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Re-Intro and desperate question / BN4 Transmission

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waveandwen

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Hello !! Been a long time since I've visited here. The LBC's (57 BN4 and 67 MGB) have been running fine for years. Lately the Healey has been developing clutch issues. Thought might be slave related and have now rebuilt it along with new hoses, etc. Way too much play in clutch fork and now suspect throw out bearing shot.

Question: Can a side shift gearbox be removed through the removed tunnel without engine removal ? Man I hope so. Not at all prepared for an engine removal.


Thanks in advance.


Dave.
 
Yes it can. There is a small cover that has to come off the firewall after you remove the transmission tunnel. I did a writeup to supplement the shop manual. Check out my post on Transmission Removal/Replacement (July 2011).
 
I just finished rebuilding the gearbox in a tri-carb on Friday. Just be sure to support the engine. I take the right seat out from the bottom to avoid sitting on the seat slides. Unless someone has gone wild with a glue-gun , the tunnel comes off relatively easy.
Alan T
 
Thanks for quick replies. Didn't realize that cover comes off. Head now firmly buried under dashboard.

Dave.
 
WOW, that was fast!

I see the 67 MGB in your list; I used to have them too. I once pulled the engine, swapped the clutch and had the first bolts in the motor mounts in 1:15 (bellhousing bolted up tight). After that late night surge, I finished the job the following morning...
 
Thanks Randy. 1:15 is crazy fast for an engine pull on any car. But you're right, the B is pretty easy. Had throw out bearing problems a couple years ago and I could out and back in ver a liesurely weekend. The Healey though scared the crap out of me.

Need to update the car list in my profile. The MG and Healey aint going anywhere but the Impala is long gone. 911 Cabriolet took its place.

Now I get to buying some clutch parts.

Dave.
 
Minimum suggested parts list: clutch and pressure plate; dummy input shaft for centering the clutch; throw-out bearing; front oil seal for transmission input shaft (where it goes into transmission).
 
Thanks TimK. Those parts are already on the list. Does anyone know if the rubber skirt mounted to the inside of the panel that mounts to the firewall and goes aoround the bell housing is an available part ? Can't seem to find it in the moss book. Could always fashion one from and old inner tube, but it seems a tight fit wold be good to help keep heat out the footwell. Have always had a problem with heat on the feet on warm days. Wil try to tighten up the spaces down there upon reassembly. Dave.
 
Dave, yes the rubber flap is available- I think I got one off David Knock. It is just a bit of flat rubber cut to shape.

Also have a look in the archives for some common issues with clutch/thrust bearing replacement as there are a few pitfalls to watch out for, particularly things like marking the flywheel orientation before/if you remove it and quality issues with repro thrust bearings. Maybe a good opportunity to fit a rear-main seal upgrade kit while you are in there?

Andy.
 
British Car Specialists in Stockton, CA has the seal/skirt. Don't forget a new spigot (aka 'pilot') bushing, and soak it in oil first (some say to fill with oil and squeeze with thumb and forefinger until oil oozes out).
 
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