Separating Engine and Trans

[bilbo]

I have a 2.3l with 4-speed manual transmission. I'm having trouble getting the two apart. I have it to about a half inch gap between them, but can't seem to get them any further apart. Is there anything I'm missing that could be holding the two together? All of the bellhousing bolts are off and the starter too. I was thinking of getting a porta-power and spreader in there but don't want to break anything.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

If they're not both perfectly lined up, they tend to stick coming apart. I usually try to play with it a bit to try and line them up better before resorting to other means. I'll sometimes wedge a pry bar on each side of the bell housing and try to wiggle it loose. Be sure that the transmission is well supported though, you don't want it falling on you. I've also resorted to hooking a ratchet strap to the tailhousing to put tension on it and yanking on it for all it's worth.


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[alwaysFlOoReD]

Yep, they can be a pain. I wiggle the hell out of them while trying to pry them apart. Maybe pry one side then the other. If you think getting them apart is hard, just wait .....

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[bilbo]

Thanks for the replies. I was able to get it off by wiggling it persistently. I also found one bolt left on the dust cover too. I'm going to continue living in blissful ignorance about putting it back together for now and burn that bridge when I get to it!