Cam and clutch - Engine in or out?

[geeman237]

If I were to replace the clutch and camshaft in a 4.0 (LT77), would you recommend removing the engine and gearbox together or just remove the gearbox and replace the camshaft in situ?
I have a two post lift and engine crane/lift and am pretty handy with the spanners. No time limits either.

I’m leaning towards the job lot out option at the moment.

Words of wisdom and experience appreciated.

[drlloyd]

We would leave the engine in for either of those jobs.

[phillpot]

drlloyd said:

We would leave the engine in for either of those jobs.

That would no doubt be the most time and therefore cost effective option but when it is your own car there's always the "while its out I'll just........"

[phazed]

All in for me and I have a 2 post lift and a crane.

[chris52]

A lot will depend on what else you may want to do. I would remove the engine and leave the Gearbox in it may take a little longer than just removing the Gearbox but will make fitting and timing the camshaft so much easier while it’s on a stand. You can then easily clean up the engine bay check all the fuel lines etc etc. With a two post ramp and an engine lift you could have it out in a few hours no problem. You don’t have to take of the manifolds they will come out with the engine it also gives you a good opertunity to check all the wiring and replace the heat shields.

[andyy]

I've done both jobs with the engine in the car.

Dropped the gearbox down with the car on standard wheel ramps - not much room underneath and not very pleasant - but doable.

Cheers Andy

[Sardonicus]

Pull the motor gets my vote that way if you are unfortunate enough to need cam bearings its already out ..... bonus also a good time to inspect main and con rod bearings etc

[geeman237]

Well, so far its a conclusive survey....not.... ;-)

Is it possible to pull the engine with gearbox still attached? I find this usually a much cleaner way to do it on other cars. No having to support the gearbox etc.
Then you can mate the gearbox back to the engine so much easier out of the car with respect to gearbox input shaft alignment. Pet hate is getting that lined up to the crankshaft.
If its out I'd plan on replacing hoses, and as stated, checking wiring, fuel lines, heatshields etc.
Any tricks to replacing the heater hoses that go through the bulkhead?
Intake plenum : I previously replaced the valley gasket and found that the upper and lower half of the intake plenum were stuck together. I could remove the plenum cover, but the lower parts wouldn't separate. Any tips on splitting those without damage?

[chris52]

I believe you can remove the whole lot in one go buy I’ve never done it. One of my main reasons for removing the engine would be timing the camshaft, with the engine in the car it will be a pain of a job trying to turn the engine while watching your DTI and degree wheel etc etc.