Pulling leaking M21 from 66 roadster

[joe gushen]

I need to pull my M21 from my 66 big block because it is leaking out the the front of the transmission. It was easy to install because I had the body off, it did't leak then... Any tricks? Can I take the shifter handle off or will I need to take off the whole shifter? Any best fixes for the leak? I was told check the weep hole and use blue silicone to seal up the bolts and cone.

Thanks
Joe

[Mark S. Lovejoy]

Re: Pulling leaking M21 from 66 roadster

Joe,

If your '66 shifter is G.M. it should be mounted to the frame (1st year for this). I believe it will need to be removed in order to get the transmission back far enough to clear the bell housing. Some have mentioned leaving the trans mounted to the bell housing and taking them out as a unit. I have never tried that method.

The oil leak is probably where the countershaft sticks through the front of the transmission (very common), not the front main bearing.

Once removed and on the bench drain all the fluid and clean the front of the trans and countershaft with lacquer thinner or MEK. When you are ready to install the trans apply a small amount of silicone gasket to the front of the countershaft and bolt it to the bell housing while the gasket material is still wet. This is not the perfect remedy but it will work.

Hope this helps,

Mark
#27152

[David B.]

Re: Pulling leaking M21 from 66 roadster

Joe,

I believe that after dropping the drive shaft and unbolting the transmission and shifter, you will be able to move the trans back 2-3 inches. I was able to get at mine fine to do the cleaning and sealing of the counter shaft successfully with this method. I used "Right Stuff" by Permatex for sealing. Doesn't leak a drop now. So, unless you wish to take the M21 out for other reasons, you may wish to try this method.

Dave B.