The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

I have never removed a Sprint engine and gearbox before and wondered how hard it actually is to do ??, my clutch cross shaft is against the bellhousing so needs replacing and I thought I would install a new clutch at the same time as it's been in there since 1992, Steve ( Carledo ) was willing to take it on but car transportation for 230 miles is coming up at anything from £380 to £400, local garages ( including a MG specialist ) just don't want to know, so engine gearbox out a easy or hard job

I had to take my engine out for the exact same reason as you, though I also moved to a better condition OD box at the same time.

Been a few posts recently asking similar, take a look here:

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=34219

The TL;DR is that it's a days work for someone handy with a spanner with a decent engine crane with a load leveller, little drama to be had.

_________________
Current fleet: '75 Sprint, '73 1850, Daihatsu Fourtrak, Honda CG125, Yamaha Fazer 600, Shetland 570 (yes it's a boat!)

Past fleet: Triumph 2000, Lancia Beta Coupe, BL Mini Clubman, Austin Metro, Vauxhall Cavalier MK1 & MK2, Renault 18 D, Rover 216 GSI, Honda Accord (most expensive car purchase, hated, made out of magnetic metal as only car I've ever been crashed into...4 times), BMW 318, Golf GTi MK3 16v x 3

Probably best to give a few more details. Have you have removed an engine before and what sort of equipment do you have?

We fitted mine by dropping the engine in, after removing a 1500. It isn't an especially difficult job, with a load leveler, but we did have to lift it a long way to clear everything. The biggest difficulty was getting the crane legs to fit under the car, but otherwise it was easy enough.

I think in theory you could unbolt the subframe and lift the body off the engine and gearbox. I am sure that some other members have done it that way.

The alternative method is to drop the engine and sub frame assembly out under the car. It is quicker and does not involve removing any of the equipment from the engine bay at all. I do it this way for it is a job which I can do it on my own and there is less chance of any damage.

The exhaust is disconnected at the join just behind the gearbox to exhaust pipe support bracket. Disconnect the radiator and heater hoses, lead to the fuel pump, electrics, speedo cable, flexible hoses to the front brakes. Remove the gear lever and to do this I remove the front carpet, the gearbox cover. Then unbolt the clutch slave support from the top of the gearbox and tie it up out of the way. Unbolt the four sub frame bolts and the gearbox support, lift the car body an inch or so and then disconnect the front shock absorbers at the bottom bush. The bolts should just slide out at that point.

If the sub frame bolts are free then it should take not much more than an hour from whoa to go to have the whole assembly sitting clear of the car.

There are probably some items that need to be disconnected but which should be clear as you go along.

I have taken the engine and sub frame out about 8 times now on the car I have restored. It is just so easy to do and gives you access to pretty much everything you need. Yes you lose some brake fluid which I like to change regularly anyway.

Perhaps I am spoilt though for I can do the whole exercise undercover and I have a very cheap chain hoist which I use to lift the car body.

Robert

Can you not drive it to Steve’s place, there and back in a day and ably assist him with the task?

Alum the cross shaft is against the bell housing and I cannot change gears , looking at maybe hiring a car trailer , just gotta find someone with a tow bar now , thanks for all the replies

Clutchless gearchanges, just get the revs right; once you are out of London, it'll be a doddle