Pulling Engine--Need Advice - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

palposity · 10-30-2009, 09:41 PM

Hey Guys,

We'll I'm in a bit of a jam. I got my 86 Chevy K20 Plow truck out of moth balls to get ready for the winter season and the engine blew all the oil out of the rear main while I was test driving it. I guess it dry rotted while sitting for the past 6 months. Anyway...the engine is totally seized up. I bought a replacement for it and it is ready to drop in. I was hoping to get the engine out by itself, without the tranny because I've heard it's hard to pull an engine/tranny combo in a 4x4 truck. I've done this in 2wd trucks where I pulled the engine and tranny together no problem. Here is my problem....I can't get a socket on the upper bell housing bolts to save my life! Do you guys have any tricks or special tools that you use? Any help is appreciated. I'm extremely frustrated with this.

Thanks!

Charlie

cableguy0 · 10-30-2009, 09:56 PM

either climb in and reach over behind the intake or drop the crossmember and let the trans hang. it will expose the bolts. or just pull the transfer case off and pull the engine and trans together.

palposity · 10-30-2009, 11:07 PM

I tried reaching behind the intake from inside the engine bay, but couldn't get enough leverage to turn the wrench. I like the thought of dropping the crossmember to tilt the tranny back. I may have to give that a try!

bitchin85 · 10-30-2009, 11:11 PM

thats what i just did to mine, take out the cross member and unbolt your exhaust from your headers, or manifolds, and tilt the motor all the way back and you will easily be able to get a socket on it with a swivel and extension. REMEMBER to take off your distributor cap before you tip the motor all the way back because it will hit the fire wall and break it. good luck

**N2TRUX** · 10-31-2009, 10:15 AM

Before you drop the crossmember, try a long extension with a swivel. It might save you some time.

68 TT · 10-31-2009, 11:26 AM

Is it a manual or an automatic?

When I yanked mine I unbolted the bell housing from the manual transmission and left the trans & transfer case in place.

Yanking the distributor will make getting to the top two bolts much easier. A 9/16 box end wrench with another wrench hooked through the open end will make you a tight clearance breaker bar if you need it.

**old Rusty C10** · 10-31-2009, 12:26 PM

ive always been able to get those bolts with my four foot extension and a swivel socket with the 9/16 socket all 3/8 drive

make sure you disconnect the torque converter too and push it as far into the trans before you yank the motor... the first time i did a solo motor i forgot that step and wound up goin for a trans too

palposity · 10-31-2009, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

ive always been able to get those bolts with my four foot extension and a swivel socket with the 9/16 socket all 3/8 drive

make sure you disconnect the torque converter too and push it as far into the trans before you yank the motor... the first time i did a solo motor i forgot that step and wound up goin for a trans too

Thanks for all the tips guys! I ended up buying a swivel and long extensions and that got the job done. I'm concerned about the torque converter thing. I tried to pull that off the flywheel before pulling the motor, but my engine was so badly seized up that I didn't have a prayer of rotating the fly wheel in order to get all 3 of the torque converter bolts off. How do I know if I ruined my tranny? (besides trying to put it in gear when I get it all put back together)

cableguy0 · 10-31-2009, 08:55 PM

you wont hurt the trans simply by pulling the torque converter out with the engine. just support the trans as it comes apart so it doesnt fall and slam. just make sure you fully seat the torque converter back onto the trans before you try to bolt another engine up.

**old Rusty C10** · 10-31-2009, 10:25 PM

I beg to disagree with cableguy.. he is correct if you have the complete nose off the truck and pull it forward, but if youre trying to get the motor out with the radiator support in , you wont have enough room and the shaft will damage the seals and bearings in the front of the trans... this happened to me.. i found out after i started the new motor and trans seal started leaking
this all happened on a 350 motor th350 trans in a 1978 camaro i was working on back in the day

gchemist · 10-31-2009, 10:28 PM

Swival joint and three/four long extentions!!

cableguy0 · 10-31-2009, 10:46 PM

so long as the converter snout clears the trans its fine.if you try lifting the engine with only the converter engaged yes it probably will tear up the pump bushing and seal but the converter snout is only 3 inches or so. its a pain to get out but can be done without damage. the only thing that can really get hurt is the bushing and seal both replaceable without tearing the trans apart

68 TT · 11-01-2009, 10:38 AM

If you can't unbolt the converter then it is best to not take the chance of damaging the front pump bushing, seal or converter snout and just pull the engine and trans together.

You can leave the transfer case and extension housing in place just make sure you support it well so it doesn't tip and break something. There is nothing to hurt in that connection and it is pretty easy to get back together.

