Restoration of a Chevrolet WA

[Philippe Jeanneau]

Ok, I am now convinced to do the extra work (also wonder how we went from Rear cargo Bed to this...) and remove the cylinder head hoping that I can get the engine free and then deal with the rest... I am however surprised and maybe a little disturbed that (if I understood Robert correctly) to remove the clutch and pressure plate I have to remove the crankshaft??? That seems ridiculous- I have to criticize the (beyond) poor design if it is the case...

Here I was hoping to:

1- Remove valve train
2- Remove head bolts and lift head...
3- Try Diesel fuel with a rag... Head has been soaking in Mystery oil and Penetrating Oil for 8 weeks...

If I get that lucky I would then rotate engine, clean the crud and...

1- Remove the oil pan
2- Remove the pistons and check for broken rings...

Once that is done I would remove the 4 speed gearbox... I understand that 2 bolts hold it from the underside... After that I would also:

1- Remove pressure plate and clutch disk from the bellhousing... Again, if I understood Robert correctly, that cannot be done without removing the crankshaft?? I am in pure disbelief...

If so, that is pure insanity!... So, to do a regular clutch job on a 216 engine you have to remove the crank??? I am completely shocked and surprised by the very poor design... and from GM at that.

Sorry for the rant, but I had never seen anything like it... Still in shock!