Removing the motor from an early 412 (400)

[peter dowdle]

Hi all

I nees to remove the motor from my early series 1 412 which has the big block 400 motor . I need to do this to replace the rear main seal ( Rope Type ). My questions are can the seal be replaced without pulling the motor and if not can you get the motor out without first removing the gear box.

Any advice regarding this would be much appreciated

Peter Dowdle

[David C]

Advice from Fel-Pro who manufacture replacement seals is that in car replacement is possible but unlikely to be successful. It is very difficult to get the top half in without damage unless you remove the crank.
I haven't taken an engine out of a 412 but would be surprised if you have to remove the gearbox first. I have taken a 410 engine out leaving transmission in without disturbing the tunnel. I know it's not quite the same engine but it's not worlds apart.

[Thomas591]

Yes, you can remove the engine while leaving the transmission in the car. When you remove the radiator and the upper radiator support, you will have enough space to pull the engine forward, away from the transmission. To ease access I recommend you remove the bonnet at first.

[peter dowdle]

Thank You Thomas for that I was not looking forward to pulling the interior apart and the gear box out. At 77 im not as strong as I was.