Hi guys and gals,

I am in the middle of doing my clutch job and am almost to the point of lowering the engine to slide the transmission off. The bentley manual and some DIY guides i've seen all support the engine from above with an engine support bar that spans the chassis and a jack below. Is supporting the engine via two methods absolutely neccessary? I was thinking about just supporting it with my jack and lowering the engine carefully. I guess now that I type, thinking of all the components that could break is freaking me out.

Anyhow, any input is greatly appreciated.

For those debating about doing the clutch yourself, I'd say do it! If I had all the parts and tools I ordered, I could easily do it in a weekend with hand tools and jackstands. It's going to take me a few weeks tho since I am a pilot and work out in Minneapolis and live in Denver.

It's a lot of work, but it's not rocket science by any means.

 

i removed the whole motor, but i used a hoist and pulled it straight out. (I removed the whole front end) There is quite a lot of stuff that you have to watch while removing the motor. I dont think i would trust it by just lowering the motor with the jack. GL tho.

on a side note, what do you mainly fly? commercial or charter? I recently just started my flying lessons and work at a FBO in Lincoln.

 

I've done a motor swap on my Mini already, but that was way too much work that I dont want to do again. :P I'll probablu end up just buying the support bracket above.

I fly CRJ's commercially. What are you flying? Working on your private? PM with any questions about flying. I'm happy to help.

 

Just lower with jack slowly and support engine after you're down the required amount.

Jeremy

 

Thats what I was thinking. I just don't want to lower it too too much. I guess I could put a jackstand or two below as well for safety?

How do you like your CM flywheel and FX200? That's exactly what I am putting in.

 

Yeah put blocks or jackstands to limit oopsies while you're lowering the engine/trans.

The CM goods are great, no complaints at all. You'll have lots of rattling at idle.

Jeremy

 

Great! I've been warned about the rattle, but am not too worried about it. I am replacing the guide tube, and all the parts that come in the clutch kit. Anything else I should think about?

 

If you've got lots of miles then replace the release fork bushes. A few guys here have had bad experiences with bolting everything back up and they can't get the clutch to engage/disengage.

You could do your input shaft seal, rear main seal, and output shaft seals while you're there too. If you're not swapping in a new diff or lsd then I'd inspect your open diff for wear.

Jeremy

 

Yeah. Floor jack under the oil pan transmission jack under the transmission, no hoist needed. The only thing I saw that you have to worry about breaking is the header flex joint. If I have to do it again I think I may skip the tran jack as the whole deal isnt that heavy.

 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/e/s/159.png

5 and 6 on this picture?
Do those seals usually go at around 100k miles?

 

Yes those two bushes.

You can clearly see them here:

 

Thanks again!