getting engine off the stand
 

Any creative know how for getting the engine off the stand? Anyone done it single handed?

I have a couple theories but bet it there is a better and proven method then what I am thinking.

Chris

73 911E

I can slide the engine off the engine stand onto a hydraulic table and lower it to the ground or 4 inches off the floor.
Bruce

unless you have a jack made for an engine, probably worth getting someone to help you.

I used a chain and tackle. Install the engine cross bar mount and bolt a chain to both mounting holes and then another chain to the mount on the stand, connect both chains to the tackle. Lift just enough to slide the Mount off the stand then lower. After lowering then remove the engine stand yoke. I did this without the intake installed.

hoist
 

I use an engine lift/crane/hoist. It's how I get them on and off the stand....single handed. Works great and can be found at many auto parts stores, Harbor Freight, etc.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290557085.jpg

Thought I saw a post where someone gently tiped the stand over to get the engine on the ground. May have been the opposite ?

I wonder if the engine lift/crane is somthing I can rent or borrow from Advanced Auto. They have loaner tools. seems like the perfect candiate. I bet it would be helpful in getting the engine back into the car by lifting the car or the engine as well

Worth checking out.

Thanks,

Chris

lift
 

Chris,2-3 people can easily slide a complete early 911 out of a stand to the floor or install jack. but by yourself best get a hoist

Mike Bruns

install
 

Chris, you can build a simple install jig, basicly a couple of short 4x4's and a couple of 2x6's about 24"long across the top of the 4x4's to rest the engine/trans. on the headers, with the "bridge" high enough to slip your floor jack under you raise it into place with the back of the car on tall jack stands front tires on the ground, if you center your install tool about mid eng/trans you will find a balance point and up you go .

Mike Bruns

I've been grappling with this question too. This may well be my only engine rebuild, so I didn't want to buy a bunch of expensive stuff for single use. My current plan, untested as yet, is shown below (I was literally just planning this tonight). I strengthened a standard (maybe slightly small) pallet across both ends and through the middle, and added some strong casters (the same ones that I used on my now dismantled chassis stand) to make a dolly. I'll prop the dolly up on jackstands right up under the engine on the stand. This is too high for my floor jack, but starting with the jack on an i-beam, I should be able to lower it in just a couple stops to the floor. Then under the car it goes.

I believe I could do this myself, but will have 2 or 3 people at hand when the time comes to help stabilize the dolly on the jack.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290569080.jpg

I'll probably be doing this beginning of next week, and can let you know how it goes.

Mike

Seems pretty complicated for a fairly simple task... me and my 16 year old can lower from stand and install in car in about 3 hours or visa versa.... with a regular jack stand with engine balanced on a 2x12 and 2 4x4's. A safer bet if you dont want to risk it falling over would be a simple engine stand that is less than $150 at numerous places...

here is one example...

http://www.amazon.com/Profile-Transmission-Engine-Jack-Lift/dp/B000KQ0LLC/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1290570812&sr=1-1

I use an engine crane to pick mine up off my jack and onto the stand. I built a fixture similar to the tool shown in the workshop manual for my jack. It works with all 911 engines 65-89 that I have tried with it.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290572102.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290572154.jpg


This jack fixture solidly supports the engine with or without the transmission and allows the space required to separate or install the trans.

It works well with or without exhaust, but on the 914-6's, I typically take the exhaust off.

+1 Flat6pac

1/4 Ton Capacity Hydraulic Lift Table

I have two of the larger (1000lb.) version of this, they are absolutely indispensable to me. One engine on a cart, load up and change out another one without ever tweaking my back...

I got the larger ones for about $200 each w/ coupon...if you look for a coupon online you can probably get the one above (500lb.) for $150 all-in...

I used to use the cranes but they fell out of favor to me because the width between the legs was annoyingly narrow and the engine swung around too much, and was usually off-kilter at a bad angle.

ymmv

YTNUKLR
Your link is for the 500Lb (which I got 5 years before the car),. I did not think that the 500 version could handle it?

JJ

A bit of pre-planning is a good thing....a table saw helps, but it not required.
The ATV jack is a lot cheaper from HF these days....mine is 10 years old. Mostly made from stuff laying around the shop....like the cabinet door.:D......http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290600578.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290600933.jpg

Those solutions work, but the problem has always been how you transfer to the jack for install in to the car or move it around after its out... I have found it is always best to have the ability to put a jack under the engine at any time. So all my technique is centered around keeping the area under the case clear so I can use it to put the jack there. My garage is tight so I am always moving it around if not working on it directly.

I basically made an 18" wood fixture from a 2x6 that matches the bottom of the case profile and avoids the sump plate. It is 2 layers and looks like a 'U' with the open space where the sump is. That goes on my jack. I have marked the right balance point for engine and for engine + trans so I can line up my jack and be sure that the load will be balanced.

