Engine-Trans install saga [Sick Feeling - Engine not engaging trans.]

[Ben Swann]

Well there was not good news regarding the engine not engaging the
transmission see prior posts [Sick Feeling - Engine not engaging  trans.] -
Despite that I checked engine/clutch/trans engagement  prior to installation
and then installed engine and trans as a unit, the throwout/release bearing
was forced forward and slipped down off the sleeve and would not retract.  I
have them partially separated but have not been able to get the bearing back
onto the sleeve - seems like the sleeve has become deformed as a result or
even possible culprit.  Apparently the bearing was pushing in the pressure
plate as if the clutch pedal had been fully depressed and beyond.  The irony
is that the clutch hydraulics have yet to be filled and bled, so there should
have been no pressure on the slave.  Anyway in a few words I'm screwed and the
trans is back against the steering rack and can't be taken out until engine is
dropped down or moved forward - in other words, it all needs to be
disassembled and taken apart and out again.  So much for my attention to
detail - it did not payoff this time.

 

Since it all needs to come back out, now is the time to revisit the
possibility of reworking the front members.  I don't want to, but eventually
need to address this with the limited intercooler options.  I have on hand a
complete front crossmember and the left right and center hood release sections
from a '1993 model 90 "B4" chassis?  And the top/hood release sections left,
right and mid from the '89 model 80 "B2" ? chassis.  I'm wondering if these
can be put to good use, or if I'm best just leaving the front alone.  I did
not see any obvious way to fit these sections in with the nice bumper and
spoiler sections from the Ur Quattro.  Has anyone done this conversion -
removable front using later crossemembers and allow for larger intercooler
fitment?   Other possibilities?

 

It really sucks that I have to redo all this as I was a few steps from testing
things out and getting ready to run.  But if I need to take so many steps back
and over, might as well revisit some things.  I hope I'll have it all back
together in time for Carlysle.

 

Ben

 

[As I am getting near firing the new MC engine in my Ur Quattro with '87 5ktq
trans. I found as I turn the engine by hand (tightening the harmonic pully
bolt.) that the engine does not seem to be engaging the trans properly.  I
tried the various gears including reverse.  All seem to be engaging properly -
at least by feel.  But the wheels and shafts don't turn, as if the clutch is
depressed.  Now I'm depressed.

 

History - transmission was working perfectly from '87 5ktq avant and had new
fluid before removal.  Using 200 flywheel, pressure plate with a 5000 disk.  I
compared the 5000 disk to 200 disk and they are the same in dimension and
appearance.  I had tested the axles were turning before putting in the car,
but now after being put in car, it won't engage.

 

Any ideas?  I hope I don't have to pull it all out again - especially since I
don't know what would be wrong.  I've used this clutch combination before with
MC engine and NG engine, so didn't expect any problem.

 

Ben]