[DeTomaso] leak down test and engine removal

[Rod Kunishige]

From: LEVITT1946 at aol.com  Message: 19 Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:20:34 EDT
snip>    Hello All,   Does anyone have complete instructions on engine removal and how to perform a leak down test they can send to me?  Robert Team Pantera Racing #3196 Gumball 3000 #56 
 
The following is our transaxle pull procedure and covers most of that needed for an engine with transaxle pull.  Disconnect the battery first then remove the interior bulkhead cover along with the access steel door then you can disconnect all the water hoses from the engine.  Unbolt the a/c unit and set it aside with its hoses connected but without the clutch wire.  Unplug the temp wire.  Disconnect the throttle linkage after step 2.  Remove the air cleaner.   Do not do step 14 (keep bellhousing bolts in place).  Skip steps 18-20 and 23-30.  Set the engine lift (cherry picker) for a long reach but be mindful that you’ll be lifting about 800 pounds.  Extra care is needed to make sure that the distributor doesn’t break the rear window glass as you pull the assembly back and upward.
 
TPOC members do this regularly in about 4 hours while most others take an hour.  This is one of the reasons it is great fun to be a POCA chapter member.  A recording of the banter would be appropriate on the Comedy Channel. 
 
Good luck,
Rod
 
Transaxle Pull Procedure    
Rick Flores’ Car, February 14, 2004, rev. 2/17/06.  TPOC chapter.
 

Disconnect Battery.
Remove rear deck lid (optional) by pulling the hinge pins. 
Remove rear wheel well brace above the transaxle.
Disconnect slave cylinder line or slide out the slave and set aside if you have flex lines.
Disconnect shift linkage universal at the transaxle.
Disconnect half shafts. Use blue locktite during re-installation.
Remove A/C shroud and let hang to the side.
Disconnect reverse light switch.
Do NOT touch the bolt located under the speedo cable.  It points out at 45 degrees from the case.  Doing so will likely cost you big time.
Disconnect speedo cable.
Disconnect breather hose on trans.
Disconnect ground strap.
Disconnect trans mount/s.
Remove all BUT one bolt on bell housing.
Loosen distributor cap to allow some free space at distributor.
Jack up car and place jack stands.
Disconnect exhaust pipes.
Loosen engine mount bolts.
Drain transaxle oil at 17mm plug (3 ¾ qts) into a pan/bucket.
Watch for rust or burnt oil.
Jack up transaxle using 3-4 2X4s.
Remove starter.
Remove two 10mm Bell/engine plate bolts at bottom of bell housing (aligns starter).
Lower engine to rest on 2X4 block under oil pan on the cross brace to hold the engine.
Remove last bell housing bolt.
Lift out transaxle (150 lbs.) using 2 straps and engine hoist.
Check drain plug magnet for metal chunks.
Check lock wire on ring gear bolts by removing right side plate, 2 through on bottom cover and cover itself.  (Optional.)
Inspect ring and especially pinion gear for unusual wear or rust marks. (Optional.)
Inspect roller bearing race for wear at the drive spline. (Optional.)
 
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