where to support an engine from - dropping the subframe

RaceDiagnostics · May 28, 2017

Due to the shape of the inner wing my engine support beam is set a fair bit back from the lifting eye.

Is it ok to sling the chains round the exhaust manifolds, was worried about cracking the manifolds or crushing the gaskets?

Looked at putting a couple of seat belts under the engine but the transmission oil cooler pipes are in the way.

Dieselman 63 · May 28, 2017

I would always go with a proper lifting strap so you have the peace of mind that they are rated at a load etc, not too sure if a seatbelt could take an engine.

Burdekin · May 28, 2017

Seat belts will take an engine no bother but if you get hooked up when lifting you could have an issue. Wouldn't lift off the manifold. I'd try and get a sling on and put one eye through the other so it tightens down when lifting.

wookie · May 28, 2017

Since your windscreen is out I'd run a length of box on top of the red support beam running fore/aft, strap the back end of that box to the rear of the car (it won't need to be very strong because of the leverage involved) and then support the engine properly from it's lifting eye to the front end of the box.

Johnseat · May 28, 2017

Seat belt stop humans from flying through the screen at silly speeds don't hey are rated for huge forces, way more than the weight on an engine and gearbox.

If the lot is staying in the chassis but being lifted for access and the gearbox is still bolted to its mounting brackets then the manifold should easily hold the weight of the engine.
We support 1.5t merc truck engines under the manifolds when raising to the remove a transmission.

rcx132 · May 28, 2017

Check out these guys for straps and strops, they have a lot of rated straps on their website, they used to make custom straps for me and are cheap: http://www.slingsandstraps.co.uk/

Tinbasherdan · May 28, 2017

I wouldn't be too keen on supporting under the manifold. They'll probably take the static load, but if it dropped slightly I'd be concerned it would snap. No eye on the top of the engine?

daedalusminos · May 28, 2017

Why can't you have the beam fore and aft - it looks like a lifting eye at the front between the heads, is there another at the back?

CompoSimmonite · May 28, 2017

What about supporting from the engine mounts ? That way at least you will ensure C of G not altered - which could happen if you try to support too far back.

RaceDiagnostics · May 28, 2017

wookie said:
Since your windscreen is out I'd run a length of box on top of the red support beam running fore/aft, strap the back end of that box to the rear of the car (it won't need to be very strong because of the leverage involved) and then support the engine properly from it's lifting eye to the front end of the box.

Great suggestion but I don't really have anything suitable to use.

RaceDiagnostics · May 28, 2017

Tinbasherdan said:
I wouldn't be too keen on supporting under the manifold. They'll probably take the static load, but if it dropped slightly I'd be concerned it would snap. No eye on the top of the engine?

There is an eye but it in the wrong place.

RaceDiagnostics · May 28, 2017

CompoSimmonite said:
What about supporting from the engine mounts ? That way at least you will ensure C of G not altered - which could happen if you try to support too far back.

With the shape of them I cant get chains or a strap round them with the subframe in the way.

RaceDiagnostics · May 28, 2017

daedalusminos said:
Why can't you have the beam fore and aft - it looks like a lifting eye at the front between the heads, is there another at the back?

Nowhere suitable to mount it.

RaceDiagnostics · May 28, 2017

I tried like this but the chains were "leaning" on delicate stuff at the front and the back. So I'll just put the chains round the exhaust manifolds.

fixerupper · May 28, 2017

If you have seat belt strops in good condition use that, make a cradle under the engine ... it is very strong ... I have seen large trucks hauled out of ditches with seat belts from a scrap yard ....

CompoSimmonite · May 28, 2017

RaceDiagnostics said:
With the shape of them I cant get chains or a strap round them with the subframe in the way.

What about using winch type wire ?

Screwdriver · May 28, 2017

Bearing in mind I am a master bodger: I use poly rope to lift virtually anything. The heavier it is, the more winds of rope...

If it's as thick as your finger it's good for a ton. A few more winds and you could pick up a house. Seriously though, the added benefit being you can throw a load of loops wherever looks good and distribute the load on the object being lifted.

NB: I always try to keep away from sharp edges or sharp bends when rigging it. Ideally it wants to go around a reasonable diameter lifting point.

Like I say though, master bodger....

RaceDiagnostics · May 29, 2017

My engine hoist and load leveler isn't an option in this case as the garage door wont shut once in place, I also need this in place for a week or so while I do other work.

RaceDiagnostics · May 29, 2017

So is it possible to remove the subframe in 2hours, well if you have all your ducks lined up, all the tools in place, then yes, its just about possible.

First job was brake pads out and callipers off, then remove the anti roll bar drop links and separate the track rod end ball joints, did that a couple of days ago.

Next support the subframe from below and remove the engine mount bolts after the manifold heat shield has been removed.....

...... and the shock top mount bolts.

Next I tightened up the engine support bar chains just so I could see the smallest of movements. I decided to put the chains round the manifold in the end.