Thread: Removing chevy engine question

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Ok, been about 25 years since I've pulled a motor and plan to pull one on Sunday. Just want to verify what needs to be done at the trans.
Unbolt the TC from the flexplate (or should I leave it attached and pull it with the motor?) and remove the trans bolts from the motor. Put something under the trans so it doesn't tilt when the motor comes out. Anything else from right there?
I'm sure it will all come back to me once I start, but I just want to be prepared.

if you plan to separate the engine from the transmission then you have the idea. The flexplate stays with the engine and the converter stays with the tranny. Make sure to support the tranny while it is apart from the block as it will no longer be supported by the motor mounts. Also there may be trans. cooler lines going to the radiator or an oil cooler both depending on year and model.

Do Not Leave the torque converter on the transmission shift unsupported or risk damage to the forward pump assembly...

Originally Posted by 29arod

Do Not Leave the torque converter on the transmission shift unsupported or risk damage to the forward pump assembly...

How about just leaving it bolted to the flexplate and pulling it with the motor?

Mucho Damage to pump, input splines, converter, etc. Only in hard luck case such as a locked up engine should you attempt engine removal with converter attached.

Why don't you just pull the engine and tranny together as a unit? IMO much easier especially when it's time to go back in. That way you can bolt up tranny and all outside the car as opposed to laying upside down under the car.

Don

Originally Posted by nitrowarrior

Mucho Damage to pump, input splines, converter, etc. Only in hard luck case such as a locked up engine should you attempt engine removal with converter attached.

yuppers, real good way to end up with one killed pump pulling the engine with converter attached....

Leaving the converter on the tranny input shaft will also prevent dirt from getting in the trans.

Pull the engine and tranny as a unit, just remember to unhook everything. If you have one or can borrow one, I'd put an old yoke in the tranny tailshaft to keep for leaking fluid all over the place. It's not that important with a manual tranny, but it sure saves a lot of clean up with an automatic.

Originally Posted by nitrowarrior

Mucho Damage to pump, input splines, converter, etc. Only in hard luck case such as a locked up engine should you attempt engine removal with converter attached.

Good to know, thanks.
The motor/trans was originally put in with the body off, and the trans mount is practically impossible to get to. No question it's going to be easier to unbolt the motor than try to get into where the trans mount is. I'de be better off cutting the crossmember out and redoing it all.

cutting the crossmember sounds a bit drastic, but I'm rarely opposed to some extra labor if it will save me time later.

I had no idea that leaving the TC on the flywheel can cause damage. I've done it many times, with no problems. I would expect that proper support of the transmission during separation, and a clean, straight pull - out is critical.

If your trans mount and crossmember is that difficult, it may be a good time to redo it now............for the future.