gearbox removal

[Ron L]

Hi
Has anyone ever removed a gearbox from a 350i whilst leaving the engine in situ? I have laid my wedge up for the winter and want to finally sort out the synchro on 3rd, but dont want to pull the whole engine and box out as one. I have looked underneath and it looks like the box should come out, but it will be tight. I dont want to start stripping everything out, only to find that when its hanging loose, theres not enough clearance! Car is an 83 350i series one with the rover box.

[SLB]

I heard it could be possible if undo the engine mounts and tilt the engine as far as you can. Atleast that means you don't have to undo the elctrics etc which is time consuming. This came from a proper mechanic who knew the cars but hadn't actually tried it. Good luck.

[wedg1e]

For the amount of work involved in getting the engine out, you may as well just do it.
Grahamw48 on here suggested to his garage that it was possible to leave the engine in; they pratted about for two days and ended up removing the motor.
Most expensive clutch change ever
I took my V8 out single-handed and replaced it with 5 minutes assistance from our lass.

Ian

[shpub]

The bible has the details on both methods. The move the engine forward does work but the time saved is not that great compared to lifting the engine out. Taking the engine out does also provide a good opportunity to inspect and paint the chassis.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[FrenchTVR]

I'm looking at doing the same job. Mine baulks going into thrid at times, seems more like a knackered gear though. I would go for the engine out, gives a good oppurtunity to get in there and clean and pait everything.

Just my two p'enneth worth.

Mick

[rev-erend]

Guys - I've done this job.

Yes - the box can be removed with the engine in situ .. but from memory - I ended up taking the water pump off..

I think as Steve says - it really pays to take it all out.

You really don't save any time at all.

It's pretty much a 5 hr job to take it out and a bit more to put it back (where does this bolt go ?)..

Because of the hoist lift height required to lift both - I found it easier to remove front wheels and have a trolley jack under front cross member.

[grahamw48]

wedg1e said:

For the amount of work involved in getting the engine out, you may as well just do it. Grahamw48 on here suggested to his garage that it was possible to leave the engine in; they pratted about for two days and ended up removing the motor. Most expensive clutch change ever I took my V8 out single-handed and replaced it with 5 minutes assistance from our lass. Ian

That's what happens when you're short of time in a wet summer.
The garage had the equipment, but lacked the intelligence. I had the ability, but not the equipment
or time. Usual story.

If you can do the job yourself, then take the whole lot out, and do all those little jobs too, rather than trusting it to garages, most of whom couldn't care less about your treasured possession.
The reason I very rarely use them.
You usually find they've broken more than they've fixed. Good luck !

At least you'll treat your own vehicle with respect.