So this is looking very likely as we sit in the recovery vehicle heading to north side of Leeds… My first thought is I need some extra large ramps as there is no way my axle stands like the wheels far enough off the floor at max height…(maybe 2 inches…) Any recommendations for the most useful type of ramp I’m guessing the higher the better.
You'd be surprised how easy it is. I took my engine out last year and the van was propped up on these. https://www.halfords.com/tools/gara...J31Cf5c0U-kFmBEIKgsRUGkOCHhzF75caAlQ3EALw_wcB If you have access to a motorbike jack, it can make it easier to manoeuvre the engine once it's free of the gearbox/body. Take plenty of photos as you go along to make sure you know what goes where. I took off the carbs, exhaust, heat exchangers and tinware. Disconnected all the wiring (marking what goes where) and then dropped the engine. Inspect everything as it comes off so you can order any replacement bits early. Don't rush it and you'll be fine.
You can do this "under the van". I did in a sloping rough car park a couple of years ago. I re-used clutch but changed the flywheel and seals so worse really. I jacked it up a bit to get access under to disconnect things, but not much.
Assuming that it actually needs to come out, it’s surprising easy. I put rear on axle stands, no higher than I would to adjust rear brakes and popped a cheap motorcycle jack under the engine. I spent more time dithering about checking everything was disconnected than it took to pull the engine out. One man job and I’m a proper old gimmer.
Clutch engagement getting progressively worse as I headed out of chesterfield where I stopped over for the night after TE. Was struggling to get momentum for the smallest of inclines. When the recovery arrived 2 hours later not even enough there to move the bus forward in first gear. Most definitely an oil bath in there now is what I’m thinking…
as above, on a more positive note possibly the AFR reading was hovering around 14 when I was actually moving !!
cool these are exactly what I have, my 2nd pair go a touch higher. I’m looking to remove the minimum to separate gearbox from engine I guess. Was hoping not to have to touch carbs etc but maybe that’s just not possible…
clutch arm movement seems usual when gf pushes down the pedal. I’ve been under in the carpark but not sure how much oil is actual there. Will check properly when we get back to Edinburgh…
I didn't mind taking carbs off as I was rebuilding the engine. If you are only looking to separate engine from box to check clutch then you might be able to leave the carbs on to inspect the clutch once the engine is on the floor. But if you need to do more than just clutch, then the engine may need to come out from under the van anyway. If the carbs stay on and once the engine is as low as possible, jack the van as high as you need to slide the engine out and then lower it back onto the stands until you start the reinstall (lifting it a couple of inches at the cross member will raise it a lot more at the bumper).
There is always that slight issue with ramps when your transmission cannot get the bus to move.. you cannot get on them. I found that removing the bumper and using a big jack, Halfords "4x4 high lift" with its axle stands that came as a kit in 2010.. I can slide a type 1 engine out, after lifting off the fan housing and carburettor while it is disconnected from the gearbox (making it similar to a T4 in height) but inside the engine bay.. The engine block then comes out on the motorbike jack For a T4 you may find it easier to drop the engine and the gearbox connected together, as they are longer than a T1, drag them out on the motorbike jack, and then sort them out outside.. .
The first time I took out my type 4 engine I was very nervous and got some help. I've since take it out twice by myself and familiarity does make it easier, but rest assured it's not difficult. Balancing the engine is important and a motorcycle lift helps a lot. I also took off my oil filler funnel to give more lateral space to pull the engine and clear the gearbox. If raising your van is an issue, taking off the rear pumper also helps. I hope it all goes well.
You will need a trolley jack to support the gearbox still to be safe with the bike jack on a type 4 otherwise it can tip up when sliding it out , still easy, just keep the trolley jack in check with the bike jack on withdrawal . Better still fit a nice piece of 3/4 ply on the bike jack for good stability .
I take the engine and box out as a unit and lower the whole lot down onto a low trolley using an engine crane through the inspection hatch. Easy job, no balancing the thing on a motorbike jack.
As per a few others, type 4 is quite easy gdoing earbox and engine together. Gear coupling first as that gets forgotten.
Just found a local hire shop that does engine hoist hire so I might go this route. Whereabouts do you sling around ?
I use a lifting bracket through the hole marked 45. The balance is almost perfect, hole 50 might be better but access is difficult with the engine installed.
