ej22 with automatic - removal question

I just want the engine out, transmission will not be used so it can stay in the car unless any one wants it.

A video on line states I need to remove the intake to get to the torque converter bolts.

Have not tried with the intake on yet as I am not quite there at this time, so the questions are...

Can it be done with out removing the intake ?

If it can, will I be cursing myself half way through thinking I should have pulled the intake off ?

Thanks Steve

It doesn't take too long to remove the airbox, which should tell you everything you need to know from there on. You can probably keep the intake manifold on, which will save you a lot of time.

When you remove the crinkly intake hose check it for leaks hidden between the folds; this is a common source of vacuum leaks and crappy running on the EJ22 as the rubber ages out from heat.

On the 2.5 there is a rubber plug that is removed and you can get to the torque converter bolts through it and it does not require removal of the intake.

I'm not familiar with the 2.2

In reply to all above:

Many thanks. I have the air box and snorkel off already and I have found the plug. Just thinking about how much twisting needs to be done using a box end wrench and how well it'll reach the bolt through that little opening. From the replies it looks like I should give it a shot.

Thanks again.

lrrs wrote: In reply to all above: Many thanks. I have the air box and snorkel off already and I have found the plug. Just thinking about how much twisting needs to be done using a box end wrench and how well it'll reach the bolt through that little opening. From the replies it looks like I should give it a shot. Thanks again.

Lots and not very well. Be patient!

They are out ! No manifold removal.

1/4 inch craftsman ratchet, small cheater bar, 12 mm socket to break them loose, fingers the rest of the way.

There where only 3, guessing at one time there where more as there seemed to be some empty holes.

Any way thanks for the confidence in not removing the intake, cause I am going to need that time on the exhaust manifold nuts. Dang Maine/NH salted roads.

Thanks again, Steve

lrrs wrote: I just want the engine out, transmission will not be used so it can stay in the car unless any one wants it. A video on line states I need to remove the intake to get to the torque converter bolts. Have not tried with the intake on yet as I am not quite there at this time, so the questions are... Can it be done with out removing the intake ? If it can, will I be cursing myself half way through thinking I should have pulled the intake off ? Thanks Steve

You can get to them with the intake on. It's not very fun but I've done it.

However, removing the intake is like six or eight 12mm headed bolts. There's no reason not to. As a bonus, removing the intake makes dealing with the A/C compressor a lot easier.

pulling the intake is a breeze on these things. Over all they are pretty simple motors. I seem to have an accumulation of them right now (EJ22 and EJ20T)