1st engine drop sanity check - done! (with a few pics)

Been a long day working on 2 different cars. But, I started the prep for the '69 Westy engine drop.

Planning to pull engine only, NOT transmission. I do not have a transmission support bar. So, I'll need to jack the transmission correct? Or else it will come down with the engine once I start to lower, right?

Vehicle is up on jack stands but my vision is very limited. Trying to give myself a check here before I make a big mistake. I see the frame mount at the front of the transmission and I felt around the bell housing for anything else.

The Bentley instructs to install the transmission support bar, which I don't have.

I usually use a ratchet strap to hold the trans in place. You can also use a jack or jack stand.

Thanks man. Had some supper and now back at it with my daughter helping me.

My Bentley manual doesn't say to unbolt the bell housing. But surely I have to right?

Just the four bolts that hold the engine to the trans. Remember fuel line and electrical connections, accelerator cable and heater cables. Slide it out.

Yep, I've disconnected everything but the last bell housing bolt. That will have to be tomorrow. What a long day it was. Should have kept to one car only for the day.

I've often heard people say how easy it is to drop an engine. I feel lied to....

ultralite wrote:
I've often heard people say how easy it is to drop an engine. I feel lied to....

First couple of times it seems a little daunting, but after that, it gets to be easy. Trust me.  No really.

The bolts at the top of the bell housing about did me in. The passenger side top bolt holding the starter threw me off too.

Got it out, pics on Samba....
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6808017#6808017