Temporary engine stand...

Well I say temporary it may be for a while - to make space in the garage and allow me to fit the flywheel, clutch and gearbox. I needed to get the engine off the large stand and be able to move it around easily.

I find some old lenghts of steel angle in my fathers garage to make a stand which I will then fit to my trolley.

Using the lower engine mount as a staring point, I measured the distant to the side mount which luckily lined up. I made a frame and welded the front mounting point then a couple fixing points to pickup on the rear plate. Once the gearbox is attached I will add additional supports.

4hrs

Gearbox assembled...

On the first day of December I'm in the garage and it's only 3 degrees outside. With the parts ready I started by bolted on the top cover, side bracket and rear mounted plate. Using a couple of bolts at the top I positioned the bellhousing to ensure the three spring where in place and inserted the rest.

Then I fitted the release bearing with the arm assembly in place, all it needs now is oil.

1hr

Gearbox paint job...

So with all the parts cleaned and degreased I gave the top cover, release bearing assembly and mounting brackets a coat of premier followed by black gloss. Masked off and cover the gearbox and repeated the process.

On the bellhousing the front end cover oil seal needed replacing, using a screw driver I lifted out the old one.  With drop oil around the new seal and large socket I pushed it in to place.

With new gaskets and allowing the parts a few days to dry in this colder weather, I can reassemble and store away in the loft - made myself gearbox stand too, very posh!

4hrs

Gearbox opened...

As with most of the other parts if its not broken then just clean, inspect, paint and put it away until its needed for refitting.

I never had any issues with gearbox so an easy fix. Drained the oil which looked a nice colour (not black), found some very some metal fragments around the magnetic drain plug - to be expected after 78,500 miles. Removed the top cover to inspect and have a look around - first time for me.

Bellhousing to come off next, but with the nights closing in thats for another day.

Need to order some gaskets.

1 hr

Bath time...

Before I do any work on the gearbox it needs to be degreased. My intention is only to inspect and replace fluids, I had no issues with it last time the car was driven.

Probably give a coat of paint to make it look nice!

1 hr

Gearbox removed...

Remembering back to the last time I removed the engine, having to jack up the rear to allow clearance over the front of the car was easy in my dads garage with the hoist on a RSJ allowing us to roll the engine along and down. This in my garage was going to be difficult so I decide to remove the gearbox which means only a vertical lift and roll the car.

I needed to support the back of the engine in the bay so it wouldn't damage the heater pipes coming through the bulk head.

2.30 hrs