Engine and box removal

[Bobster]

Proper novice question but I’m going to be attempting to remove my engine and box this weekend, something which I’ve never done before.

It’s a ‘71 westy are there any tips ?

I’m guessing it’s bumper off, valance off, disconnect engine etc pull it out, driveshafts off then box out.

What about the support bar ? Is this removed too ?

Cheers

 

[StuF]

Bobster,

Basically the technique I use to remove the engine goes like this:
Rear valence and tow bar (if you have one) removed
Remove/disconnect and label all the electrical wires from the engine, alternator and oil sender
Disconnect the accelerator cable and push it through the fan housing
If you have twin carbs it is best to remove the manifolds from the engine with the carbs attached
Disconnect the carb linkage before removing the carbs!!
Block the holes into the cylinder heads with clean rags
No need to undo the fuel lines to the carbs just balance them on the front of the cylinder tinware
Clamp the fuel lines and disconnect the one closest to the firewall - a rag will catch the residue in the pipes
Underneath disconnect the flexible heat exchanger pipes and heater control wires from the exchangers
Support the engine on the big rubber gearbox mount and take the pressure of the front 3 mustache bolts
Remove the front 3 bolts and raise the engine enough to release the mustache bar and engine mounts
Remove mustache bar and engine mounts
With the front of the engine free drop the engine down low enough so you can easily get behind the fan housing
Remove the top two engine bolts - well one is the d-shaped bolt securing the starter and the other a nut!
With these two out re-raise the engine and gearbox so its level with the floor
Secure the gearbox body with a axle stand and a block of wood so its adequately supported and wont move
Reposition the jack under the engine and take the weight, doesnt need to lift the engine just support it
Remove the bottom two nuts on the gearbox and the two are only joined now by the studs between the box/engine
Carefully supporting the engine pull the engine away from the gearbox until there is a clear gap
Gently pull the engine out of the bay and lower onto the heat exchangers - I usually lower it onto two beer crates!

Gearbox:
Support on jack
Disconnect driveshafts from box x 2 and tie wrap them in their approx position to prevent stressing them at an obscure angle
Bag all the bolts and securing bars to each driveshaft - will keep the grease from getting everywhere
Front of the box - towards the front of bus, disconnect the gearshift coupling and earth strap
Undo gearbox mounting plate - think its 2 x 17mm bolts
Gearbox will just pull out of the now rather large and empty space

Hope this helps

 

[DubBGood2Me]

As above but If you’re removing engine and gearbox, take them out together. No need to unbolt engine from gearbox. Make sure you loosen the CV bolts while the wheels are on the ground. Makes it a lot easier.

Plenty of cups of tea too.

 

[sannabay]

Remember to chain or strap the gearbox before pulling the engine, so it doesnt drop.
When pulling the gearbox I held the bell end ( :lol: ) on my knees as I unbolted it at the front. It was surprisingly light, not really light though! then managed to set it down just fine.

 

[Bobster]

All done cheers for the advice people