It will be very messy as trans fluid will freely flow out the back.

palposity · 11-01-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cableguy0

so long as the converter snout clears the trans its fine.if you try lifting the engine with only the converter engaged yes it probably will tear up the pump bushing and seal but the converter snout is only 3 inches or so. its a pain to get out but can be done without damage. the only thing that can really get hurt is the bushing and seal both replaceable without tearing the trans apart

So since I have already pulled the motor independent of the transmission (I had a jack under the tranny to support it) It probably wouldn't be a bad idea for me to replace the front bushing and seal in the tranny before installing the new motor? If I am understanding you correctly hopefully everyone agree's all should be well.

cableguy0 · 11-01-2009, 02:43 PM

the seal and bushing are probably worn anyhow. look at the bushing. it will show its wear if there is any. the seal is easy to replace but the bushing is a pain bc of the input shaft being in the way.

palposity · 11-01-2009, 03:01 PM

Thanks. Do you have to pull the tranny to replace the bushing?

**old Rusty C10** · 11-01-2009, 04:02 PM

with the motor out you can prolly do it... i replaced the whole trans as it was a 2wd car not a 4wd truck

cableguy0 · 11-01-2009, 04:03 PM

not with the engine out of the way. you can get it. but its probably not completely needed. your definately not the first guy to have the same dillemma with a locked up engine that pulled it out that way.

palposity · 11-02-2009, 09:08 AM

Sounds good. I just need to figure out the particulars about what Transmission I have so I can get the right seal/bushing. The pan says "Hydromatic" on it. Is that enough info?

chicklin · 11-02-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palposity

Sounds good. I just need to figure out the particulars about what Transmission I have so I can get the right seal/bushing. The pan says "Hydromatic" on it. Is that enough info?

Being a C10 it's most likely a TH350, unless it's been swapped in the past.

palposity · 11-02-2009, 11:11 AM

The truck is my K20.

68 TT · 11-02-2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palposity

The truck is my K20.

Should be a T-400 then. Is the pan square with a corner cut off or an irregular shape?

Irregular shape is the T-400. Square is the T-350.

chicklin · 11-02-2009, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palposity

The truck is my K20.

Ooops, my bad. Yeah, like the other guy said, should be the TH400.

palposity · 11-02-2009, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68 TT

Should be a T-400 then. Is the pan square with a corner cut off or an irregular shape?

Irregular shape is the T-400. Square is the T-350.

I got under the truck and took another look at the tranny pan. It only has one normal looking corner...the rest of the corners are very irregular...so I am guessing I have a T400.

**N2TRUX** · 11-02-2009, 08:41 PM

This should help

10-30-2009, 09:41 PM	#1
palposity Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Syracuse NY Posts: 684	Pulling Engine--Need Advice Hey Guys, We'll I'm in a bit of a jam. I got my 86 Chevy K20 Plow truck out of moth balls to get ready for the winter season and the engine blew all the oil out of the rear main while I was test driving it. I guess it dry rotted while sitting for the past 6 months. Anyway...the engine is totally seized up. I bought a replacement for it and it is ready to drop in. I was hoping to get the engine out by itself, without the tranny because I've heard it's hard to pull an engine/tranny combo in a 4x4 truck. I've done this in 2wd trucks where I pulled the engine and tranny together no problem. Here is my problem....I can't get a socket on the upper bell housing bolts to save my life! Do you guys have any tricks or special tools that you use? Any help is appreciated. I'm extremely frustrated with this. Thanks! Charlie __________________ Project #1 "Pops"--1980 Chevrolet Scottsdale C10 3rd Generation in the same original owner family. GOAL: Restore to "almost" original. View Project Pops HERE Project #2 "Cletus"--1986 Chevy K20 4.10 Gear Ratio GOAL: Restore into a heavy duty work/plow rig View Project Cletus HERE - SOLD DD--2008 Duramax CCSB

10-30-2009, 09:56 PM	#2
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice either climb in and reach over behind the intake or drop the crossmember and let the trans hang. it will expose the bolts. or just pull the transfer case off and pull the engine and trans together. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

10-30-2009, 11:07 PM	#3
palposity Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Syracuse NY Posts: 684	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice I tried reaching behind the intake from inside the engine bay, but couldn't get enough leverage to turn the wrench. I like the thought of dropping the crossmember to tilt the tranny back. I may have to give that a try! __________________ Project #1 "Pops"--1980 Chevrolet Scottsdale C10 3rd Generation in the same original owner family. GOAL: Restore to "almost" original. View Project Pops HERE Project #2 "Cletus"--1986 Chevy K20 4.10 Gear Ratio GOAL: Restore into a heavy duty work/plow rig View Project Cletus HERE - SOLD DD--2008 Duramax CCSB

10-30-2009, 11:11 PM	#4
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice thats what i just did to mine, take out the cross member and unbolt your exhaust from your headers, or manifolds, and tilt the motor all the way back and you will easily be able to get a socket on it with a swivel and extension. REMEMBER to take off your distributor cap before you tip the motor all the way back because it will hit the fire wall and break it. good luck __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

10-31-2009, 10:15 AM	#5
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice Before you drop the crossmember, try a long extension with a swivel. It might save you some time. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

10-31-2009, 11:26 AM	#6
68 TT Still plays with trucks Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,556	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice Is it a manual or an automatic? When I yanked mine I unbolted the bell housing from the manual transmission and left the trans & transfer case in place. Yanking the distributor will make getting to the top two bolts much easier. A 9/16 box end wrench with another wrench hooked through the open end will make you a tight clearance breaker bar if you need it.

