engine and drivetrain Tranny drop on a snowy day

[jgerock]

While waiting for a good break in the weather (HA!), I decided to pull the 4 speed tranny from Celeste. I bundled up with my flannel-lined jeans, boots, three shirts and an old coat before crawling back under the car to my transmission which was perched on my floor jack with only (2) bolts holding it to the engine and tunnel.

I have about 18" clearance from floor to the framerails

I added some cardboard between the fan and radiator, but the engine didn't really tilt much when I pulled the tranny rearward.

Looks like I have a leakage issue here.

The release bearing is a little noisy when I spin it by hand.

Now that's done - on to the shoveling!

[skipsfcr]

Vivid photos...are you installing a five speed? I noticed another tranny in the background in one photo? Actually the scene looked kind of nice until you showed the friggin' winter outside...Brrrr...I got cold just looking at that.

[Scott Sislane]

nice! Did you get a tranny rebuilt to put in.? It looks like you've done that before.

I put my heater on with the doors shut in the winter.

[jgerock]

Yeah Skip - I purchased an '81 E21 5-speed from a gal in PA earlier this year. The PO got a little crazy with the silver spray paint.

It is stamped with a weird "MW" marking on all the pieces. Still haven't figured that out - maybe the markings of a rebuilder.

I have a new 228mm Sachs clutch, PP, 323i Euro T/O bearing, speedo cable, hydraulic hose, tranny mounts and shifter parts all from Rob Torres. The only thing I haven't purchased is a new shortened driveshaft.

Hopefully I'll get everything sorted out before the Spring drives! My goal is to do Bo Black's event in Arky.

[M3M3]

aw geez. make me feel bad about not coming over in the storm to help! i have the tranny jack in the back of the truck, along with a space heater..

nice work!

[jgerock]

nice! Did you get a tranny rebuilt to put in.? It looks like you've done that before.

I put my heater on with the doors shut in the winter.

The E21 O.D. tranny seems to be OK (crossing my fingers). I installed all new seals (input, output, shifter shaft) along with a new speedo bushing with O-ring and reverse light switch.

This is my very first transmission removal from a BMW. My inspiration for this was working on Marshall Lytle's 75 earlier this year.

I was thinking of buying a little electric heater while shopping at Target Friday - but I'm cheap.

[jgerock]

aw geez. make me feel bad about not coming over in the storm to help! i have the tranny jack in the back of the truck, along with a space heater..

nice work!

Sorry Marshall - I was itching to get into the garage after being cooped up all morning. I'm sure your neighbors loved your generosity. I was surprised at how easy it was after removing the bolts, driveshaft, exhaust, clutch slave cylinder, dist. cap and air cleaner.

[BillWilliams]

Now pray it goes back in as easily.

[M3M3]

lol, i would have done the same thing!

[M3M3]

Now pray it goes back in as easily.

or it goes in easier than my 5spd did! at least we practiced where to beat on the tunnel on my car first!

[jgerock]

Now pray it goes back in as easily.

I only wish I was working in your garage with you, Bill R., Matthew, and Marshall assisting (add Ruth since she has more 2002 experience than me!).

I am lucky to have such great "neighbors".

[BillWilliams]

Let us know when it goes back in. We can watch Marshall work his magic.

There are tricks to making it go smoothly but I am sure you know them.

[thehackmechanic]

Hey, Jim, I'm up here in Boston; we're about 12 hours behind you waiting for the storm to hit here.

Five-speed stuff looks nice; you'll enjoy it.

My most useful tip for the trani re-install is using some longer bolts, or threaded rods with nuts on both ends, to pull the trani and the block together.

--Rob

[ArdenK]

Hey Jim,

Lookin good so far. Do you need a second jack to tip the motor? You can borrow mine if ya need it.

Good luck!

[jgerock]

Thanks for the offers! Marshall tried using (2) "head-less" bolts for aligning his 5-speed tranny but I think they were too long and even after shortening them they actually got in the way so we removed them. The aluminum heat shielding on his '75 caused issues with both the tranny install and rear bracket. A little trimming of the shield was required.

I'm hoping the steering center rod doesn't have to be removed for the new trans. install.

Before that, I need to replace the leaking steering box seal. My pedal box "pad" and firewall blanket both look pathetic. Repeat after me: scope creep!