Removal and Replacement

1987 Chevrolet Chevette L4-98 1.6LSECTION Removal and Replacement
1. Disconnect battery ground cable then disconnect detent downshift cable from bracket.

2. Remove air cleaner and dipstick, then on vehicles with air conditioning remove the heater core cover retaining screws, disconnect connector and place heater core cover assembly aside.

3. Raise and support vehicle and remove propeller shaft

4. Disconnect speedometer cable, electrical lead, oil cooler lines, and shift control linkage.

5. Support transmission with suitable jack and remove the crossmember retaining bolts.

6. Remove converter to bracket retaining nuts, then disconnect exhaust pipes from rear of catalytic converter and from exhaust manifold and remove catalytic converter and converter bracket as an assembly.

7. Remove converter dust shield and remove converter to flywheel bolts.

8. Lower transmission until it is barely supported by jack and remove transmission to engine bolts.

9. Raise transmission to its normal position, then support engine with jack and lower and remove transmission from vehicle. Use converter holding tool J-5384, or keep rear of transmission lower than the front to prevent the converter from sliding out

10. Before installing transmission, place two inch blocks between rack and pinion housing assembly and oil pan to permit correct alignment of engine and transmission. Before installing flexplate to converter bolts, make sure that converter pilot hub is installed in crankshaft and that welded brackets on converter are flush with flexplate and converter rotates freely in this position.

11. Reverse the remaining procedure to install and torque converter to flex-plate bolts to 20-30 ft lbs. (27-41 Nm).
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.