Engine Removal Problems

[corky]

hi, I am in the process of removing the 5.7 in my chevy p30 stepvan and am having problems seperating the transmission (4l80e) from the engine. I have all the converter to flywheel bolts out and all of the trans to engine block bolts out but the trans is still tight to the block. I guess the alignment pins on the transmission are stuck. Has anyone else had this problem and whats the best way to fix it?

[Draenor]

Prybar and some elbow grease.

[Zembonez]

Prybar and some elbow grease.

+1

 

I've run into it but it was a long time ago! It does sound like the dowel pins are stuck, but first have a really close look and make sure there isn't a bell housing bolt that you missed somehow. It's not that hard to do especially in tight quarters like yours.

 

Spray penetrating lube in the area of the pins and pry gently until you get a little movement. Once it starts moving, carefully work it back and forth with two good large flat blade screwdrivers at the bottom of the block/bell housing and it should gradually break free. It can be a real bear to get some of them apart but I would resist using brute force and a bar because you could break something (like a trans case)...

 

GOOD LUCK!

[Wingnut]

Last time I had that problem, I used an impact hammer with a chisel blade on it. Took about 12 seconds (after fighting with it for two hours).