can't separate trans from engine
 

Clutch failed on my '93...would drive if started in gear but no clutch, pedal OK. Have everything undone to remove but trans won't come away from engine. Input shaft seized in pilot maybe? Any ideas/tips?
Thanks

you might have to undo the pressure plate from the flywheel with the tranny still together with the engine... i had to do this... look through the peek hole on the bottom, take off whatever bolt you see, manually spin the motor a little bit, take off the next one, etc till you have taken all of them off, with a little tug you should have it separate

yeah, undo the pressure plate. there are other ways to do this, but this is the simplest option to point out.

Hook it up to a come-along and apply firm but light pressure. Once you've done that pry at the end of the housing with a thin but strong object and continue to do so while applying more and more pressure on the come-along. Should pop right off.

yup im sure the pressure plate is your problem. You can actually get a screwdriver up in the accessory hole and pop it off where it connects to the trans.

yeah, thats the other option backyardsog. theres a retainer ring in there that you can see from the accessory hole. if you doubt yourself, or if you cant see/get to it. . . just undo the pressure plate and youll be golden. one of those two.

Yeah, you need to pop the throwout bearing out of the pressure plate by wedging a screwdriver up in the inspection hole and putting pressure on the wedge collar.

Download this video to see what I'm talking about:
http://www.zeroglabs.com/rx7/pullclutch.htm

If you have already done this then nevermind. :)

got it!
 

After asking the question at lunch time, I had another look at it and did what I see now most of you suggested...undid the pressure plate...tranny is now out. 4 out of 8 pads on flywheel side of disk are missing, 2 more fell out, and the pilot bearing is buggered. Lots of fibre type dust in bellhousing(who knows how long those missing pads have been flying around in there...had planned to take trans off to fix rear main leak anyway(good idea to do rear stationary gear o-ring at same time?), everything is very messy. Oil pan leaks too. Cleanup time.
Thanks
p.s. Is there a "best" way to get the pressure plate off the trans now(tricks/tools)?

Watch the video in the link I posted, it shows how to release the throwout bearing from the pressure plate.

While you have it apart, consider installing a light flywheel. You won't regret it ....... unless you don't do it :D