Pulling Engine and Head troubles

[Ggirl]

Hey folks.

I pulled the head off because it needs to get reworked and I might as well upgrade the cams while at it. The cylinders have some wear; I could catch my fingernail on an the edge where limit of where the rings stop and the cylinders were pretty glazed. So I revised my plans and am going to rebuild the motor as well. Pulling the motor went pretty well, had to make some awkward faces to get the starter out. Also, I didn't need to use a spanner to get to the top bolts in the bell housing.

However, I am stuck. I can not get the output shaft out of the transmission. I was able to pry it apart to the point of clearing the dowels, but its bloody stuck. I played with the height of the transmission to avoid the splines from binding, but I just wasn't having and luck.

Any tips? Should the splines disengage easily. I took a break because I don't want to damage anything?

[SoFlaFiat]

This might be me being dumb but did you remove the cover plate on the bottom of the bell housing? If you didn't and you got it partially apart, the cover is catching on the flywheel.
Yes, I admit, the first time, this got me too!!

[Ggirl]

Nope. Totally missed that. Haynes even instructed the removal. Somehow I totally missed it. Thank you.

[124JOE]

ya i would take out the tranz first start at the drive shaft then the gear leaver,starter speedO cable
then the bolts for the bell ...
then after the tranz is out remove the radiator fan first
best of luck to you

hope this helps joe