Engine installation procedure

[CaliMorris]

I'm about ready to put the engine in. I have the transmission already installed, but i'm not sure if i bolt the clutch assembly to the flywheel, leave that in the engine, and then put the engine in. Or should i bolt the flywheel and the clutch assembly to the engine, and install it all at once?

[bmcecosse]

I don't understand what you mean - but there is no option but to bolt the flywheel to the engine, and then fit the clutch assembly to the flywheel. Note - you need to make sure the friction plate is central to the flywheel when doing this...... a piece of dowel rod with some plastic tape wound round helps - the rod fits in the oilite bush in the tail of the crank (make sure it is present and correct) and the tape wound round fits neatly inside the friction plate . Then take GREAT CARE when sliding the engine up to the gearbox to make sure the first motion shaft slides neatly in through the clutch without dislodging the rather delicate operation pad on the pressure assembly.....turn the engine over by hand to help the splines to engage in the plate. Good luck!

[kennatt]

It's much easier to fit the gearbox to engine out of the car and install the whole lot as one unit ,many do it the way BM explains,but if you are not expirenced in this proceedure,which clearly you are not,then it 's very easy to damage the clutch plate,or gearbox input shaft(First motion shaft). Everything needs to be lined up its not just a case of bolting them together.Good luck.

[chesney]

Also, make sure you get the clutch friction plate the right way round!