Gearbox removal

[Roger Blassberg 0]

I am in the process of removing the gearbox on my VR6, to change the timing chains.

 

I have a copy of the excellent write up from the knowledge base and have followed these instructions, but the gearbox is steadfastly refusing to come off of the engine. I'm sure I have taken out all of the main bellhousing bolts. The only possible thing may be that I have not completely removed the front mounting, but have removed all the connecting bolts in that area. There is some movement between the bellhousing and the engine block if I gently lever it (not actually prying between the mating surfaces, obviously).

 

Is it just a tight fit.? I have a trolley jack under the engine and another under the gearbox. Any suggestions gratefully received.

 

Incidentally, the top chain tensioner blade was completely worn out. Both rivets have disappeared and the plastic pad is worn to a feathered-edge and has come loose. It looks as though I have saved a disaster by the skin of my teeth !! I just need to get that damned transmission off.

 

Best wishes

 

RB

[tandino 0]

Have you undone the bellhousing shield under the engine near the sump? two M6 10mm bolts to undo.

Also have you undone the 19mm bolt at the rear of the block above the offside inner driveshaft cup?

[fla 9]

Roger? Is the engine still in the car or have you taken it out completely? It should almost drop off once the bolts have been removed so its sounds as though there are still afew left on. Have you completely removed the rear mounting bolt? How many bolts have come off, iirc there should be 7 securing it to the block.

Lucky escape with the tensioner! Give me a shout if you need an extra pair of hands.

[Roger Blassberg 0]

Tandino, yes I have taken out the 19mm bolt above the drive shaft coupling (the one with the head on the driver's side, opposite to the others) and the bellhousing lower plate.

 

Hassan, the engine + gearbox are still in the car. The rear mounting, over and behind the gearbox, is completely dismantled. In addition to the bolt mentioned above, I have taken out one more at the very top, one which has an earth connection from the battery attached, one that goes onto the front mount, both starter motor bolts, one directly under the bellhousing, then the bellhousing lower plate. I have my very local specialist Mike Chapman coming over sometime this week to have a look so we should get to the bottom of it soon , but I'll let you know if I need more help - many thanks for the offer.

 

Yes indeed, I was a few hundred miles from a catastrophe it would seem. As a word of warning to all, it wasn't actually very noisy, but I was just uneasy about the audible "thrashing" noise. And at 205k, it was definitely on the cards that it needed a good looking at, and so it proved to be!!

 

Best wishes

 

RB

[Roger Blassberg 0]

Well I found another bolt !! It was close to the oil cooler, and once it was out the gearbox practically fell off.

 

So all is well. The timing gear is off, and apart from the top tensioner, which as I said, was a hair's breadth from total collapse, all seems in order. The guide rails are ok and the chains are apparently fine too. But I have already bought the complete set of replacements, so they will go on. The gearbox has been hot jetwashed and will be a pleasure to put back on, unlike the removal experience. (note to self, don't drop gearbox on hand next time....).

 

The clutch and flywheel all look good too with plenty of friction material left and no broken springs, score marks or bent bits, but again I already have a new clutch sitting on a shelf in the garage.

 

Incidentally, the use of a cross-bar engine support really does make this so much easier - and safer.

 

Thanks to those who replied. I'm sure I'll need further assistance during the re-build, especially with wiring although I did label everything and keep bolts and small parts in polythene bags.

 

Best wishes

 

RB

[fla 9]

Good to hear you had success roger. I took loads of pics when i stripped my car down but i still ended up with a few spare clips. If you need the photos do let me know, some are clearer than others.