P5B Gearbox - Next step ?

[madoxmic]

Hi Gentlemen,
Again on this subject, as after being helped by good friends to solve the question of a replacement box (now on the way), I have to remove the one which is currently on the car ... having never done this before !
I think I remember reading somewhere that there are two ways to do it, from above or under, but I can't find where.
Have searched the old site (by the way full of gearbox stories, it seems that my coupe is not the only P5B deciding to stop once), but could not find the text.

Would anyone have some advice about the good way to proceed, in addition to the WS manual instructions ? And hints from someone who has done it already once, ... or more ?

Thanks in advance again for your kind help.

Michel

[Phil Nottingham]

:)It can be done from underneath if you have a decent lift and many pairs of hands and its only necessary to remove the gearbox from the bell housing and then the bell housing from the engine to remove the torque converter. The exhaust down pipes have to be removed and its these that cause the most trouble and hassle as the studs break off from the manifolds or at least strip their threads

It is not possible to remove from the top/inside without cutting the tunnel - although I have seen this done!! The tunnel inspection hatch with its endless setscrews - 16? is next to useless

Having no spare hands other than friendly wife who can guide and watch the entire process I prefer to remove the entire engine & gearbox from the front and then split the two apart. The eenvitable broken/stripped exhaust studs can then be easily dealt with in comfort. I do not believe this takes any longer than struggling with a heavy box under the car unless you have three arms with triple jointed fingers.

Exhaust troubles apart its possible to do this in a day but do not count on it!! ;D

[madoxmic]

Thanks Phil, I think I will try from underneath, first find the helpfull hands and additional arms.
Hopefull the exhaust will be kind to me, as a beginner !
Michel

[Phil Nottingham]

:-/Exhausts are never kind they are always rusty and corroded. If you have to remove a manifold with the engine in situ you will wonder if this is possible - but it is!! but only just. Some manifolds have gaskets whlist others do not - replace like with like otherwise the down pipes will not fit back correctly and their is only one way.

The manual gives the correct procedure for gearbox removal only but you MUST replace the torque converter as the sand will be in it as well. Flush out the oil cooler and pipes with paraffin/kerosine and then clean ATF.

Good luck and let us know how you get on ;D