Torque Converter Bolts Removal

[Zack B]

I'm trying to remove the engine from my 91 non-turbo automatic. I want to leave trans in the car. Is there a secret to removal of the four bolts that go through the flex plate and into the torque converter? They are 14mm and I can't get one to budge. Please any help would be most appreciated.

[Ender]

You didn't take the bell housing bolts out before loosening the TC did you? You wouldn't want to do that, it could apply shear stress between the block and trans and could cause what you're describing. If you didn't do that it may just be stuck, in which case I'd say put a closed end wrench on that bolt and beat the wrench with a hammer. If the bolt breaks your motor will still come out and you should be able to replace the bolt fairly easily, and if you can't then maybe you'd have to buy a flex plate (if the auto 2nd gens use one, I wouldn't know if they do... :suspect: Go stick shift! :driving:).

[Zack B]

I didn't take the bell housing bolts out. I think you're right the bolts are stuck. I'm going to put a boxed end wrench on it and beat the crap out of it with a hammer. I hate the auto, I'm doing the swap to manual as soon as I can round up the parts. Thanks.

[Max777]

one thing I could suggest, is to take the engine out with the trans... it sounds a lot harder, but trust me, it is a LOT easier to line up the transmission to the block out of the car than with it in! also, a 13b is really easy to hoist out of the car, i would know!

[Max777]

Actually auto engines are easy to line up with the auto trans left in the car. Because there is no input shaft on the clutch to line up and engage. IF you can line up an engine onto a manual trans and get it to mate up, you can do an auto no problem.


Doh! I totally forgot about that, thanks Kevin!:icon_tup: