I need to clean up the engine bay in my 70 Olds.
I want to yank the motor, degrease it, paint it, and the bay, and reinstall it.

I was just curious on what people recommend on engine pulling.
I was told a $40 load leveler is priceless for this adventure.
With or without the trans?? Any tips are appreciated too.

I found these procedures to follow > http://tech.classicoldsmobile.com/97.shtml

Is it easier to pull the front end off to get it out, or more of a PITA ??

 

A load leveler is a good tool. I suggest removing the engine without the transmission. If you remove the engine and transmission together you have to lift the enitre assembly higher to get it over the grille.

 

I agree-less of a mess also,as you won't have tranny fluid all over! (assuming automatic) I wouldn't take off the front clip,it is a lot more work. I have changed just the engine with one person,(me) but with the trans attached,you will want another person to 'steer' the entire unit. ---bil

 

using the leveler works fine providing there is no interference with the firewall. plus with the leveler be sure the lift can go high enough for the pan to clear the radiator support. a lift plate make things much easier clearance wise, both at the firewall and support.

separating the two assemblies before pulling makes life a lot easier

 

If you were pulling the front clip it may be easier to pull them together. Then you dont have to wrestle the tranny out from under the car. I've done it both ways. I usually leave 4 speeds attached if they both need to come out.

 

If your just doing this to clean up the engine bay and repaint there is really no reason to pull the transmission. Just pull the engine. Don't forget to support the transmission when you pull the enging

 

I always pull the tran with the motor. It is so much easier, to me. I have a leveler, never used it. I use a carb plate, hook it in the front hole, and when you pull it out, it comes out at the righrt angle to take it out. You do need a person to help you. Once the pan clears the core support, you need the helper to get in the engine compartmet, and lift the back off the tran, and help push the combo, and hoist out. Then you can change the front, and real tran seal.

 

I usually pull the motor separately if the front clip is staying on. Always use a leveling block, it takes alot of hassle out of the work! Good luck!

 

I just pulled my 394 w/ the transmission attached. I took apart the grill. Getting the crossmember off really sucked. Once that came off it was a breeze - hoisted 'er up and backed up the car.

See how happy we are?

 

I guess I should say there's a strong chance I'm selling the trans.....and possibly the engine as well.
At the absolute VERY LEAST I'm putting a 6 speed manual trans back in the car.

However, I just wanted to do it the easiest way possible.
I was told NAPA sells trans plugs cheap to keep all the trans fluid from spilling all over.

 

i almost always pull the engine and trans together. i have a set of plastic caps that slide into the back of the transmission so it don't run ATF all over the floor. it makes it much easier if you pull out the cross member under the transmission.

 

If I'm doing it by myself, 1 thing at a time.

If I have a buddy or 2, I'll yank them both.

 

I 've done it both ways.
If you're gonna sell both pieces, pull them together.
A lot less trouble to remove the transmission after everything is out.
Just drain the transmission before you do to save the mess.
I've never used a leveler. I just allow for enough angle to get them out.
Put a floor jack under the transmission pan so the tranny can roll forward without hitting the floor after it clears the cross member.
If you do this, you'll need to pull the starter and crossover pipe (if it's single exhaust) before pullling them out.

 

I'm 99.9% positive that the cross over pipe is under the driveshaft.

So it shouldn't be an issue. Actually.....I have a pic of a 71 Chevelle underbody.
Looks like it's completely out of the way.

T56CrossmemberfromBowtieOverdrives7.jpg