Re: Motor/transmission removal and reinstall, 48 coupe

Posted by austinsailor On 2016/12/20 22:55:55

I finally got it out. I removed all 4 of the bolts on each side of the outer, forward sides of the radiator support. These are the 3/8" head bolts with a pointed screw that goes inward. Took a 1/4" air ratchet stuck up there, not a lot of room. I also removed the bolts on the sides that hold the brace going forward to the bumper. Those were a real pain, and I'm not sure how I'll ever get them started again. Also the 2 bolts on each side that hold the radiator frame to the fender.

Doing this allows enough flex that the radiator can move forward enough (I needed about 1/2") for the inlet to clear the top of that frame.

There must be another way that the factory mechanics did this, but I don't see it. I cannot imagine everytime the radiator had to come out someone would have this much difficulty.

The good news is, the motor is ready to come out. I'll probably tackle that tomorrow. My Harbor Freight motor lift thing won't go high enough, I don't think, so I'll use a skid loader with forks. I'm pretty sure I can pluck it out with that. I still have to figure out where to bolt the chains, but surely I can figure that out.

Oh, I did manage to get the old motor unstuck, but now that I have a better view, it's clear that it is split open pretty bad at the bottom of the water jacket. This new, low milage motor will be just the ticket.