Lotus Elan +2 engine removal

[mcole01]

Hello,

I'm in the middle of removing the engine from my +2 rolling chassis. I've managed to split the transmission from the engine a distance of 1 inch all the way round. I'm simply unable to work the engine free of the gearbox despite rocking the engine from side to side. I've even tried a couple of wedges without success. The chassis is supported on axle stands and I don't want to knock the chassis off while I'm rocking the engine. I've read the threads in the Forum but I need some advise at this point.

Mike

[alan.barker]

Have you lifted Engine enough with top of Bellhousing touching the Body.
The front of the Sump can touch the Chassis cross member.
There is an Earth Braid from Oil Pump.
Alan

[bitsobrits]

What is your arrangement for supporting the gearbox at this point? You may need a slight lift under the bell housing to free things up.

[mcole01]

Hi,

Thanks for you replies.
Yes, I've removed the earth strap and I have the gearbox supported on a trolley jack. I've tried to keep the gearbox as parallel to the engine as possible to prevent binding. I can push the engine to the left and right but I lack the ability to pull the engine forward away from the gearbox other than by using wedges between the gearbox and engine.

[mcole01]

OK, I confess I'm a dope. Found one starter motor bolt that was covered in muck and I didn't realize that the bolt associated with the clutch master cylinder needed to come out. Engine is out.

[alan.barker]

For the Clutch what Bolt/Screw are you talking about i 'm lost.
You have the top bolt for the Starter next to a Bell Housing Bolt.
Alan

[mcole01]

Alan,

I misspoke. I was referring to the bolt that retains the steel plate between the back of the engine and the bell housing. The bolt is about an inch above the clutch slave cylinder that's mounted on the exhaust side of the bell housing.

Mike

[alan.barker]

Hi Mike,
Good luck as you advance.
Sounds like you're having fun.
Alan

[Foxie]

Alan,

I misspoke. I was referring to the bolt that retains the steel plate between the back of the engine and the bell housing. The bolt is about an inch above the clutch slave cylinder that's mounted on the exhaust side of the bell housing.

Mike

Been there, done that !