Well,hood is off,heads are off,looks like I'm going to learn how to pull an engine.I found a '55 shop manual,but just my luck,it doesn't mention how to go about getting the engine out.I know there are 3 motor motor/transmission mounts,but I don't want to remove the wrong bolts and screw up the shim setup.Anybody know an easy way for a non-mechanic to pull this engine?Time is not an issue,as I am retired.I want to learn how to do this.I guess I'll remove and mark as much of the other thingys as I can while I wait for a response.Thanks to all who have helped me so far.
Iddie

Iddie

I put my small parts in zip lock bags with what they are written on a piece of paper so I know what they are 6 months fron removal time. My 56 has holes in frame cross over to access front motor mount bolts with ratchet and exstention. You can remove the motor without the trans by spinning the flywheel and removing all the bolts to the torque converter ( front pump ). You better remove the radiator also.

Judd,
Thanks again.I have another question.I have removed the intake manifold.Is there a universal lift that bolts to the threads for the intake manifold,or do I have to use some other technique.Remember,I've never done this before.My transmission is standard so I guess I'll be learning how to replace a clutch also.Thanks again for taking the time to help me.
iddie

Iddie
I always used a chain and bolted it to the heads right front and left rear or visa versa.I think NAPA sells a chain with plates made on ends to use for this. I think there are plenty of bolt holes on ends of head or exhaust to bolt chain on just try to get it even so motor comes out level as possible.

Hello judd,
thanks again.I haven't been on the net for a few days.I think I've got everything unhooked.This probably sounds stupid but..I am still going with the assumption that I can get this engine out without the transmission.From under the car the flywheel and what I think is part of the clutch appear to be a tight fit.Am I supposed to just raise the engine slightly and move it forward to get it away from the clutch or is their something else i have to do?Remember,this is a '55 with manual transmission.Thanks for all the help.
Iddie

Iddie
Put something under the bell housing to prevent it and trans from hanging by the trans mount and torque ball . Better have your book of sware words handy! LOL

Hello Judd,
Thanks again for the information,and for taking the time to help me.I'm buying a cherry picker because renting one is just too expensive,and since I've never done this It's going to take a long while.I'll keep you posted.
Iddie

Iddie

Well you gone and done it now! All this talk of engine pullin has me started on the removal of the 322 from my 55 Super parts car. LOL I guess I'll need to get the $199 cherry picker at Auto Zone.

Hey Judd,
The difference is that you know what you're doing and I'm just stumbling and bungling through life.I'm still waiting on my cherrpicker from bargainjims.I saw it on ebay.It's a combination deal.they advertise a 2 ton cherrypicker,a 1000 lb.engine stand,and a loadbalancer for $289.00.The kicker is free shipping to anywhere in the U.S of A.
I hope it's strong enough to pull this engine out and put it back.I thought about renting one ,but it's just too expensive to rent.When I get it,where is the best place to put some bolts to lift the engine?I have the intake manifold off and there are no lifting brackets on the engine.I also paid ebay an extra $16.00 just in case the cherrpicker deal isn't what it's cracked up to be.If it's not I'm supposed to get my money refunded with no hassle.Talk to you later.
Iddie

Iddie
There should be bolt holes with treads on the back of heads to match the holes in the front or you can use exhaust manifold holes if their off. The important thing is to get the motor to be level as you can comming out and going in. Use flat washers and bolts that tighten down to keep the bolts from breaking.

Judd,
As usual thanks for the information.I talked to bargainjim's today.they still have not shipped my cherrypicker combination.they charged my credit card a week ago.I assume I won't be doing anything for another week or so regarding getting this engine out.Maybe this was meant to slow me down since I'm starting to get in a hurry.I'll let you know when something interesting happens.
Iddie

iddie: I'm new to this board, but I've worked on cars for around 45+ years. I took out the original 264" out of my '55 Special (standard shift) two years ago and replaced it with a 401. I'll be glad to help you out with any information I can.
The easiest way to lift the engine is to remove the water cross over tube and the covers off the corresponding holes on the backside of the heads. Then make (4) 1/4"x1½'x6'brackets (see pic) and drill (2) 3/8" clearance holes on the lower end, to match the bolt holes on the cross-over tube. The 3rd hole I drilled at the top for attaching the bracket to a chain is 1/2" diameter.

home.rochester.rr.com/mrplates/lift.jpg

Get a leveling bar, which has (4) chains, to hang from your cherry picker. They're around $30, as I remember, from Harbor Freight and make life a lot easier, since you need to tilt the engine as you lift it out. With the leveling bar, all you have to do is crank it to the right angle.
A 2-ton cherry picker will lift your naihead. Just bolt on the (4) brackets to the front & rear of the heads, secure the chain from the leveling bar to each bracket and bolt it on with a grade #5 or better yet, #8, 1/2" bolt & nut. Don't use the 69¢/pound nuts & bolts here - use GOOD hardware.

