I need to replace the rear crank seal and check the separator plate on my classic. So my question is which is easiest? If I can call it that! Engine out or gearbox out?

I have everything I need tool wise apart from an engine crane, but I could borrow one if needed.

 

Both fairly easy, I'd say box.

 

If you have acess to a lift , box
If not then engine

Just my opinion , as said both are handy enough but wiggling with a gearbox under a car on axel stands is no fun

 

I did this a year ago.

I thought that it must be easier to drop the box then lift out the engine....

WRONG!

I would never do it this way again. Engine out is much easier to do. More importantly its much easier to get the engine back on the gearbox then the gearbox back on the engine.

Definitely take the engine out is my advice. Take it or leave it

 

Thanks for the replies lads, still a very mixed opinion on this! I don't have access to a lift so it would be dropping the box out whilst on axle stands if I went that route. I'm also changing the turbo, up pipe, injectors and coil packs so maybe it would be wise to pull the engine and do all that at once?

 

Bollax, no mixed opinion about it. ENGINE OUT full ******* stop if your DIY on your drive, done both and engine out EVERY time.

I can do engine out in 2hrs taking my own sweet time about it and it's a piece of p!ss, compared to 4hrs grovelling under the car, and p1ssing about with axel stands and jacks, swearing getting crap in your eyes, skinning knuckels, half a can of spray, crawling in and out 20 times, did I mention swearing, neck ache and groveling, then getting the cnuting heavy thing out.

Yeah mate you go for it, gearbox is easy compared to standing about drinking tea and smoking casually undoing a few hoses and bolts and then letting an engine crane do the lifting for you, not to mention once it's out it's in your face in front of you, not on the floor under the ******* car.

Oh did I mention I've got a double garage with heat, light and carpet, nice and cosey it is too and no fcukning way I'll do gearbox again.


But hey it's not me doing it so ENJOY.

 

Oh engine crane £130 off ebay delivered next day, worth every penny, if you've got no further use for it bang it back on there and get your money back, might even make a profit on it if a couple of tw@ts bid it up.

 

lol, I think my mind is made up then! I seen those engine cranes on eBay, also seen second hand ones for sale at the same price or more lol. I also have a huge heated and well lit garage to work in but no lift. I'd rather be above the car than it above me anyway. Engine out it is! Thanks

 

So I managed to get my point across then.

 

This is completely correct!!

Gearbox is a pain, Engine out is a piece of cake.

 

If you've got a lift its gearbox out every time. If not just do the engine.

Although that is dependant on if its 5 or 6speed.... 6 speeds are no fun

 

If your swopping turbo & up pipe as well its a no brainer, take the engine out, your undoing 90% of everything to do the job if the gearbox comes out, as already said, its easier to do at face level out the car, & a dame sight better chance of getting it done correctly.

 

lol

 

Definitely engine out in 2 hours, just remember to have a few spare studs and nuts for the exhaust / turbo along with a new gasket.

 

What point?

 

Thanks, I had the down pipe off last year and got it without any issues with the nuts or studs. I also have new genuine Subaru gaskets for both sides of the turbo as well. Always have various nuts and bolts lying about anyway for work.

 

I have to disagree! Laying on your back with a dirty great box on top of you for 4 hours sounds good to me
Edit:
Ooops sorry posted in the wrong forum!

 

lol, I'm married so I've almost forgot what that kinda box is like!

 

Haha!
On a serious note tho,is this the best method for a clutch change then,leaving the box in?
Car clutch that is!!!

 

Seems to be the general consensus! Most people seem to say they can get the engine out in 2 hours. And from my point of view, it won't fall on top of me like the gearbox/car could. Seems safer and easier from what I've seen so far.

 

I've got to do the oil separator plate on my old SF Forester, and even though I have access to a lift, I'll pull the engine out. I also need to do camshaft oil seals, cam cover gaskets etc, and may as well replace all perishable stuff whilst it's easy to get at and give it a general tidy. Also the steering rack gaiters will need replacing, having been bathed in oil for the last year.

 

Lmao, good response!

 

Result! My dad has not only a lift but also an engine crane and engine stand

 

Arrived today:

 

Looks exactly like mine.

 

Got them from an auto parts place about 30 miles from my house, £159 delivered for the crane and stand!

 

That's a good price you'll lose nothing on those if you stick em on the bay when your done, I kept mine as it doesn't take up much space and for what it cost it's worth just having it around, even used it to lift some big stones to put into a wall I was building.

 

Yeah I think I'll just hold on to them as long as I have the Subaru, plus I'm always repairing friends and family's cars so no doubt they'll come in handy in the future!

 

Yip engine out, done the box on my classic and put a 6speed in it on my drive with axle stands never ever again, romoval of engine much better for doing any engine work also gives much more room to work on the engine rather than arsing about underneath the car

 

Does anyone know of a guide online anywhere for taking out the engine?