89 mtx sho clutch removal

[idc1233333]

hi everyone, well im finally taking out my clutch. Today I just was disconnecting hoses and wires. Tomorrow I continue, but I had a few stupid questions. Im following Sho Phoenix Projects guide, but I have a lift. I plan to just take the whole engine and tranny out the bottom. And the belt tensioner bolt is stripped. Even with a vice grip it was just going around. Any ideas on how to loosen the belt? And anything I should know? My friend whos a mechanic is helping me but hes not familiar with SHOs, thanks :thankyou:

 

[Eric VerValin]

I'd just unbolt a pulley if you can't get it off... and I'd also wait until that motor is sitting outside the car before I even messed with it. I just got done swapping a trans..

alsoo if its your first time taking it out, it might be a good idea to take the intake off, so you can see and make sure your not pulling on any wires or hoses when its coming out. Makes it a lot easier to see.

 

[idc1233333]

Thanks that helps a lot. I took off my air intake and throttle body cables should that be good?

 

[LOUDSHO92]

Its not stripped just not doing it right probably. Loosen the nut on the pulley first then release the tension. Should move then.

 

[Eric VerValin]

Don't forget your heater core lines, and the a/c lines back there.. another thing... if you leave the rack hang it's a lot easier to put it back together I think... such a pain to get that stupid bolt out of the steering shaft... much more fun trying to get it to line back up.

Best thing is to have someone there to help you check everything.. pick it up a few inches, check on things... pick it up a few more, check again... I love using the 2 post when doing that..

 

[idc1233333]

well tomorrow (well today considering its 3am) ill be taking out the engine. I found when removing the clutch cables my transmission was missing a bolt. i disconnected almost all the lines that will stop the engine from coming down. and the tensioner bolt is rounded off sorry not stripped. so ill be just removing another pulley. thanks so far for everyones help. and one pressing question. Ive heard clutches on these cars are weak, no matter what kind you get. and my girlfriend of many years wants to learn how to drive it (because its a standard). if its true that these are weak clutches id like to know now so i can at least explain why she only gets a few tries lol.