Sierra 2.3D clutch change

[Graham]

Hi everybody, I have scoured the net and the newsgroups and not found the
info I need so I'm hoping that some of the old knowledgable and really
helpful types are still using this ng. (you know I don't really mean old :-)

My dad's old Sierra's clutch has finally given up and he wants to fix it.
I've told him it's not worth it but he insists. Anyway, we've got as far as
removing the bell housing bolts (torx type) from the engine (yes, that
far!!) and we're stuck.

There are only 3 bolts, as far as I can see, but how on earth do you get to
the one at the top?? It's far too close to the bulkhead to get a torx bit on
it. The only options I can see are (1) cut a hole in the bulkhead and do it
from inside the car or (2) take the engine/gearbox out of the car (far too
much work there) or (3) drop the gearbox mounting and hope the
engine/gearbox drops far enough to get access.

The only real problem I can see with the last option is that the sump may
hit the cross member under the engine but I suppose I could remove the
sump??

So, does anyone know the correct method or would option 3 be ok??
Its a 1988 2.3 diesel estate with (I think) a type N (9?) five speed box.
Any other info/tips greatfully accepted!

Thanks a lot for any help,
Graham

[Graham]

> good luck :)
> when the sump get's too close to the x member you just hold it there
> it's ok to sit it on the x member, but some people do find that you also
> need to drop the arb in order to the the box out all the way
>
> make sure you have plenty of space to remove the box and aligning it up
> again isn't as easy as people think it is
>
> the plate in the middle tends to have one or 2 bolts that don't get found,
> so keep a look out for them ;)
>
>

Cheers, I appreciate your help!
Graham