engine removal with out taking transmission with it

[MOEMAN]

I would like to know how you can take the engine out of the car with out taking the transmission with it, if it is possible. I have a 54 Pontiac with a Straight 8 and I have to have the crank work on. If anyboby can help me I would be grateful. Jerry

[Larry]

It is not necessary to remove the transmission when removing the engine. You simply leave the transmission bolted down and remove the bellhousing bolts holding the transmission and engine together. As wel las any transmission linkage, etc. such as kick downs on an automatic.

The only thing you must be careful about is that your engine is moved very carefully as you disengage it from the transmission shaft-- and even more careful when reinstalling.

The engine is a heck of a heavy "hammer" when it comes to bumping things, so be careful. This is a game of fractions of an inch at a time with a lot of pushing and wiggling to be certain things are loose and sliding apart and later back together smoothly.

If you have a standard transmission, this is a bit tricky for lining up the clutch splines and such, but it can be done.

If anyone has some more ideas, suggestions, tricks, please jump in.

[stevep]

If your car is a Hydra-Matic, you will either have to remove the transmission 1st or remove them as a unit. Make sure to drain the transmiision and fluid coupling before you do anything.

[Larry]

I wasn't sure on if it was a Hydra-Matic or standard. Have always removed as one unit myself with the Hydra-Matic, but that was always because they were being removed to be sold, not serviced.
Can't remember what makes it unable to remove the engine with the trans in place. Just curious.
Steve, can you share some of the particulars?
Thanks.

[stevep]

The Hydra-Matic has to be dropped down out of the bellhousing quite a way to clear, so I do not believe that there is enough room to lift the engine to clear the trans. You can do it on 61-up.