3800 Tips on pulling the engine...

[00 GTP Debadged]

It looks like my flexplate took a dump or is loose. I am going to have to pull the engine. Just need some tips from any of you that have done it. And how hard is it to rebuild the tranny, may do that while I have the engine out.

Randy

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[J.E.T.]

Sorry I don't have any tips to offer. Just curious where you will be doing the work? I'd like to help/watch/learn if possible.

J.E.T.
'97 Red GTP

 

[12secGTP]

randy,
you dont have to pull the engine to check the flexplate. just pull the inspection cover off and then take a screwdriver and slowly (well.. you wont have a choice but to do it slowly!! LOL) and turn the engine. you can pry between the plate teeth and the trans case. you will be able to see 98% of the plate as you rotate it around and should see any cracks or breaks. also look for bolts missing or loose, check them as you rotate around. put a mark on the plate with a marker so you know you have made it all the way around and have checked all the bolts. try this first before pulling it.

Pulling the engine is not for the faint of heart. just make sure everything is disconnected (wiring, intake, heater hoses). you should drain the coolant since you will have to disconnect the heater core lines. Disconnet both pos and neg of the battery. disconnect the alternator. Also you will need to pull the axles and disconnect the power steering pump from the block. you should then be able to undo the motor mount bolts and pull the engine out. take the hood off to make it easier too.


let me know if you need anything... wish you were closer so I could help ya out...

 

[00 GTP Debadged]

Do I need to drain the tranny fluid first? I was wondering if I could just pull the cover off and see it. I am about 90% sure it involves the flex plate, and I hope it is just loose. If in fact it is and I have to pull it, maybe we can have a mod day at my house, can you say road trip...

Randy

 

[dole21]

there's a bell housing bolt thats a pain in the ass. its facing the opposite way of the others. We used 3 long extensions to get it out.

don't forget the rear knock sensor either, we got the front one and forgot about the rear one, luckily we went real slow and were able to catch it before it broke from the connection.

 

[12secGTP]

if you pull the engine, yes you will need to drain the trans fluid so you might as well change the filter while you are at it.
also, like dole mentioned (and I did when i said all the electrical connections... ) dont forget the knock sensors, as well as the oil pressure, oil level, trans connections and the trans gear selector pawl.

use the inspection area fist, I bet you will see your problem if there is one without pulling the engine...

 

[00 GTP Debadged]

Thank you Chris for the advice. I pulled the inspection cover off and guess what. Two major cracks in the plate. You can see one here. The other one is just a little past this one.

Randy

 

[12secGTP]

well... at least you now know you WILL need to pull the engine... better this way then pulling it and finding out you did not have to.
bummer that you have some cracks tho
if you had access to a lift, you would not need to pull the engine, just drop the trans... ALOT easier that way.

in any case, I would not be driving it till you fix that.

peace bud!!

Chrys

 

[rob]

Drop the trans...Its easer.

 

[00 GTP Debadged]

Originally posted by rob@Apr 26 2004, 09:44 PM
Drop the trans...Its easer.

My neighbor has a lift... Maybe I should see if he would help me.

Randy