Re: Coupe Clutch

[Don Hoefer <hoefer@eng.pko.dec.com>]

PAUL SOUZA asks:

>           1.  The Bentley shows to support the motor up front with a brace,
>               not a problem, but I'm curious as to why.  The MM's can't do
>               this alone?
> 

No.  The front of the engine will drop or sag too much to fit
the transmission back on.  I made a brace out of a 2x6 and some
3/4" plywood with some chain and a hook from a hardware store.
Since this will sag after you remove the transmission you need
a way to lift the engine with the chain, or, it is not hard to lift
one end of the brace and place another piece of wood or whatever
under the brace to lift the engine.  This will allow you to fit
the transmission back on to the engine.

Hint: My floor jack is a cheap one from Sears.  It does not have the
complicated mechanical stuff to lift straight up or down.
Normally it will roll a little as you lift.  If I keep it stationary
it is ideal for dropping the transmission.  The handle end goes
toward the engine.  I fit the cup of the jack under and around
a small ridge on the bottom of the transmission/differential
assembly (this is close to it's center of gravity).  As I lower
the jack it will also pull the transmission toward the rear of the
car.  Of course, it is not too easy, I do have to wrestle with it
a little comming off and going back on.

I can do this job in 5 1/2 hours now.  I have heard of others that
can do it in two hours or so.  What is your secret?  Air tools,
a lift, real tools, etc.?

Don Hoefer
'82 Coupe