Date: Fri, 23 Jan 1998 06:42:13 GMT From: Ywan Mason <ymasonnopsamsouth.net> Subject: Re: Trans Question
With a engine support that spans across the top of the engine compartment it is possible to change a MANUAL transmission without removing the engine, just drop the tranny out the bottom after removing the cross member. I do not recommend this to anyone who has never seen it done. It is very easy to mess up the engine to transmission gasket and oil pick up tube. It cannot be done on an auto without great risk to the flex plate. With the drive train out on the bench, it takes care not to damage the flex plate. In the car, the maneuverability is just not there. Then you still have the gasket and pickup tube dilemmas. Plus an auto gearbox weighs considerably more than a manual. When I remove an engine with oil cooler lines, I leave them in the housing and just unbolt the filter housing with the three easily accessible 12 mm bolts. The gasket behind it is only like $2. A lot quicker and less risky than those oil lines. Price one of those. I have done the manual trannies and left the engine in the car. I no longer do this. The time saved is minimal, maybe an hour's difference. The benefit to pulling the engine besides making the cleanup of the sealing surfaces and installation of the gasket easier and more certain is that you can do many other things that may need doing while involved this deeply in the car. Examples are the front oil seal and oil pump oring, alternator bushings, power sateering rack, rear main seal, water pump, etc, etc. With the engine out, everything is very accesible. Also a good time to inspect and replace the motor mounts and upper control arm bushings. And you can give the engine compartment a really good bath. I would hate to think I spend the money for a tranny and left these other items neglected. IMO, tranny replacement often becomes a restoration project. If you are going to invest the money for the tranny in the car, bring the other stuff up to par at the same time and be done with it for a while. The labor saved with the engine out makes the expenditure for the additional parts at this time well worth it. I am yet to just put a tranny in a customers car after 16 years working on them daily. The most additional labor for the above jobs with the engine out would be 2 hours, most of the in car jobs that pay 2-4 hours can be done in a matter of minutes with the engine out. Good Luck, Ywan Mason
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