Safe procedures for hoisting an engine

Is there not a threaded bolt hole on top that could accept a lifting eye?

I do not think so, though I will check. I think that it is a 4 cylinder inline engine and on top there is the engine head.

Mebbe weld a cupla big-assed U-bolt type deals around the engine, and lift from that. Or just use threaded rods and coupling nuts, erector-set style, w/ eyebolts you can eventually hook to. Not sure, w/ coupling nuts, how you would get a 90, mebbe just weld two at

Don't have an answer, really. Can you unbolt something on top and bolt a lifting bracket on?

But here's another question. What is the thing in the background of the #3 picture? A crash-test dummy, maybe?

If not, then you can sling around underneath, and also tie or clamp the sling waist firmly to the exhaust manifold such that the sling can still slip through up and down. The underneath takes the weight, and the tie/clamp takes the side-to-side. Thus you have a secure and stable attachment well above the center of gravity, which is what you want.

If you're using an engine hoist, consider adding outriggers to the legs, as simple as 10' Superstrut from Home Depot held on with C-clamps. This will stiffen the hoist a little, and afford some tip-over protection, while still letting you roll.

On Wed, 25 Oct 2006 03:52:23 +0000 (UTC), with neither quill nor qualm, Ignoramus11590 quickly quoth:

Most gas engine heads have threaded holes front and rear which could accept lifting plates. Diesel heads are beefy enough to have them, too, so take a look. Make your own plates from 1/4" steel plate, Ig.

--snip

Oh, you have pics!

I wonder what that radiator stiffener bracket is bolted to...c/g looks about right, if just a bit forward. Drill/blow a hole in the top and lift! Or find holes on the sides of the block which could accept lifting brackets/plates.

Can you get slings under it?

GWE

I may be able to bolt a bracket to the side.

I think that it is a mannequin that they use for showing military clothing...

OK, will look tonight.

I can, but it would be unstable, wouldn't it?

Use a loop sling. Run it around and thru the loop. That will give support at the bottom and stabilty from lifting above the CG. A heavy nylon sling will be easier on it than a chain.

Bob

Bob, that's it! That's how I will do it. I have two 1 ton rated slings like that.

Lifting eyes at the front and back of the head, or as high up on the sides of the block as you can find holes. Two short chunks of stout chain.

And an 'engine leveler' lifting beam so you can set the balance - since the radiator is still attached to the block the CG is going to be closer to the radiator end of the head.

Get the radiator off and it will be easier, but then parts that have been dismantled will get lost. Six of one, half a dozen...

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Find a bolt hole somewhere around the head where a bracket mounts for an engine accessory such as an alternator. Ought to be around a 3/8 bolt hole. Two of those and some chain can safely lift the front of the engine. The "wings" coming out of the sides of the bell housing are motor mounts, which are more than strong enough to hold up the rear. Hell, if you don't mind tipping it over, just snatch it form the rear motor mounts. They'll hold it up without a problem. Might leak a bit (or a bunch) of fluid, though.

If you were lifting it with a forklift, you'd put two horizontal forks under it and lift. Lifting it with two slings isn't much different. Can it roll? Theoretically yes, but it won't. Rolling would involve going to a higher potential energy, so it should just lift straight up. That's certainly what I'd do.

GWE

Indeed. Good nylon slings with loops on the ends (often called lanyards) and D shackes are requirements to have on hand if one is moving heavy equipment of odd shapes and sizes.

Gunner

Rule #35 "That which does not kill you, has made a huge tactical error"

Good. Just be sure that when slinging..you pay attention to things that may be crushed or bent by the sling as it tightens up.

Gunner

Rule #35 "That which does not kill you, has made a huge tactical error"

Definitely. Thanks...

An unrelated note... I want to make a webpage "looking at a real diesel engine". It would show the components, how they work etc, of a real diesel, not like a Wikipedia page with schematic.