TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Aug 25, 2004 9:36 pm

It seems like the engine is almost in. The bolts are all lined up and in place, but it still needs to move another 1 inch! What are some tricks to get the engine to move the last inch? I need to do this tonight or someone will steal my jack and engine.

Thu Aug 26, 2004 12:03 pm

Did you use an alignment tool? If you did you should be OK....try spinning the axles a little to get the splines to line up. Also rock it up and down to make sure the input shaft goes into the pilot bearing. As a last resort try pressing the clutch in a little in case the clutch disk slipped in the pressure plate.

Good Luck!

John

Thu Aug 26, 2004 4:02 pm

also, be a little more descriptive Sammy because I know that installing a 1600 or larger in a small oval era engine compartment can be tough although it will fit. I have had the same problem with my old 54 while installing a 1600 dual port engine so basically I installed it as a long block first then added the shroud afterwards. This allowed me more room to maneuver the engine around. Only set back is you have to take the decklid and hinges off.
Good luck. Also, what they were saying about the allignment tool is a must.

Thu Aug 26, 2004 6:18 pm

Like someone else mentioned, it is assumed you used an alignment tool when setting the clutch disc. If it is a new clutch disc, you may want to dab a little grease on the tranny shaft to make it slide in easier. I couldn't get my engine in the last inch or so the other night and greasing the tranny shaft did the trick.
Kurt

Fri Aug 27, 2004 10:54 am

do you have heat exchangers on it? In oval era beetles the late heat exchanges that hit the back wall of the engine compartment. But I'm sure you already checked that.

Fri Aug 27, 2004 11:41 am

I too have trouble installing later motors in early cars. Like Skim I leave it a longblock and install it that way. Also I still find it hard to push in, so I have a set of real long bolts, I put them through the top tranny hole and crank them down. I do one turn on each bolt, do it slow, and next thing you know the botttom bolts will be in, I do the same at the bottom, untill engine is in!! Takes a little longer but it works. Once engine is in, I remove the long bolts and install stock ones !! Hope you get it working!!!

Fri Aug 27, 2004 10:10 pm

I've had that happen on a 72bug quite a few years ago. I pushed, cursed, inspected, cursed more, ect.
Walked away, calmed down, went back and wiggled and adjusted the height of the engine a little with the jack. The thing just slid right in.
Had similar problems with my wifes old 71 westy. Same thing happened.

God, if there is such a person, has a sick sense of humor. Every once and a while, if you listen, oh so carefully, you'll hear him laugh... at you!
:D

Sat Aug 28, 2004 11:42 am

I ran into this problem installing a big engine into a 54. It would be an inch away with no hope to get it all the way. I was able to get it by using a long prybar in the loop of the forward J pipes of the exhaust to pull it in.
I figure the cause of the problem is the rubber seal across the front of the engine compartment.

Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:09 pm

have someone hold either tire from turning while you turn other tire. it will help alignment of input to disc.