Separating engine from gearbox

[saxchappy]

Hi! - it's me again, on my steep learning curve. I think this one might have some folk slapping foreheads in dismay. Anyway, here goes. Got the engine/gearbox out but now need to separate them. Each part is supported on wooden blocks. Bolts have been removed/undone as required. I have pulled the gearbox back about 1inch and can see the flywheel in the gap between the bell housing and the engine. But I can't get the gearbox away from the engine. Are they not joined by the clutch so that I should just be able to lift the gearbox away? I don't want to damage anything (too late, perhaps?) by pulling and bending too much, so could any of you seasoned engine-outers possibly advise?

 

Thanks again in advance - the generosity of time and thought and the patience of people on this forum never ceases to amaze me  

 

cheers,

 

Kevin (hoping one day to be able to contribute to somebody's TR7 problem - not looking likely at the moment!)

[malcolm]

Having done this a couple of times now.....

Once you have removed the bellhousing bolts and the starter you will be able to pull the two apart.  It might take a bit of effort, but nothing else is holding them together.

 

I've always found the difficultly was putting them back together, especially when the engine is in-situ!

 

Good luck,

Malcolm.

[saxchappy]

Thanks Malcolm - I'll have another go and keep you posted

 

Kevin

[malcolm]

No problems.  It is probably just the studs holding them together.  Do be carefull though on removal and insertion not to let the input shaft support the 'box.

 

Malcolm.

[jonlar]

Hi Kevin, don't be afraid to use a bit of leverage, but as Malcolm says above do not subject the input shaft splined that goes through clutch plate to any of the G/B weight or bending.   If you use a couple of wide tyre levers, equally on each side, should slide apart, cushion leverage points with thin ply, heavy duty cardboard etc. to avoid any damage to castings.

[saxchappy]

Thanks guys - job done! Gearbox off tonight, no problem. It really helps to know how far to push things when unsure of the consequences. A couple of levers and your assurances made it an easy job. BTW I note that when I turn the driveshaft by hand I can hear noise from inside the box - nothing unpleasant ie no grinding etc, but enough to let me know that something is turning in there! Is this normal? And is it OK to put the clutch/flywheel from the old engine onto the new one along with the gearbox?

 

Thanks for your patience - see you at the International for a beer?

 

Kevin

[jonlar]

Hi Kevin, unless the flywheel fitted is badly scored, scorched or you want to it skimmed/lightened, I'd leave it well alone.   If you do take it off, I would advise you to replace the bolts, don't be tempted to re-use the old ones - and get really good quality, high tensile new ones.   Unless you know that all three components of the clutch are almost new or only done a low mileage, you're best off replacing as a set.

[malcolm]

Good advice.  Remember how difficult it was to get all this out and separated?  Best put new clutch components in now and hopefully it will be a very long time 'til you need to do it again.  Have a look at the clutch fork too.  They have a tendancy to wear through where they pivot on the fulcrum pin.  Easy and cheap to replace it now....

 

Malcolm.