February 17th, 2007
The biggest pain in the neck about removing the engine/transmission in the Cadillac is the cross-member that supports the transmission.
Removing it is very difficult because the bolts are facing down in a channel. It is hard to get a wrench into that channel and usually it is filled dirt and stuff. Here is a picture below, that shows the two bolts on both ends that are hard to get at:
Sometimes you will get lucky and the dirt/grime will be hard and act like a wrench for you but that is very rare. In the past I had to drill holes in the floor to get at these bolts but I was lucky at this one. I finally managed to remove all eight bolts that attach this cross-member to the car's body and transmission.
One tip when reinstalling this, have the nut inside the channel and the bolt facing up. This will save you time and your sanity!
In preparing for removing the engine and transmission, I used a transmission jack to keep the transmission level so I can get at motor mounts.
I disconnected all the ground straps to the 472 engine, the transmission lines that ran along the passenger side wheel-well and connected the engine hoist. I removed the four bolts that connected the motor mounts to the 472 and began lifting up the engine/transmission.
One small tip when pulling both engine/transmission out: have a drain pan at the end of the transmission. Even if the car has been sitting for a long time, it still has fluid in it. I sometimes forget to do that. But luckily I was able throw one under in time and put some kitty-litter on the mess.
Well I was able to get the engine out and stored away. Hey, is that a S-10 cab there? Why yes it is! Hey Josh, when will you get the project done?
Another Lewiston rule states the engine compartment must be steamed-cleaned. This is to cut down on engine fires. It was kind of cold out, I did not use the pressure washer, so I sprayed engine degreaser and used some rags to clean it out.
Total time spent: 4 hours.