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Clutch overhaul


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HI! I'm a new memeber of this message board. Looks like some great folks here!

 

I just picked up a 1987 GL wagon. It has 5 speed, dual range, rust-free body and good overall condition. I paid $700. This is my fourth Soobie (priors: '81 GL wagon, '88 GL wagon, '90 Legacy wagon).

 

The clutch is very weak on this '87. I have a Chilton manual and 'How to Keep Your Subaru Alive by Larry Owens ). Chilton says to remove the transmission to overhaul the clutch. Larry says that without an entire car hoist, it's easier to just pull the engine. I kind of like the idea of pulling the engine so I can do a couple preventative things easily while it's out however, the main goal is to overhaul the clutch.

 

What is the consensus here on what's easier? Pull engine or trans for a clutch job?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Tracy

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pulling the engine is the general consensus. few (if any) will say to pull the transmission.

 

just for rambling.....

 

if it were a speed contest i could have a transmission out before anyone could pull an engine (unless they're allowed to cut wires and hoses and cables...which you're not going to do if you still want to drive the car). transmission come out easier in my oppinion, but that doesn't make it the best way to do it....they go back in trickier. working from underneath the car is so annoying compared to pulling an engine above the hood.....much more annoying to do it that way though so in the end i say go for pulling the engine if you can. transmission comes out super quick, less hoses, electronics and such to deal with....but i've always done the XT6 six cylinder so the engine is stuffed in and less room to work with too so that makes it a tad harder i suppose.

 

only way i'd do it from underneath is if i was swapping auto trans and time was critical. for a clutch swap time shouldn't be critical because you have alot of work to do and should be getting the flywheel turned.

 

you can always pull the motor and trans as an assembly too, done that before. pull them both out, assemble it all on the floor or workbench and install it all back in together if you have an engine lift.

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pulling the engine is the general consensus. few (if any) will say to pull the transmission.

 

Much thanks Gary!

 

This will be a first for me but I'm going to go for it. While the engine is out I'll probably change the timing belts, water pump and oil pump as well as see if there are any leaks to address.

 

I'm a decent shade tree mechanic but haven't done anything this extensive on a Soob. I've converted an old Honda Accord from an Auto to a 5 spd and I've overhauled the engine on my 1968 Landcruiser so I'm not terribly intimidated... hopefully I don't turn the car into a big basket-case mess in my garage.

 

Tracy

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if you're doing anything engine related like that then pulling the engine will make that much easier and cleaner too. as a matter of fact if the cam case is leaking at all (particularly that o-ring at the corner) then now is a great time to reseal that as well since you can put it on a stand or put the motor on it's side to keep the rocker arms from falling off. doing that in the car is possible but most people find it really annoying as you can't keep the rocker arms on without a glob of grease. then if you bump them while install the cam case they fall off and you start all over. out of the engine this job is much easier. and that lower corner o-ring gets old and is very important for good oil supply as well and only costs 2.13. the cam case sealant is in a tube, so no expensive gasket/sealant their either. but you'll know more once you get a good look. i like http://www.thepartsbin.com for good prices.

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I would pull the engine. I just did one this way (since I was putting a new engine in anyway:lol:), and I found it alot easier to line the shafts back up when reassembling it than trying to work from underneath... Just label all the wires and tubes from the engine when you pull it so you can get them all back in the right place. If you want to do timing belt, water pump, seals, or anything else, it'll be a littl easier with the engine out anyway (although I actually have done a head gasket job on an '85 suby without pulling it....)

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Pull the engine. On your car, there is very, very little to unplug or disconnect. I've gotten my EA82 removal time down to well below an hour.

 

Sounds good. I overhauled the engine (a quickie-job; rings and rod bearings) in my Landcruiser without even removing it... you can practically climb in the engine compartment to work on it. It's a different story on the Soobi and the thought of pulling it makes me feel a bit intimidated but I'm going to go for it.

 

Tracy

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