Engine removal question
 

Hi
I'm about to start pulling my e4ngine form the bay and I've done a fais amount of searching with "how-too's" .
One thing I have noticed is a lot of people ( when removing the engine ) leave the tranny attached and pull it out with the engine.

I was wondering if this is because its just easier to do it this way? I've looked into how to remove the engine from the tranny which I think involves going through the openings in the underside of the tranny and using a screwdriver to release the clutch.

Is it really that hard to separate the tranny from the engine? and is that why people normally remove the engine with the trans attached?

cheers
K

Just pull the engine....takes two minutes to release the clutch

I prefer to install the engine already mated to the transmission when using the stock engine mounts. If using aftermarket engine mounts, I leave the transmission in the car.

Everyone has their preference, but I also prefer to pull just the motor. A load leveler on your hoist is helpful and you'll need to raise the tranmssion up a couple of inches (after unbolting the motor mounts) before coming forward with the motor.

As far as the clutch relase...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPCi4RpGQCU

as Sgtblue says, everyone has their preference, I prefer to pull engine and transmission any time i'm pulling an engine from any car. Of course, my reason is because of wiring on transmission and bellhousing bolts. Also I don't have to find anything to support the front of the transmission while the engine is out...

but to each their own and good luck :)

i pulled both the transmission and engine together. It came out very easily. i dont think it makes a huge difference either way. The transmission isnt very heavy. Though i thinkhooking everything back up is a bit easier with both of them out of the car. I think for a first time engine pull, its better to pull them together.

the clutch is easy to release once you know how to do it, I screwed with it for awhle before i found the youtube video on how to release it properly.

I unbolted the tranny and replaced my motor mounts when I did my car. I did not find it that diffcult to do. It certainly makes the removal easier without having to shoe horn in the transmission IMHO.

I'm trying to pull the engine out, but am having some difficulty separating the engine from transmission. All the bolts, lines, hoses, harnesses have been removed. I'm guessing I need to release the clutch (or pilot bearing(?)). Can someone give me a few pointers? Much thanks.

Watch this.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPCi4RpGQCU

Leave the transmission in the car, it will save you a lot of hassle. Follow the youtube link above and it makes separating the engine and trans really easy. I find it best to remove the motor mount on the driver side before pulling the engine as it will give you a little extra clearance for the subframe. Some do not remove the motor mount but it only takes a couple minutes to remove it with the engine hoist lifting the engine and it will save you more time not having to fight with clearance issues with the subframe.

Also watch once the motor/trans is separated, reach down and pull the transmission towards the driver side of the car, this will provide more clearance for the downpipe flange to get between the firewall and trans.

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed!