Hi, another question from a board-newbie. This is regarding removing the '56 nailhead engine off the transmission. I am at the point where I have removed all bell housing bolts and all accessories connecting the engine to the transmission. Last night, I set up the cherry picker to pull the engine, but it doesn't seem to want to move. I triple checked to make sure I have all bolts removed - and I have. The engine weighs 630 pounds, so I figured it could be the wight on the trans. I applied a bit of pull on the cherry picker to the engine and wiggled it back & forth, but it wouldn;t move. Then I released some pull and it still wou;dn't move. I was thinking about attaching a chain & pulley around the block and applying some additional forward force in trying to loosen the engine from the trans. Does this sound like a good idea? Am I missing something - anybody have any suggestions on how I can pull that engine without damaging anything? Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks Andreas
It sounds like there may still be a bolt somewhere that is covered in dust or grease that is hiding from your eyes. Be careful. Bill Bailey
Are you sure you did not miss any bellhousing bolts? Especially the ones near the top, they can be hid by the dizzy and the firewall being close proximity. I know this sounds basic, but have you disconnected the torque converter bolts? So the flexplate is loose from the trans? Or if you have a manual trans, have you slid the trans back so the flywheel pilot and clutch disc are not engaged? Use a floor jack to support the trans. Also check real careful that you have all the motor mount bolts loose, not sure how your 56 set-up is, but my Riviera has two bolts each side, one in front and one underneath the motor mount. It should come out pretty easily, pulling an engine is not hard or requires any special tools usually, just make sure all the attaching bolts are out.
Thanks for the feedback! I thought I had removed all bolts, but I could have missed one based on your feedback. I referred to my Buick '56 Shop Manual and it didn't state anything about removing bolts from the torque converter, so I will have to check that option as well. It sounds like I may have just missed a bolt. Back under the greasy monster tonight! Your feedback is really appreciated - I am glad I have a avenue to get advice from people who have "been there - done that". Thanks! Andreas
More info for you..maybe that helps clear up this issue: I have a Dynoflow transmission. I already removed the two bolts from each of the two front engine mounts, so that area is clear. I read that there is a 3rd engine mount that provides back pressure for the crank shaft (horizontal pressure) as well as supports the transmission (vertical pressure). The Shop Manual doesn't state to remove the bolts on that mount, which makes sense as it supports the trans only. However, I should probably place a stand under the trans to relieve downward pressure on the engine so it slides out easier. In regards to the torque converter - it was my understanding that the torque converter is part of the transmission and would reside on the side facing away from the engine. Am I mistaken about that? Does the torque converter flex plate have to be removed as well to remove the engine? Thanks Andreas
Torque converters bolt up to the flex plate so it has to be unbolted then usually it will slide back alittle away from the flywheel. Good Luck:TU: I would undo the trans mounts, and take off the driveshaft and try to wiggle the trans off of the engine (supported by a floor jack or something of course). That might make it alittle easier to break them apart to get the motor out (making sure all the bolts are off first thoou: ). I have had good luck with this method rather then trying to support the motor on the hoist and working the trans all at once.
If its like any other car I've worked on, you do need to put some sort of support under the transmission. It should be adjustable, because as you pull the engine, and when you put it back in, the height of the car varies a few inches.
John, thanks for the advice, makes good sense! I will tackle it tonight. Can't wait to get my hands on that greasy monster! Since the engine has unknown mileage and condition, my idea was to break it down and have the block, heads and intake hot tanked. At that point, I should find any cracks and will get a better understanding of the engine condition. Any advice based on past experience what I should avoid or do in addition? I was interested in obtaining a engine rebuild kit from Kanter so I can reinstall new components, which should bring the engine back to good operating condition. Any advice? Thanks
