I'm in the process of the painful task of disconnecting the engine and doing the 4x4 and come-along engine lift to replace a oil pan which is pitted and leaking oil.
Initial fixed with JD Weld but the time has come.
All hoses are off and heat exchanger is out but uncertain how to proceed with the transmission and exhaust disconnect before lifting.
1. for exhaust- do I undo the three bolts holding the exhaust elbow to the block? Or unwind the exhaust protection and go that way instead?
2. for the transmission, I found a post saying disconnect the transmission shaft coupling. It is very corroded and bolts may need to be cut off after PB Blaster and attempt #1. Can I just disconnect the transmission from the bell housing instead?
any and all help appreciated...?!?
Best,
Mark
mark 1, 1984 Catalina 36 M25
Mark,
I would not disconnect the transmission from the engine unless you want to replace something like the damper plate. There is a coupling between the transmission and the stuffing gland. Just remove the bolts holding the coupling together. On mine there are four bolts. I use a couple of box end wrenches for this.
It would be best to disconnect the exhaust at the waterlift muffler. Removing the exhaust at the engine requires draining and refilling the coolant. If you do decide to remove at the engine there is also a gasket you will need to order.
Ron St. Onge
1995 Catalina 36 MKII Hull 1384
Ron, thanks so much for your reply!
Ill go with the advice of disconnecting at the coupling. My challenge there is those 4 bolts are not wanting to budge!
I'll look for the water lift muffler, don't know where that is, and try that route first. I did already drain the coolant as I took of the heat exchanger but great to know on the required seal!
thanks again for your guidance.
best,
Mark
I did this repair a few years ago on our former '85 C36. I thought I'd need to remove the engine, but turned out all I needed to do was lift the engine a few inches. Did not disconnect the transmission, but did disconnect the shaft coupling and the exhaust riser.
Reaching under to get at all the bolts was not easy, but definitely do-able.
If you do have problems with the coupling bolts, be EXTREMELY CAREFUL applying PB blaster, as you are perilously close to the transmission rear seal, and PB Blaster could eat that seal (and then you've got a bigger job to do).
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY
Great to know you were sucessful with only limited lifting.
I was able to get the coupler off and the exhaust apart so proceeding now. Will let you know the outcome.
Thanks for all the help on this job. I was able to lift the motor and get a new engine pan, upgraded alternator bracket, raw water pump, and paint job complete.
Here are a few pictures of the before/mid/after.
Mark