Getting an engine onto a stand without a crane?

[LeeThePeople]

Got an engine I need to get onto an engine stand but dont have an engine crane, its only a CVH so not the heaviest but I know a guy who cut the end of his finger off moving the same engine without a crane. Is there anyway of doing it?

[Snake the Sniper]

How built is the engine? A bare block should be quite easy to pick up. A fully built iron block engine will be a bit harder though. Or, can you bolt the end plate to the block on the floor and then put it on the rest of the stand?

[Talkwrench]

Is the engine out and on a bench? If so, you can fit the part of the engine stand that rotates to the block back plate first. If the engine is being stripped down, take it apart as much as possible. A CVH short block is easily manoeuverable by two people. Having looked at your photo, I'd pop over to Manchester and lift it for you myself ... However, in the real world, if the engine is out and on the floor, how about raising it on a decent trolley jack? Or put a couple of straps around it and two people with a scaffold pole could also easily lift it. Either way, make sure you bolt on the engine stand rotating bit first. At least that way you can lift and slide it straight in. Just a damned shame youre not nearer Leeds......

[LeeThePeople]

The engine is in an XR2i, there's hand room on one side and none on the other so im not sure we can lift it out. Am i best taking the head off and then removiing the block?

[Snake the Sniper]

If it's still in the car, it can be done, but you will need two tall strong people, a couple of lifting straps and a bar/pole or two. Straps go around the engine and over the bar/poles, which have the big people at either end. Much straining and swearing at you for not having a crane ensues. Or hire/borrow a crane from someone on here.

[Talkwrench]

If its still in the car, then two straps round the block and a scaffold pole is your best bet. Taking the head off would make it a bit lighter, and probably give more clearance for removal. It would certainly make it easier to see that everything is disconnected. Its an easy lift for two, though some manoeuvering is necessary as its quite a tight fit under that bonnet!

[LeeThePeople]

Cheers ill try a pole and straps then, ill drain off all oil, coolant etc to make it a bit lighter

[//j17]

Or just hire an engine crane for the day and make life easy for yourself!

[Holst]

//j17 said:

Or just hire an engine crane for the day and make life easy for yourself!

This is the most sensible option.

A small crane wont be expensive and will save you lots of trouble.

[stevieturbo]

and you should be able to keep all your fingers

[BB-Q]

Done this with a Volvo redblock (probably 200kg) and it was suprisingly easy.

Stand the engine on it's nose. Bolt the engine stand in place. Grab the front of the engine and lift.

It's still heavy, but it is easier to lift as the engine stand becomes a lever to act against.

[Ordinary Bloke]

As a matter of interest, why don't you buy or rent an engine hoist?

[LeeThePeople]

No-where to store it, we share a single garage between my large family. We only throw cars in when they are being worked on and any tools left behind are anybodies to claim so dont really want to buy one. Might look at hiring one, im sure there is a tool hire shop somewhere local.

[toohuge]

I was trying to fit my crossflow into my westie and failed miserably. In the end i hired a crane for the day, it set me back 25 pounds but it was the right thing for the job.

[LeeThePeople]

Is that the green eyed monster showing his colours?

[Ordinary Bloke]

LeeThePeople said:

Is that the green eyed monster showing his colours?

My eyes are greenish-brown. But no, I wouldn't want to be you (I can afford to own an engine hoist)...

[LeeThePeople]

I can afford one, its just a matter of where to keep it. I have no garage just one at my grans house and rented workshop space, all of which would mean it getting stolen if left unattended.

[LeeThePeople]

Why does it bother you what watch i wear?

Edit - you deleted your post.

Edited by LeeThePeople on Thursday 19th February 00:11

[Ordinary Bloke]

LeeThePeople said:

Why does it bother you what watch i wear?

Lee, wear whatever watch makes you happy, it doesn't make any difference to me.

Rent a hoist, anything else will be a PITA, unless you can rig a pulley/block-and-tackle on a joist on your garage ceiling...

Edited by Ordinary Bloke on Thursday 19th February 00:17

[LeeThePeople]

Why bring it up if it makes no difference to you? It must bother you in some way or you wouldnt of made the comments you made. Which you have now deleted, why delete them?