Expert: Sean Halliday - 5/15/2008

Question
My timing belt went and we decided to buy a new engine rather than try to
guess what was harmed on the old one. My husband can't get the last 2
bolts off the old engine; they are at the bell housing/engine casting. The
space is so narrow that you can't get a wrench in there. Any ideas? Any
suggestions for things to watch for once the engine is removed and we need
to get the new one hooked up?

If you think it's easier to call than to write (if you have a million questions
about what i have just written), I would be happy to pay for the phone call.
In case that's easier, here's my husband's cell number: 1-585-760-9680.
Although he's comfortable working on cars from his youth, these "new-
fangled" ones make him very nervous and he doesn't want to mess up. He
wants to work on it this Saturday, so if there's anything you can help us
with, we'd be so grateful. Feel free to email me if you want to; my mail is:
SharonM41@aol.com (not case sensitive).

Thanks in advance,
Sharon

Answer
Yes,the top 2 at the bell housing are tough.The best way is to use a long 1/2 inch extension and swivel,get it from under the car and behind the transmission using a long breaker bar fit the socket over the bell housing and try that way.Sometimes if you let the engine drop slightly,its easier.Remove the tranny mount to allow it to drop a few inches.The engine swop isnt that hard as long as he marks everything,i mean all vacuum and anything that needs to be marked.Its hard to find where it all goes when you dont mark it.