Disconnect & remove the carb & intake manifold, the exhaust manifold and all the lines, wires, linkages, rdiator, grill, bumpers, etc - anything that might get in the way and break if the engine hits it on the way out. Take a few pics before you start, just in case you don't remember where everything goes when you put it back together.
The 3-speed Buick tranny isn't all that much extra weight, but the with the bell housing, flywheel, etc, it does add some extra pounds. I opted to pull the tranny before lifting the engine - your choice, I guess. I had access to a car lift, so I removed the tranny & flywheel first. It was a pain, as the &%^#$ Buick Engineers didn't put a slip-joint in the torque tube, so to pull the tranny, you have to yank the rear axle back several inches. Not hard, but just more work.

OK, enough yakking for now, but if you have any questions as you go along, don't hesitate to ask and we'll try to help you out. Just remember, nobody was ever born knowing how to do any of this - we all had to learn and make mistakes along the way.
-Bob

[ 11-25-2003, 07:14 PM: Message edited by: bob ]

Hello 55spcl,
Thanks for the help.I have to let you know though that I already have the heads off.I am also trying to pull the engine with the transmission in place.Thanks for your thoughts re:no one being born knowing it all,but I don't know how many people are around who do the stupid things that I do.I am not a mechanic,and this is my first attempt at pulling an engine.I think I will reach an all time high in stupidity when I actually get the engine out and try to rebuild it.the only thing I am certain of is that I'm going to try,and I'll do my best.I really appreciate your offer to help,and thanks again.
iddie

...I don't know how many people are around who do the stupid things that I do. We all do stupid things once in a while, unless you never do anything at all. Some people just won't tell ya about the dumb things they've done. Another thing I've learned is to never put yourself down.....there's plenty of people willing to do it for you!! ;)
I think it's great that you're willing to jump into a project like this that you never tried before. Shows you got a set, son !! graemlins/hurray.gif graemlins/hurray.gif graemlins/hurray.gif

Hello 55spcl,
Thanks for the words of encouragement.Hmmmmmm,now if my brain was as big as my "set".......
Iddie

Iddie

I got mine out today. I bought the cherry picker from Auto Zone and rented their chain. The cherry picker feet don't clear the lower A frames so I had to use it with out the front rollers and that made it hard to drag the motor in front of the car.

Hello Judd,
I'm still sitting here twiddling my thumbs waiting for the arrival of my cherrypicker combo from bargainjim.It's supposed to arrive tomorrow,and I've been tracking it through the UPS tracking site.I think I've just about learned my lesson about buying off of the internet.I hope I don't have any problem getting it to fit under the buick -If and when I get it.

iddie
I'm finding the 55 322 is completely different than my 56 322's . Lower piston dome for less compression, heavy clamp bolt on 55 piston pin, and front cover has water outlets on drivers side.

Hey Judd,
I still don't have my 264 out yet.The cherrypicker combo was delivered late yesterday.I got most of it assembled today.I'm going to try to get the engine out by the weekend,but I won't be rushing since this is my First time at this.Can't say anything meaningful about the difference in your engines because I just don't know.Have a safe 4th.

The '55 Special engine is out!I am very proud of myself.I don't want to leave anyone out so I will say thanks to everyone who offered help and advice.I think I'm going to take a few days off,and then start asking for some more advice Re: what to do next.Thanks again to everyone.
Iddie

Well or should I say H%*L I cleaned up the 55 block over the week end and there is a big crack from one head bolt hole to a water jacket hole. $%#* &*^%$!! Pullin the 56 motor now hope it turns out better. graemlins/angry.gif

Hey Judd,
Sorry to learn about the crack.I'm taking things real slow since I'm a rookie.I've got to find a good machine shop.I know my capabilities and limitations.I do view this rebuild as a project,so I'm in no hurry.If I had some of the special tools needed,I'd probably take some chances.Now that the engine is out I wish I had another engine to put in,so I could drive the car.talk to you later,and thanks again for taking the time to help me.
Iddie