Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Rootes75 · Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2025 10:33 am Post subject: Engine very stuck....

So, my big plan was to move all our shed round to make space for the rebuild of our 1944 Commer engine, that took a lot of work but its now done.

Next, over time we stripped back the complete front end of the lorry giving us the best access to the engine. All ancilliaries have been removed from the engine and all fixing bolts to the starter bracket and around the bell housing are removed.

Trouble is, after three mornings attempting to remove the engine we are still no further forward. We can get her to budge and create a gap but its half an inch gap at most and then its just solid. We have tried pretty much everything we can think of and have come to the conclusion that maybe she is seized on the splines?

Any suggestions to free her off the splines?
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Various Rootes Vehicles.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7216 Location: Derby

As I have never worked on a lorry I am not the best person to give advice. However, if I might make a suggestion.? Could you remove the engine and gearbox complete.? You should then be able to get better access.

Rootes75 · Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2025 11:13 am Post subject:

That is a thought that's coming more into our heads now Ray. Remove both then in the shed we should have better access to split them.
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Various Rootes Vehicles.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7216 Location: Derby

Rootes75 · Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2025 11:42 am Post subject:

We are going to have another go this weekend, I'm hoping we can split it enough to them be able to spray ease it oil up into the gap.
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Various Rootes Vehicles.

MikeEdwards · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 2725 Location: South Cheshire

Presumably there's no access to the clutch cover bolts through some sort of hole in the bell housing? If there were, you could unbolt the cover which would leave the clutch in place on the end of the gearbox.
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1976 Vauxhall HP Firenza, 1976 Vauxhall Sportshatch (x2), 1986 Audi coupe quattro, 2000 Audi TT

Rootes75 · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2025 7:44 pm Post subject:

Finally, some good news on the engine removal front...we spent the morning on it yesterday and are now seeing plenty of noticable movement. Enough movement to now be able to spray ease it oil into the bell housing.

Next weekend should hopefully see it withdrawn fully off the splines.
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Various Rootes Vehicles.