5 spd Manual Gearbox stuck on

[AccadaccA]

Hi all,
I am trying to replace a clutch or at least inspect it.
I have stripped the bell-housing and gearbox of every bolt, plug, cable, etc. in sight. The gearshift and tailshaft is off (naturally) but the gearbox is still hanging on by the spline shaft.
I have removed & replaced more than my share of gearboxes & clutches in the past but this one has me baffled. I have searched for threads relating to "remove gearbox" and only found possible answers for an auto (torque converter) THIS IS A MANUAL.

The box will turn a little (rotate) and seems to have seperated a few millimeters from the engine but she just won't wriggle completely loose.

Is there anything else (unforseen) that may hold it there like the clutch needing to be engaged by another person whilst I'm underneath wriggling the crap outta the box pulling it towards the rear of the car?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Engine was professionally rebuilt 6 months ago (only used a few times since) and I recently found the box was almost bone dry, b@st@rds. It drove fine the last time but when I recently tried it, I had absolutely no clutch. Clutch pedal pressure felt alright but grinds to find reverse else takes off bloody fast.

Please don't just say "hammer the bugger off" unless you have honestly had experience with removing a VN 5 spd manual gearbox. I don't want to break anything (i.e. bellhousing). Thank you

[Tom_1569]

Some suggestions but im sure some one can be of more help.

1st - Dont use the font colour again its hurts my eyes to read.

2nd - Have you remove all the bolts, alot of times people forget the bolts right up the top caus their hard to see and get to.

3rd - Maybe get a second person or a jack to support the gear box so its completly level with the engine. So absolutly no pressure on the spline making it more difficult to pull back.

No doubt someone will be able to help you with the answer, if the above does not work.

[AccadaccA]

Thanks Tom.

sorry, blue font gone.

Yeah I have felt all of the way around the bellhousing, no bolts remaining there.
Forgot to mention earlier, starter-motor removed too.

I've been a grease monkey for 20-30 years, I just don't get it.

[azkwazere]

If what tom doesnt work, put it in 5th, rotate one of the rear wheels forward to shift the crank and try again...

aZk.

[AccadaccA]

G'day azkwazere

Cheers mate, sounds like a bloody good thought.
I have to wait for someone to drop by before tending to it again (probably the weekend) as I've just jacked it up onto the ramps again after moving it from the drive to the garage but I'll let you know if it works.

Thank you both, guys.
Have a drink on me.

Please keep the suggestions coming peoples. I'm not quite outta the woods just yet.

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

Sometimes the weight of the box makes it hang on the input shaft. If the clutch is shagged, it may be stuck on the shaft. Can you get to the bolts holding the pressure plate onto the flywheel? If you can, undo those and see if it comes off.

[AccadaccA]

G'day and thanks Not_An_Abba_Fan

Yet Another good point, cheers.

No I can't get to the pressure plate bolts as it's unlike the older Holdens (inspection plate) and the only hole or space in the whole bell-housing is the small opening for the clutch lever/mechanism which is at right angles to the pressure plate.

Thank you to all three, I will try these suggestions and report back hopefully with possitive confirmation.

Take it easy.

P.S. azkwazere: I wasn't thinking earlier but it's pointless rotating one of the rear wheels whilst in gear as I have already dropped the tailshaft. I suppose I could crank it by the fanbelt or even by ignition. Hmm, I'll try that too.

[azkwazere]

lol. stop being lazy and reattach the tail shaft... its not that hard

yes, you could use a shifter on the pulley...

aZk.

[AccadaccA]

azkwazere: and all others who gave advice.

Yeah I've been away longer than expected, just one of those chores we tend to put off.

Turns out there wasn't any secret trick except perhaps the angle of the dangle oops I mean gearbox. I jacked it up, grabbed hold of the box and wriggled so much it peeled skin off my back but she's finally off and I'm as happy as a pig in shiiiiit.
Well she's off but holy f#c&b@gs, must be over 100 gearbox/clutch changes and never have I seen the clutch plate fused tight to the pressure plate. Man, it's like they are welded together.
I suppose now is the time to mention that the car was stolen and recovered.
Dang kids must have had some fun then some more on top.


Anyway, thank you all for your help, much appreciated good peoples.

Keep ya rubber bits down.