Replacing engine and gearbox

[sproggy4830]

Hi
I have had my engine and gearbox out and i am almost in the position to replace them in my 1974 baywindow
What are opinions on the actual process of replacing them , should i put the gearbox in then the engine , or pair them up before replacing them both together
I can get a mate to help for a few hous but i have no specialist equipment, i have a couple of trolly jacks and lumps of wood
Thanks

 

[69billy]

hia,we have a 69 import with no motor or box. after finding one, me and the wife both of us have never been near a van before put the 2 together and put them in together.. took a while though ooh and out again when it packed up....then in again..

 

[Loxy]

Personally in a crossover or LB I think ( I did) I would fit them separately as its easier to get the gearbox into the cradle without the engine fitted then raise the rear of the bus and slide engine in and fit. But either way will work.

 

[*Sam*]

being a 74 it is a late bay ? If so then I would fit the box then the engine as getting both under rear valance on trolly jacks will be an absolute arse if they are bolted up.

 

[sproggy4830]

Ihave the vehicle on the driveway with the rear end up in the air on stout ramps , , i am tending to try with them bolted together , then i think it was a doddle taking them out seperate , that i shouid replace them seperate
Decision decisions

 

[sproggy4830]

Ihave the vehicle on the driveway with the rear end up in the air on stout ramps , , i am tending to try with them bolted together , then i think it was a doddle taking them out seperate , that i shouid replace them seperate
Decision decisions

 

[sproggy4830]

Well thanks for your thoughts , i bit the bullet and plucked up the strength and lifted the gearbox in and bolted that in place first , a doddle really once i pluck up the strength to lift it .
ive busy today , fitted new gear linkage bushes and the petrol tank and firewall , Ive just discovered i need new half shaft bolts and engine mount bolts along with some moly grease,
anyone know if bd bolts in Batley are open on Saturdays ?

 

[sproggy4830]

I put the engine in today , using a trolly jack , piles o wood and. Bricks , broke one of the lower studs but at least its in.
I got all the bolts ai needed from Bapp nuts a bargain price compaired to the regular online vw suppliers ,infact so cheap i probably would have got more weighing them in ,
Fuel and electrics and half shafts tomorrow and hopefully fire it up
One thing i have learnt is that its a complex sequence to get the tinware and other bits of boltons in the right sequence

 

[sproggy4830]

well its all in now and all the ancillaries, oil in , but no petrol yet
turned the key and.........no5thing .?
i understand from reading various forum entries that often its the earth to the gearbox, but that fine and clean
i am thinking i have something wrong at the starter end , i broke the solenoid when i removed it and put a new one on , i may have wired it up incorrect , i will have a look about and see what i can learn

 

[sproggy4830]

i now have petrol in , and its pumping through the carb
when i turn the ignition , the starter turns the engine , but when the key returns to its normal position , the starter motor continues to turn the starter, i can only stop this by removing battery terminal
also a very weak spark , i need to do some work me thinks , but on what im not sure yet
also i need a new battery charger

 

[sproggy4830]

Success
Thankfully i took loads of pictures before i dismantled the engine, i have discovered the distributor is a quarter turn out , a quick re jig and set the timing with an interior light fitting , then bingo a turn of the key and its off like a good un , pleased as punch sound sweet as a nut
Starter seems to have sorted itself but im not so sure , im on nights so i have had to leave it now till tomorrow ,