OK guys you never let me down. Th headgasket replacement is turning in to a full motor RR. Im just asking for any tricks of the trade.......pull the head first? How to get to the bolts in the back of the motor? Why is the AT harder to RR than a manual? Things like that. I apreciate everything you guys have done for me! Thanks for puttin' up with a newbie mechanic!

cjm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

You can pull it with or without the head on the engine. Without makes it a little more manuverable. I can't comment on the bellhousing bolts because I've never pulled a 2.6 from a Monty.

If you haven't already, pull the radiatior and fan, that will give you much more room.

As far as manual vs. auto, I think they both have their difficulties, I'm not sure that I'd say one is harder than the other. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

When you brake the seal between the torque convertor and the transmission input shaft, be prepared for a puddle of t-fluid. I think the FSM recommends pulling the trans first, then the engine. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

definitely take the head off first, it makes life way easier for removal and reinstallation.

as far as the top bellhousing bolts? make a tool. take a 12mm (or 14?) wrench, stick it in your vise and put 2 bends in it so that it clears the firewall and still goes over the bolt head (this is much easier with the head off), then take a second wrench and use it like a breaker bar. once you crack them loose (and they will be tight, trust me), you should be able to loosen them off with your fingers.

have you taken the starter out yet? that is also a pain in the ass. use multiple extensions and a wobble and lots of swearing.

still have the mikuni on that thing? if you're going weber while the motors out, just take all that vacuum mess out. this will make life easier for reinstallation.

oh, and stupid question, but have you taken your hood off yet? if not, do it, makes for way more room and a nice seat on top of the fenders.

Thanks for the input everyone. Pull the starter first? Should I take off the motor mounts first and the crossmember to lower the engine a bit to get to the bolts? Thanks again for the help.

cjm

You have to pull the starter. There's a thin steel plate between the engine and trans. It's also between the starter and trans. If you fail to pull the starter, the engine isn't going anywhere. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Probably not worth the hassle to lower the engine first.

Pulling the starter isn't that bad.


But... when you're ready to re-install-
Plan ahead and leave yourself an hour to attempt it, then a two hour break to go cuss and have a beer, and maybe go out and blow up some stuff or shoot somethin'.... come back, spend an hour or so... repeat until you get that @#$$^@$^^&&#@!!! back in! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I changed the starter in my Raider in 30 minutes last Wednesday afternoon, and I didn't even get underneath the car!!

I use a flex-head 14mm ratchet box/open combo wrench. I scratched the inside of my right arm on a hose clamp and made some salt & pepper type indentations on my left hand. The only reason for the half hour was to also bench test my starter selection to find a good unit. When tightening the bolts, I use a long-handled 9/16" box wrench over the open end of the 14mm.

No sweat! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

[color:"blue"] [/color] <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> a newbe here just wanting to know if there is a differnce in 2.6 motors from standard to automatic trans some one told me i could not bolt a automatic to a standard i have a standard 1987 mitsubishi montero and blaning on rebuilding a2.6 out of a 1987 dodge raider same engine codes please let me know before i tie up a engine overhaul for nothing thanks david <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />