, except my problem was rust on the shaft.