engine wont connect with transmision

[subarunut]

So I have a 1999 Subaru outback with the 2.5 and a Manuel transmission. I've put engines in my 98 ej25 with the automatic. Those went in easy. But for some reason I can get the motor to connect with the trans it just don't go anymore the studs are lined up but not enough to put a nut on and the bolts don't reach to thread in yet. I sag the for about an hour with 4 buddies trying to shake it into place but it will not move anymore. I thought it was the pressure plate or the throw out arm because the autos don't have those to block it. When I pulled the motor the throwout came out and the clutch got pulled to the floor so I'm not sure if that's whats holding it up I'm not sure it doesn't feel like it wants to go. I got one nut on the stud for the starter but it is only keeping it the motor from coming out of place. Any thoughts?

[02_Legacy]

First of all even if you close the gap enough to thread in a bolt DO NOT PULL THEM TOGETHER WITH THE BOLT! That is how stuff breaks, when everything is lined up it will slide together with ease.
Now, did you remove the pressure plate? If so did you use a clutch alignment tool when putting it back on?
When putting the two together there should be two "steps" The first is as the splines on the clutch line up with the spline on the trans input. The second is when the input shaft slides into the pilot bearing. Try to figure out where you are getting stuck.

[lord flashheart]

^ couldnt have said it better.

also it sometimes helps if you put a wrench on the crank bolt and rotate it as you are jiggling the motor. Lines up the splines n all.

[subarunut]

I didn't take off the clutch the last owner reached it with an exedy I inspected it it was fine but never took it off. And I just threaded one nut on to keep it together so the stud wouldn't pull out anymore. And I rotated the crank as I was wiggling didn't seem to help. There is about an inch and half of gap between the bell housing and block. Could the clutch fork and throwout bearing assembly keep the motor from meeting up with the trans?

[02_Legacy]

at an inch and a half I would doubt that you have the input shaft splined into the clutch disk. Are you sure that the right clutch disk is installed?
If the throw out bearing easily slides and goes all the way back than that is not the issue.

[subarunut]

The motor was in with that clutch when I bought I drove it probably 100 miles before I pulled it. The clutch is the right one never touched it and the throwout doesn't move very far because if the hydrolic piece for the clutch on top of the trans

[ctbrighton]

jack up the front of the motor some, better angle for things to mesh.

[lord flashheart]

I think he is putting the motor in not the trans. I could be wrong

but that is a good technicfor putting the trans in

[subarunut]

Got the motor in. Just wiggled it turned the crank until the Car started moving forward. Then just put nits on the studs and started turning them evenly until it met up. Noe I just have to wait for this shitty new York snow to stop then I can finish the accessories and radiator then fluids battery and I'm driving!