Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: JamesV6CDX on 10 May 2007, 11:28:25
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... on my own?
I'm totally happy with the concepts and the detail of changing the Omega box now...and mechanically I'm confident...
I'm more worried about the weight of the gearbox, and getting it mated up to the engine, only having 2 hands!
Is it possible? I have a couple of good trolley jacks at my disposal, and lots of stands, and also a pallet trolley lifter, which has been useful for boxes before.
Safety wise, someone will be home, but not someone in a position to get under the car with me.
Ideas welcome :)
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Nothing is impossible, with a little thought and improvisation. Sounds like you have that covered.
My experiences of these things is that a second set of hands is generally required, if only to hold a wire or hose out the way at the last minute whilst you wrestle with the lump.
On a safety note, however, would suggest a second competent person who knows how to operate jacks, point of balance of box, etc etc. They are heavy and can really give you a bad scratch if it goes wrong.....
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Ive done the manual boxes on my own by using ratchet straps to tie the box to the jack head to stop it sliding off.
Putting it back in is probably safer than removing it, you can 'play' with the position of the jack to find the balance point then strap it on for safety.
Unbolt the torque convertor from the engine and fit it to the box, slide it fully in and ensure the dogs engage, make sure that one of the torque convertor bolt holes is at the bottom ,dead centre, then , when you lift it up to the engine, there are no splines to align or anything, just slip in a couple of the big bellhousing bolts and get the rear cradle bolted to the floor. You can then take your time over the rest of it.
Why did you remove the starter? there's no need to.
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I would say it will be difficult and I would strongly advise you waiting until a friend (Markie?) can assist.
The pallet trolley may make it possible though.
Just be VERY VERY careful as the gearbox hurts when it drops on you!
I was also wondering why you removed the starter motor, and why you went and got a gearbox from a breakers? :-?
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I did one on my own once - that was a manual box from a Ford Transit - I changed the clutch. It was difficult but not impossible.
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go with another pair of hands - ive removed one - by hoist when stripping an omega. obviously for a change you wont be doing it that way.
Its not a competency thing its a weight and saftey issue :y
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I would go for a second pair of hands not just from a weight and safety point of veiw but also you can guarranty that when you've got your hands full of gearbox you will need a second pair even if its only to hand you a spanner that previously slid on the floor,just out of reach! >:(
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I'll add my vote to the friend route. It can be a real PITA to line things up by yourself, although having the TC in the box first helps to no end. It can be done by yourself by strapping the box to a trolly jack, but even if you're immortal life is too short to deal with the hassle of doing it by yourself. Beer and pizza for a helper will be among the best money ever spent on the car!