10-31-2009, 12:26 PM	#7
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,277	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice ive always been able to get those bolts with my four foot extension and a swivel socket with the 9/16 socket all 3/8 drive make sure you disconnect the torque converter too and push it as far into the trans before you yank the motor... the first time i did a solo motor i forgot that step and wound up goin for a trans too __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!! Last edited by old Rusty C10; 10-31-2009 at 12:27 PM.

10-31-2009, 08:55 PM	#9
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice you wont hurt the trans simply by pulling the torque converter out with the engine. just support the trans as it comes apart so it doesnt fall and slam. just make sure you fully seat the torque converter back onto the trans before you try to bolt another engine up. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

10-31-2009, 10:25 PM	#10
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,277	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice I beg to disagree with cableguy.. he is correct if you have the complete nose off the truck and pull it forward, but if youre trying to get the motor out with the radiator support in , you wont have enough room and the shaft will damage the seals and bearings in the front of the trans... this happened to me.. i found out after i started the new motor and trans seal started leaking this all happened on a 350 motor th350 trans in a 1978 camaro i was working on back in the day __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

10-31-2009, 10:28 PM	#11
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice Swival joint and three/four long extentions!! __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

10-31-2009, 10:46 PM	#12
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice so long as the converter snout clears the trans its fine.if you try lifting the engine with only the converter engaged yes it probably will tear up the pump bushing and seal but the converter snout is only 3 inches or so. its a pain to get out but can be done without damage. the only thing that can really get hurt is the bushing and seal both replaceable without tearing the trans apart __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

11-01-2009, 10:38 AM	#13
68 TT Still plays with trucks Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,556	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice If you can't unbolt the converter then it is best to not take the chance of damaging the front pump bushing, seal or converter snout and just pull the engine and trans together. You can leave the transfer case and extension housing in place just make sure you support it well so it doesn't tip and break something. There is nothing to hurt in that connection and it is pretty easy to get back together. It will be very messy as trans fluid will freely flow out the back.

11-01-2009, 02:43 PM	#15
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice the seal and bushing are probably worn anyhow. look at the bushing. it will show its wear if there is any. the seal is easy to replace but the bushing is a pain bc of the input shaft being in the way. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

11-01-2009, 03:01 PM	#16
palposity Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Syracuse NY Posts: 684	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice Thanks. Do you have to pull the tranny to replace the bushing? __________________ Project #1 "Pops"--1980 Chevrolet Scottsdale C10 3rd Generation in the same original owner family. GOAL: Restore to "almost" original. View Project Pops HERE Project #2 "Cletus"--1986 Chevy K20 4.10 Gear Ratio GOAL: Restore into a heavy duty work/plow rig View Project Cletus HERE - SOLD DD--2008 Duramax CCSB

11-01-2009, 04:02 PM	#17
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,277	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice with the motor out you can prolly do it... i replaced the whole trans as it was a 2wd car not a 4wd truck __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!



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11-01-2009, 04:03 PM	#18
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice not with the engine out of the way. you can get it. but its probably not completely needed. your definately not the first guy to have the same dillemma with a locked up engine that pulled it out that way. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

11-02-2009, 09:08 AM	#19
palposity Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Syracuse NY Posts: 684	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice Sounds good. I just need to figure out the particulars about what Transmission I have so I can get the right seal/bushing. The pan says "Hydromatic" on it. Is that enough info? __________________ Project #1 "Pops"--1980 Chevrolet Scottsdale C10 3rd Generation in the same original owner family. GOAL: Restore to "almost" original. View Project Pops HERE Project #2 "Cletus"--1986 Chevy K20 4.10 Gear Ratio GOAL: Restore into a heavy duty work/plow rig View Project Cletus HERE - SOLD DD--2008 Duramax CCSB

11-02-2009, 11:11 AM	#21
palposity Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Syracuse NY Posts: 684	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice The truck is my K20. __________________ Project #1 "Pops"--1980 Chevrolet Scottsdale C10 3rd Generation in the same original owner family. GOAL: Restore to "almost" original. View Project Pops HERE Project #2 "Cletus"--1986 Chevy K20 4.10 Gear Ratio GOAL: Restore into a heavy duty work/plow rig View Project Cletus HERE - SOLD DD--2008 Duramax CCSB

11-02-2009, 08:41 PM	#25
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: Pulling Engine--Need Advice This should help __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

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