Morris Minor Owners Club

Whats peoples opinions on changing a clutch, gearbox out or engine out.
Just thought have I opened a can of worms[frame][/frame]

Never done it but I think the clear consensus is engine out, or at least shifted forwards with the grille off.

I always pull the gearbox out - but I have a 4 post lift.

In my younger days I would have done the same with 4 wheel ramps or some axle stands and a bit of laying on the floor.

All you need do to the engine is remove the heater valve so that it can be tilted back without fouling the bulkhead.

Engine moved forward can be done simply and quickly with a trolley jack - just pop the radiator out - grille etc can stay in place. having struggled in the past with 'gearbox out' I would never try that again.

I agree, engine out if you're working on the floor.
Gearbox out if you have a ramp - but that can become complicated on old Minors if the crossmember bolts don't want to come out of the caged nuts in the chassis......
While the engine is out its a good opportunity to give everything a good spring clean too!

Engine out every time. Especially if it is a side valve, you can set the valve clearances easily as well. I used to do this job on a saturday morning when I was younger but at 78 it takes me two days now!!

Gearbox drop for me

Thanks all for your input.
Will take engine out, at last I will be able to use my lidl electric hoist as soon as I can get some clamps to fix to roof girder.
I will be using a section near to the wall support so as to not stress the girder too much.
Whats the weight of the engine by the way.

I know a Mini engine and box is 3 cwt. So I would guess at no more than 2 cwt. But you don't need to lift it 'out' - just remove the towers and slide it forward on a trolley jack (while supporting the gearbox front end) and turn it enough to get at the bolts holding the pressure assembly Be sure to centre the plate properly before refitting the assembly. I found a piece of dowel (valve grinding tool handle) bound round with black tape does the job nicely.

as above just spin it round,no risk of damaging the paintwork.