Engine Removal from Bug

I have a '68 Bug with a stock engine except for a 4 into 1 exhaust. All the writeups I've read on removing the engine say to pull the engine straight back until the pressure plate clears the mainshaft. The problem is, though, there is only about 1 inch rearward clearance between the top exhaust pipe and the inside of the rear apron. How the hell do I pull the engine back the required 3 inches or so to get it out? It has to be possible, because the local VW mechanic can do it in about 10 minutes without removing the exhaust. I don't want to try and tilt the engine, as this seems a sure way to bend the mainshaft. Suggestions anyone? Thanks, Larry H

Reply to
Mr Peabody
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jack the car up a bit. this will allow the wheels to fall twds ground, the alxes to relieve pressure from trans, and the trans to lower twds ground... engine is bolted to trans, and should drop a bit... It is a tight squeeze getting them out of bugs.. Last one I did I pulled the tin, fan shroud, and exhaust before I pulled the engine.

Reply to
aiiadict

I usually leave the exhaust on so I can use the tailpipes as handles to pull the engine backwards onto my dolly, but I take off the fan shroud, generator, carb and oil cooler so I don't have to lift the car body so high.

Reply to
Michael Cecil

Both mine have stock exhausts and cleared the apron just fine. Not sure if your exhaust is a lot different. I did have to turn my distributor because the vacuum advance was hitting the shroud and was afraid to damage it. Once you lift the wheels off the ground, the engine does drop somewhat so that may help you.

On pulling the engine from under the car, it is a lot easier to pull one of the wheels off and pull it out sideways - the tin will clear the wheel opening. You won't have to lift the car quite as high. (learned that trick from Jan A). Throw some playsand under the engine before you pull it and put a piece of plywood over this sand -- when you have pulled the engine, it will sit on the plywood and will allow it to slide out much easier.

Remco

Reply to
Remco

Thanks, you guys, for your replies. It looks like the clearance between the exhaust and the inside of the rear apron will increase once I get the car jacked up and the wheels dangling, as this will lower the engine/trans slightly. .....Larry H

Reply to
Mr Peabody

Remco you are the man that is a trick that I had never heard of or thought of. I always feel that you must learn atleast one thing a day or it is wasted. I have been wasting way to many of late. You have just made my day.

Reply to
Packrat46

Well, thanks but Jan Is The Man - I learned that trick from him.

I totally agree with that learning and enjoy this group for that reason, because there's a lot I can learn from all-o-yall

Remco

Reply to
Remco

Nice to know I'm good for *something* :D

Jan

Reply to
Jan Andersson

I'm just shocked to find out you're a man. ;-)

-- Scott

Reply to
Scott H

Well, isn't the saying: "Finland - where the men are men and women are too"? :)

Reply to
Remco

Yeah, so was I!!

(just Kidd-ing)

K.

Reply to
Jan Andersson

"Jan Andersson" schreef in bericht news: snipped-for-privacy@individual.net...

And next weekend you might find out a lot more... (lol) But i'm not sure it will become as a shock to you.

Have a good one! Roger

Reply to
bug '59

ahem,,, Jan....?

DIdnt you learn that 'trick' from a California Guy?

Reply to
vwluvrs

too long ago to remember :)

jan

Reply to
Jan Andersson

Well, he's "the man" too, then -- also the guy that invented the wheel, come to think of it ;)

Reply to
Remco

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