Clutch replacement.

[Ray-s]

Time to replace slipping too much ..
Is it possible to replace without removing the engine has anyone done it ? ...

[AndyC]

I've never considered that but, you'd need to either remove the gearbox or the engine, or at least displace them by several inches. The gearbox isn't going backwards far, so that means engine forwards which will mean disconnecting pretty much the same stuff as to remove the engine, then you'd be trying to fit a clutch to an engine that's not on its mounts. I'd say easier to just remove them as a pair.

[rbgosling]

Having removed the engine/gearbox combo several times, honestly, I wouldn't think it was possible to do the clutch with them still in the car. If you've got an engine hoist, it really isn't that hard - the only bit I forgot to disconnect was to remove the gearlever!

Oh for the simplicity of the Spitfire I once had - you could access and remove the gearbox from within the cabin, just by removing a large cardboard cover that sat over it, so easy to do a clutch job!

[DavidOliver]

An engine plus gearbox out requires an engine hoist with adjustable unit inclination for the extraction process.
Also you may need to access from the side as opposed to the usual from the front approach due to hoist overeach limitations, which implies adequate garage space.
An engine only out can be done with rigged scaffold and DIY hoist, but you need to be able to move the car once the engine is lifted clear.

Dave the cog.

[rbgosling]

...Also you may need to access from the side as opposed to the usual from the front approach due to hoist overeach limitations, which implies adequate garage space....

Or just do it out in the open. But admittedly this is not the ideal time of year for that. Agreed, unless you have a hoist with unusually long reach then you do need to come in from the side.

[Ray-s]

Thanks for all replies looks like it's an engine out job was hoping to find an easier way but will take the opportunity to replace belts etc while it's out. No problem lifting out have an RSJ across middle of the garage & a set of half ton blocks on a scissor clamp.
Just need to have a tidy up first ..

[DavidOliver]

With an engine out you might consider the following:
Take water pump off (helps engine out) and check block for free coolant flow, casting burrs can limit cooling, dead easy to smooth out.
Thermostat and housing, also helps engine out.
Crank pulley for timing belt condition, wears before cam pulleys.
Front and rear crank oil seals.
Coolant pipes that have a variable diameter, bit of a nuisance to obtain if they fail later on.
Crank bush for gearbox input shaft.
Engine to chassis mounts (bit expensive).
Clutch slave cylinder (25 pounds from SJS)

Just a thought

Dave the cog

[rbgosling]

Ooh - and while you're at it, check the valve clearances. Can be done perfectly well with the engine in situ, but easier still with it out.

[Ray-s]

Looks like I could be busy but good suggestions will do what I can while engine is out makes a lot of sense ...

[chrisw2811]

Very handy looking RSJ and block system!
Every garage should have one.