How the heck does the 240 transmission come out?

pixel · Post by **pixel** » 01 Feb 2005, 19:44

I'm trying to change the transmission in a friends '89 Volvo, and have hit a snag. I can't figure out how to remove the top three transmission-to-engine bolts (the two on either side of the cutout for the crank sensor, and the upper dipstick tube bracket bolt). I know their 19mm, but I can't manage to fit any wrench or socket in there such that I have room to turn it. I've even removed the rear crossmember and tried jacking the transmission up and down to try and gain more clearance on the bolts.

Is there some trick I'm missing here? Some other angle I should come at? Some special tool I need?

Any help or guesses would be greatly appreciated. I've got an irrational fondness for old american iron so I have no experience with Volvos. I do have to say though, aside from this plroblem its been a heck of a lot less hassle than the last few transmission swaps I've done.

knucklebuster · Post by **knucklebuster** » 03 Feb 2005, 20:18

I think the last time I did this I ended up with a 19mm socket on a universal with a couple of long extensions in order to get enough clearance to turn the ratchet. I've read posts on other boards from people with the same problem. Some suggest inserting a piece of 1x4 block between the cylider head and the firewall, and then lowering the transmission slowly on a jack in order to open up a little more space.
There aren't special tools or tricks as far as I know. Just keep trying until you get the damn things off.

I can't really remember why but I've found this a lot easier on some 240s than on others....

Good luck.

knucklebuster · Post by **knucklebuster** » 03 Feb 2005, 20:24

You might be able to reach them through the shifter hole too. You'll have to take the shifter out anyway. Once it's out, have someone underneath the car guide your socket and whatever extensions you need onto the bolt and go from there.

40 years in volvos · Post by **40 years in volvos** » 03 Feb 2005, 20:53

This will be no help whatsoever in pulling the tranny from your 240 which seems to be a pain in you know where. On my old Volvo 122s I could have the transmission out of that in less than 15 minutes while lying on my back under the car. It was a snap. I'm getting a bit old for that now.Good luck with your project.

Pixel · Post by **Pixel** » 06 Feb 2005, 13:52

"I did figure it out after a while. Ended up using 24" worth of extensions with a wobble on the end. Was still a royal pain. Even better was realizing after I'd gotten the new one in and started all the bellhousing bolts that he torque converter wasn't fully seated and having to take it all the way back out again to do that. I jsut have the exhaust left to re-install and it'll be time to add fluid, fire it up and see what happens.

BTW is it likely anyone is goign to want the old transmission(auto, no 1st gear)? Free of course, but I'm trying to decide if its worth bothing to offer it around or if I should jsut drag it off to the dump. Its in Hartfrod CT."