lagrecjo

I am currently doing the head gasket on a 1.8t. I am wondering if it would be easier to just pull the block out to do the clutch while the carrier and head is off at this point or should I just do the "traditional" method pulling out the trans. It really doesn't look like there is that much left to take the engine out at this point. It will definitely be easier to get access with the head off in either case so I think now is a good time to do the clutch either way.

So pull block or trans? I am working on the ground, no lift.

coloradobob

Assuming you have an engine hoist, pulling the block out the front is definitely easier given that you already removed essentially everything that's in the way.

lagrecjo

Thanks for the insight. I didn't know if there would be any alignment difficulties going back in with that method. I didnt know if perhaps it's better to pull engine and trans together on these cars. I am going to pull just the block and see what happens.
Sometimes the easy way takes 10 times longer then the hard way and wanted to make sure.

coloradobob

I find aligning the engine with the gearbox easier than aligning the gearbox with the engine. Engine is on a hoist which can be easily moved vertically and sideways, plus the engine can be tilted. Unless you have a really good transmission jack, getting it aligned can be tough. Plus the access in the engine bay is better than the access under the car. All this may change if you have a hoist with better access under the car.