I have a 1985 hatchback with an EA71 engine and a slipping clutch that needs replacement. It looks as if pulling the engine would be easier than removing the transaxle. CAn anyone tell me which way would be easier?

Pull the engine unless you have a lift or a pit and tranny jack.

Don't pull the engine - just pull it forward off the tranny. Remove the radiator for more room to do this. Clutch pack can be done without "removing" the engine or tranny from the car. Support it from underneath with a jack.

I've never tried just sliding the motor forwards, That might work......

 

I'd just pull the motor. You can easily have it out in under an hour. I completely swapped the motor in my Hatch last year in about 90 minutes.

Sliding it forwards is an option, however, I dont have small girly hands to wedge into the space to remove the clutchpack.

 

Since you're already that far.. might as well pull it out and stick the block on a table to polish up all the chrome.. and/or to install some chrome to polish.

That's the spirit!

that's exactly the way I work in my garage.

Just yank it. there is surely something else that needs looking at!

And, I don't think I've ever seen chrome in the engine bay of an older subie.

there is always a first time

 

Sliding it forwards is an option, however, I dont have small girly hands to wedge into the space to remove the clutchpack.

 

Since you're already that far.. might as well pull it out and stick the block on a table to polish up all the chrome.. and/or to install some chrome to polish.

I completely swapped the motor in my Hatch last year in about 90 minutes.

 

Wow! It took me about 7 hours to swap a SPFI EA82... Still loads better than anything else on the road. Geez, I hate transverse engines....

We just pulled my EA81 Sat to do a clutch swap...made it pretty easy to do..plus while it was out it was easier to do some other stuff (reseal and stuff). I would just yank it..save yourself some headache. I now know I could do it myself if I had too thanks to Moosens,subeman90,and Subafreak.....and I am a girl!!

I've done it both ways on EA81, EA82 and EJ22 soobs. Although it would seem easier to leave the engine in the car, If you have a engine hoist or a long pipe and a buddy, you might as well pull the engine. Doing so, you can spray off/scrub the engine compartment out, get all the sand and grime off the crossmember so your engine mounts sit flush and clean. Tighten up the oil pan 10mm bolts also while you got the engine out.

 

And remember to change the rear main seal if you pull the flywheel off the crank. Good luck

 

*Should take you less than 2 hours to do the job start to finish* -depending on your mechanic skills-