Need help -Trying to pull engine our of my '65 396

[Jonathan S.]

Alright, I thought I worked through my checklist and removed all the bolts necessary to pull my engine, but I cannot get the darn thing out.

I have taken out all of the components - alternator radiator, radiator shroud, exhaust manifolds, fan, water pump, carb, intake manifold, distributor, sheilding, coil ... everything. I have unbolted the motor mounts from the block, unbolted the transmission bellhousing bolts, supported the transmission with a floor jack.

Here is my problem I cannot get the engine and the tranny to release and or separate. My engine lift and chain lift the engine with ease, but the tranny goes with it, so I backed it off and got some separation between the tranny and engine, but apparently not enough.

What am I missing or doing wrong?

[Joe L.]

Re: Need help -Trying to pull engine our of my '65 396

Alright, I thought I worked through my checklist and removed all the bolts necessary to pull my engine, but I cannot get the darn thing out.

I have taken out all of the components - alternator radiator, radiator shroud, exhaust manifolds, fan, water pump, carb, intake manifold, distributor, sheilding, coil ... everything. I have unbolted the motor mounts from the block, unbolted the transmission bellhousing bolts, supported the transmission with a floor jack.

Here is my problem I cannot get the engine and the tranny to release and or separate. My engine lift and chain lift the engine with ease, but the tranny goes with it, so I backed it off and got some separation between the tranny and engine, but apparently not enough.

What am I missing or doing wrong?

Jonathan------



Personally, I would not attempt to do the engine removal the way you are doing it. I would either remove the transmission from the engine and then pull the engine and clutch assembly by itself OR remove the engine, clutch and transmission as a complete unit. The method you're using is fraught with problems and offers absolutely no advantage compared to either of the methods I described.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Need help -Trying to pull engine our of my '65 396

The method you seem to be using I have seen done with a 1958 Vette, but that was a much smaller 283 engine, and even then I didn't feel it was wise. I don't think it is wise to put the extra strain on the trransmission input shaft and clutch driven disc during the separation. I have always opted to remove the transmission from the car first while supporting the engine either with a floor jack and wood block under the pan or with tension on the chain hoist. Some cars lend themselves better to a complete engine with transmission pull, but not Corvettes, and certainly not big blocks. There is just too much wrestling around necessary to go from level to tip angle, back to level and potential for collateral damage to the engine, firewall and inner fender panels.

Stu Fox

[Todd L.]

Re: Need help -Trying to pull engine our of my '65 396

I am in the process of removing the BB from my 74. The service manual has me removing the motor and transmission at the same time. I still need to borrow a cherry picker, but I am following the guideline set in the service manual and the advice of the people here on the board.
Good luck

[Stephen L.]

Re: Need help -Trying to pull engine our of my '65 396

I've removed the BB from my 67 coupe on a couple of occasions. Easiest way for me was trans and engine together. Just pick up the engine with a tilt "attitude" (tail heavy) and lift it out. As you lift you need to either move the cherry picker or the chassis. You will need a cherry picker that can lift the engine high enough to clear the front header panel. I believe a load leveler would work fine, however I've never personally used one. This device allows you to change the tilt angle as you lift the engine. You should have help to guide the engine out of the car.

I also install it as an assembly.

[Dick W.]

Re: Need help -Trying to pull engine our of my '65 396

Another way to remove the engine is to remove the flywheel housing and leave it and the transmission in the car. Not a big deal to take the 6-7 bolts out of the housing. Gives you a little more wiggle room.

[Steven B.]

Re: Need help -Trying to pull engine our of my '65 396

Jonathon, a friend used the method you are and had to buy a new shaft. I would do as the others recommend and pull engine and transmission.

Good Luck!

Steve

[Joseph T.]

Re: Need help -Trying to pull engine our of my '65 396

Jonathon,
Please do as Stephen recommends. I have also done it both ways and lifting the engine and transmission is by far the easiest. Note:Make sure there is adequate clearance above the car to lift the assembly and clear the fenders. Good luck.

[Jonathan S.]

Re: Need help -Trying to pull engine our of my '65 396

Okay, first let me thank everyone for the various advice-very helpful.

Well here is the verdict, I continued with the way of removing the engine I initally started, and that was to remove the engine only and leave the bellhousing and transmission in the car. I got the engine out last night and it came out as smooth as butter once I did one final step. I am almost too embarassed to tell, but for the sake of a few laughs for the more experienced people and for the sake of helping future newbies out--

--WHO KNEW THAT THOSE FOUR SMALL INSPECTION COVER BOLTS WERE SO STRONG--

That's right, I missed removing the inspection cover before pulling the engine only.

[Graeme B.]

Re: Need help -Trying to pull engine our of my '65 396

Jonathan, we've ALL done something dumb .Thanks for sharing.
Cheers, Graeme.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Need help -Trying to pull engine our of my '65 396

Jonathan,

Read the post above on engine evaluation and be careful what you do to this engine at machine shop..

[Wayne M.]

Re: Need help -Trying to pull engine our of my '65 396

....That's right, I missed removing the inspection cover before pulling the engine only.

I just recalled having seen a detailed engine removal procedure for 1965 327 and 396 Corvettes, printed in the April 1965 issue of Chevrolet Service News.

A single-page article with 37 points. Covers every single bolt, wire, clamp. It also recommends that engine/trans assembly be removed as a unit (less time than separately). I suppose I could scan and post, but you've already succeeded.