unsigned

So this is the last thing I have to do before the bell housing drops free. I have no idea how to get to it. There is a plastic holder for brake lines with the solid lines running right through it that is exactly in the way. If I jack up the engine, it still doesn't clear. if I let it sag it doesn't clear. The car has new motor mounts so I have no play forward. The bolts have been very easy coming out, so its not that I don't have the leverage (not yet anyway) it is that I can't get to it. The shallow 19 that I have (Craftsman) is less then an inch deep, it alone doesn't fit besides putting a rachet on the end. I can't get a wrench in there, no for movement. I'm just sorta stuck.

One would think that after an auto->manual swap on my Maxima that I could handle one stinking bellhousing bolt... *^%#$%&*

EDIT: Update on page 3!!!

83na944

You might try loosening the bolts on the bottom of the motor mounts and moving the engine to the right a little.

Clowd

You did a manual swap on your Maxima? Maybe you can help me out, I'm planning on the same thing for mine...

unsigned

No kidding? Mine is a '92 also... One hint, if you want a short throw shifter, don't buy the cheapie. It sucks.

Here is the only page I've published on the web:
www.Digerati.us

I've got way more pics and lots of info. Too bad your not closer...
Even so, it wasn't so hard and I can provide tech support.

Clowd

Holy **** mine is white too lol

unsigned

The car today 1
The car today 2

I'm about to roll 71K on it.

Clowd

Nice car, nice wheels...

There's about 165k on mine... It's a really nice car, I just can't deal with an automatic... so boring. Car needs some things too... tires and y-pipe mainly.

L8 APEKS

Any fix for this hard-to-reach bolt yet? I'm gonna try a clutch job in mine in the next month so I want to know what problems to expect!

unsigned

No new news... I'll work on it more tonight. Loosening the motor mounts just doesn't sound fun...

KuHL 951

I think it's the bolt we all moan about who have done clutches. I used a 3/8" solid flex-head handle (non-ratcheting) and a shallow head socket. I had to get onto it from between the the sensor mount and brake booster, tip the handle forward, and pull staright up while leaning way over the motor. I don't think you will ever get it from the bottom. The solid flex head is much shallower than a standard rachet and just fit. Once it 'pops' it's just a matter of finger torque. Going back in a a lot easier because. Good luck, I feel your pain and have scars to prove it.

ErichCS

The Nine o'clock bolt was the hardest on the bellhousing. But i was able to get it out WITHOUT loosening up the motor mounts. I used a short socket with the flex attachment right behind it. As i remember to get a little extra room i had someone rock the intake manifold and tip the engine a little to get some more access.

Thanks all i can remember. Good Luck!
Erich

L8 APEKS

Would it save time to just lift out the engine with a cherry picker and do it that way? And does the trans still need to be removed to yank the engine out?

83na944

Just loosen the single nut on the bottom of the motor mount, you won't have to remove it. You can get a lot of movement with that loose. No big deal really.

Of course, you do have the engine supported on a jack with a 2x4 across the oil pan, don't you?

83na944

I think he's talking about a tool that is often called a breaker bar.

BTW, remember to cover the inspection hole in the bellhousing when you put it back together.

unsigned

Sure do. hope fully I'll get to play again tonight. We'll see.