engine stuck on throw out bearing?

I have a 71 1600 engine which I am trying to remove from my 62 chassis buggy.
I recently removed the engine which has been in for years for a valve job and I also replaced the lower shaft oil seal.
After I replaced the engine I realised I had not had the engine in neutral and I immediately thought- not good!
My fears were realised when I fired up and could not get into gear, also a nasty whirring noise ) and the clutch would not move far enough, so I tried to remove the engine but it will only separate about an 3/4 of an inch from the housing. There is absolutely nothing restraining the removal such as wires cables etc. I had built a dolly and have done this removal at least 4/5 times before which is relatively easy in my buggy.
I believe that the throw out bearing has somehow caught the clutch or something on the motor side. I have read some online posts including one from THE Bob Hoover who says the only way is to remove the engine and tranny together and then Sawzall the trans.
Some one suggested undoing the flywheel through the starter bolt opening-not sure though if there is enouch space for th bolts to screw all the way out. Any thoughts on that?
The really bad part is I only have to next Friday to register this thing or I will have to go through the whole engineering thing again - a nightmare in NSW.
I have emailed Rob of Rob and Dave but he may not get to it and I need some quick help.
I would appreciate any help at all.

I dont understand not having the engine in neutral?
Even if the box is not it makes no difference. I usually have them in gear, and then move a rear wheel a little to help the input shaft locate if it doesnt easliy.
What is the lower shaft oil seal? Rear main, or input shaft seal on the trans or something else?
If the throwout arm is caught in the clutch plate, you could probaly lever them apart.
Unbolting the pressure plate through the starter hole may be possible, ive never tried..

use somme tyre levers, 180 degrees opposed to eachother ....it went in so will come out.
Prob the bearing came off one of the clips and is scewly attached to the clutch p plate.
meaning
the pressure plate is prob biting the throw out. may be stuffed if u use too much force.
U could also undo the clutch fork to jiggle it back and forth and it may release all

"the pressure plate is prob biting the throw out. may be stuffed if u use too much force."
"U could also undo the clutch fork to jiggle it back and forth and it may release all "
Thats what i reckon happened. i will give the clutch fork a go.hell i will give anything a go.
The seal was for the lower input shaft.
if the worst comes to the worst i will try to pull engine wiyth just the drive shaft which i beleive can be undone from the trans. Anyone done this?

I highly doubt the shaft is stuck in the engine....most likely the throw out bearing/clutch fork stuck in the pressure plate somehow.I've pulled an engine with that symptom.The only probable fix was to force the bastard apart and assume something would have to be replaced,in my case the pressure plate was hooked by the clutch fork,so the pressure plate required replacement when we finally got it apart. Crap of a job for 1 person but easier with 2.Good luck!!:beer

Yes,
it wouldn't make any difference if it was in gear or not...
and sounds like as others have suggested..
the throw out bearing or arm is caught on the flywheel ...

so its just wriggle and see if you can get it unstuck...

if it doesn't come free...
then force is the only way....

and probably a broken Pressure plate the end result..

[Quote: emailed Rob..

: Rob is very busy these days as he's self employed and away from Home [and the computer] for most of the time.. maybe send an email to Dave in the USA for a quicker reply - I'm sure Rob will answer when he can]

cheers

Lee

nothing else in there to get caught, invite a mate I reccommend a stanley wonderbar

http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=HT+BARS&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=55-515&SDesc=12%26%2334%3B+Wonderbar%26%23174%3B+Pry+Bar

love my wonderbar!

the pin on the bearing has come off causing the bearing to fall one side thus jaming on the shaft i had this once bloody agro but if you can get a long screwdriver in tyr moving the bearing if ya can't just prise apart or try pushing in and out it may release
good luck

worst of all the clutch fork is forked
maybe a side broke
ow did ya go ??

Am going to go for broke today.
Will let you know after i recruit a friend to give me a hand in case i have to go the pry bar route.
Thanks all.

Well got it out.Jiggled the clutch thingy and removed a washer that was on the engine bolt that i had forgotten to take off and she came out.
The problem was my stupid mistake of putting the throwout bearing in backwards which chewed the hellout of it.
No other damage it seems so thanks again for everyones input and the next time someone runs into a stuck engine they will have some references to fall back on.
I am tempted to drill an inspection hole in the bell housing for a just in case it ever happens again.

you think you might put a throwout bearing in backwards twice??
I think not!

Not the throw out bearing but there seems to be other potential problems in this area and i sure as hell dont want to go smashing the trans.
when a piece of wire might do the job.