GL450 Engine Removal Topside
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 24
Likes: 3
2008 GL450
GL450 Engine Removal Topside
Hello Has anyone removed their M272 through the top? I had planned to unbolt the transmission from the engine, are the flywheel to torque converter bolts only accessible through the starter? Or, is it simply a lot less work to remove the engine with the transmission? I don't have a shop lift - I will be doing this with an engine hoist.
Is there anyone who has done this before that wouldn't mind giving me any pointers they discovered along the way?
Thanks!
Is there anyone who has done this before that wouldn't mind giving me any pointers they discovered along the way?
Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 303
Likes: 75
From: s.f. bay area
s500 GL450 GL63 Z71XL Yukon 67 396 SS velle 68 Vert Camaro 69 RSSS Vert Camaro 75 Blazer
Ive done it. It sounds like you to have some experience so having said that, there wasnt anything out of the ordinary when removing the engine from the top and separating it from the tranny. I did this about 3 or 4 years ago and if i remember correctly, you will be able to gain access to the torque converter bolts via the oval-looking inspection cover that is directly on the bottom side of the tranny.
As far as removing the tranny and the engine as a unit, you might want to consider that also. I separated them but I have a lift.
As far as removing the tranny and the engine as a unit, you might want to consider that also. I separated them but I have a lift.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 24
Likes: 3
2008 GL450
I would assume that the upper radiator support and the radiator need to come out. I checked the WIS document, and it did not call for removing either, but I wouldn't chance it personally. It also calls for removing the trans cooler lines at the trans, but if I'm removing the trans cooler lines at the radiator, and unbolting them from the block, I would assume I don't need to pull them from the trans as well - I think I have some extra o rings so I may do it just to get them out of the way. The engine coming out is very very oily, and I've sprayed almost a gallon of purple power with moderate effect, so I may just get a steam cleaner in there and clean things up. The front oil cooler was leaking a long time before I got the truck...
