Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi all

This is my first time on the mechanical site and just for the record I am not a mechanic!

My 1968 pick up Molly needs to have a new clutch.

I have the replacement clutch and been told a method of fitting the new one without popping the engine out. As my buck is non standard I have been able to remove the prop and access it from the back. So far the prop is out, the floor panel is out and the bell housing bolts are off. I have also removed 4 bolts from the cross member supporting the gearbox.
It is now that I am a bit stuck as I would expect the gearbox to be in a position to be lowered but it remains in situ. I have made sure the cross member is free each side and so now need the services of a Moggy Mechanical Master, to point out all the bits that I have missed in order to free Molly from her old clutch and to put the new on.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Alan

Clutch operation linkage needs to be disconnected.
Block the engine sump area so it dosent drop back and down too much and the back of the engine is supported from dropping.
Take starter off, 2 bolts. Various other bolts all round the bellhousing, once all are undone, about a dozen in total.
Twist the gearbox and pull backwards, might need to lower the back of the engine slightly so it clears the steering rack then take the weight and drop out.

Must be nice having a pit in your garage!

HTH

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I find it much less effort to lift the engine out - saves all that scrabbling underneath the car. The main fun lines ahead of you - when you try to get the box back up and into place again. It's a nightmare job. the engine top steady bar should be disconnected too - to allow the engine to move down - and maybe loosen the top rad hose too to save straining it and/or the rad as the engine moves.

Must be nice having a pit in your garage!

It would be nice, I agree, unfortunately I only have some metal portable ramps to elevate her so its not that great.

Thanks to you both for your replies I will make sure to be aware of what you mention.

Don't forget the little wire that stops the engine/gearbox assembly going too far forward during braking

But it's fixed to the X member - so will come down with it. I'm guessing heathy's comment about the pit is tongue -in-cheek, because you wouldn't normally attempt to drop the box without a pit!!