TB engine removal

[jameshglueck]

Can the engine be pulled without the gearbox? There is a caution in my manual which says if not careful with the gearbox you can drop bearings etc into the box and that would require a complete teardown of the gearbox. I think if I can raise the motor a couple of inches I can clear the crossmember to pull it out without the gearbox. Thanks.

[Steve Simmons]

I believe the warning you read about is in regards to the gearbox cover. When you remove it (necessary for removal of engine and gearbox together), there are three springs and balls under the lip of the cover which can fall into the gearbox innards. If you're lucky, you can get them out with a magnet or through the oil drain hole.

[jameshglueck]

Thanks Steve, that's exactly right about the warning. I just wanted to avoid the problem.... if I could separate the engine from the gearbox I wouldn't have to take the gearbox cover off and just leave it in place and remove the engine only.
Jim

[Steve Simmons]

I removed the engine in my TC without the gearbox so I assume it's possible in a TB. But one word of warning - support the gearbox so that when the engine is pulled away, there is no added stress on the rear plate of the gearbox. The plate is cast aluminum and the mounting tabs can snap off.

[jameshglueck]

Steve, thanks again.... good to know that you were able to pull the motor in your TC. Actually, my car is TC9415 and has a TB engine in it (XPAG773), casting date April 21, 1939. So I would think I can remove the engine only and not risk the tranny issue. You've been of great help!
Jim

[Gene Gillam]

Jim,

If you haven't tried to remove the engine by itself then don't bother. Removal of the shift mechanism without dropping parts is very simple and pulling the engine/transmission combination together is going to be a lot easier than separately over time. I have enough trouble trying to get the transmission and engine matched up when they're out of the car - I can't imagine how hard it will be to get everything level enough to get the transmission shaft through the clutch plate and into the pilot bearing when you're working on your back trying to get them together.

Believe me, bite the bullet now.

[jameshglueck]

Wow, Gene, now I'm going to re-think this through.... I was planning to start working on the car this weekend. We have the car at my friend's full-service shop (5 bays with lifts, etc) and a collection of tools going back 40-50 years. I think our next step is to sit back and decide which way to go. The motor has been gradually losing oil pressure the past 2-3 years (max pressure 35 psi hot) and it begins to clatter when it reaches about 3000 rpm. I know in any case the job won't be easy.

Thanks for your input.
Jim

[stephen stierman]

I also removed the engine separately from the gearbox a few years ago from TC2911 and had no problem getting things back together when my repairs were made. A little jiggling and proper angle of the engine is required to get things to line up, but they eventually do and all falls back into place. I have done any number of Brit cars in this fashion.

[jameshglueck]

Thanks for your note, Steve. Based on the consensus of replies, we're starting this morning on removing the engine and leaving the gearbox in the car. I'm sure getting the alignment of the motor and gearbox after we're done will be a lot easier than risking dropping those "pieces and parts" into the tranny. The picture of your car is sure a beauty.
Jim Glueck

[stephen stierman]

Having a floor jack and a helper with another set of hands is always a good thing. You will be fine.
Thanks for the compliment, we are practically neighbors.
Steve

[jameshglueck]

When we get the car done, I'll take it on a test run down I-71 and thank you in person. But it'll have to wait until it's warm out. I was forced to sell my first TC in 1960 after suffering thru two winters as my only car.
Jim

[stephen stierman]

Actually I was up your way in Sept. on sr, 43 headed to Mentor for a Morgan fall meet.