When I pull the engine + trans I move them out and place a milk crate under the trans center and 6 2x12x16" boards under each header. The engine is lowered and rests on the wood and crate. This allows me to easily detach the trans from the engine. Then I can re-center the jack on my wood fixture and raise the engine high enough to get it on and off the stand. Just go slow and its a piece of cake. I just put the whole drive line back in on Monday with no help.

My set up cost was mostly the fee for the 2x12's which I have a bunch of. They fit under jack stands very well or under the plastic ramps I use under the front of the car so the car is not at an extreme angle when I'm pulling the engine out from under it. I don't remove the bumper or valence... waste of time. the boards store excellently in a stack on wire shelving I have when not in use.

The KEY (after being patient and slow moving) to safe drive line maneuvering is a floor jack that is easy to control the down speed on and experience with that jack. If you get one that just lets go randomly or too fast you risk spilling what you have on it... I don't let anyone control the release of my jack but me because I KNOW my jack and how/when it releases.

Enjoy!

-Michael

Also, dont buy a stand like this one below started out as. See how it has been modified so the middle leg is not there. Buy a stand that has 2 legs and an open space in the middle like the modification here ;) They are a bit more expensive, but a ton easier to work with and much more stable.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290600933.jpg

Yes, modified, like I said, pre-planning.

The concept of getting the 10 inch box out from between the ATV jack & the cradle seems to be beyond some....a hint, it's magic.:D

This set up is STABLE even when the trans is attached.

The 500 LB version is enough to handle a 911 engine. I use the 1000Lb but yes the 500 will work.

The thing with the hydraulic table - you don't need the dang floor jack! I seriously use the hydraulic tables more than my jacks. They go up to, like, 36" + they are 8" tall . More than enough even with my elevated engine stand.

Seriously, get the hydraulic table! and be done with it! ;)

I've done the old in & out on an average of once a year for the last 10-12 years. I can load the motor from the stand, attach the trans and into the car in a couple hours or less *by my self* and I'm old & slow...no brag, just the way things are. ...... http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290699297.jpg


You wanna balance the thing on a floor jack, be my guest.

Hydraulic lifting table. Since getting it for this purpose I've found a dozen other uses too.

I use my sissors lift. Easy peasey.

:)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290779744.jpg

How did you get the engine on the stand?
It's usually the reverse of that.

I have a different approach. I re-enforced my ceiling with a 2x12 board across my braces. I mounted a I-bolt backed with a metal place. I use a chain fall and lift the engine. I have used this several times. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290827872.jpg

I used blocks under the ATV jack. Raise up. Support engine under plywood using blocks (black). Raise ATV jack and support with with blocks. Very stable. Worked getting it on to the stand. Should work on the way down.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290880326.jpg

A couple more shots of my jack fixture.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290894908.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290894923.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290894934.jpg


The jack can support and balance the entire weight of the engine with or without transmission. No worries once the engine is in the cradle

Blah blah blah... Where is the blue print :)

yesterday
 

pix from yesterday....out of my truck and onto the jack in 10 minutes.........using an engine hoist/crane. I have one of the Pelican jack adapters, which nicely balances the engine or engine/tranny combo. I used this to install the engine into the beautiful blue IROC in the background. I had a little help, this time, but I can do it single handed with these tools.

regards,
al

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290967581.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290967666.jpg

PS: that is my friend Tony Otero's (Wolverine) IROC clone and James Brown is under the car doing a little prep work.

The crane/hoist seems like the way to go. I just don't want to own one. Will see if it is rentable and transportable in a 4 door car. I have a couple strong guys that can help me but like the idea of being able to do it my self.

Chris

73 911 E

Chris,
The crane/hoist, I have shown, will be tough to transport in a four door car, but will easily fit in a wagon, SUV or pickup truck. I'd ask around the local Porsche folks and see if you can borrow one.

Regards,

Al

I can rent an engine hoist for $40 and they claim it will fit in my car. Think the money is better spent on beer / KFC to bribe some friends into muscling up.

Chris

73 911 E

Me, myself and I. 2 hours in. First time working on cars. Always work smart and safe.
That is a Genie lift I rented, off stand, (lowered) under car, (up) 4 bolts and in.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291219807.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291219876.jpg
I also made that wooden jig to fit the bottom of the engine.

Nice!

My first fixture was made of wood, but after 20-30 engines, it was showing it's age. My generation 2 (1/2" & 3/4" plate steel) should last virtually forever (or at least until I'm done pulling engines).

Since you built one, you probably understand all the funny looking notches on mine. (mine will handle the earlier cases and the later cases)

930 engine craddle with casters...
 

I fabricated a purpose built engine cradle out of 2 x 12's that work great. I simply lower the engine with a floor jack onto this dolly and then a can roll it out from underneath the car.

I can provide a drawing if needed.

:D

HFR_Racer

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291236640.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291236689.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291236694.jpg

930 Engine dolly - continued.
 

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291238603.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291238733.jpg

SmileWavy

930 engine craddle with casters...
 

I fabricated a purpose built engine cradle out of 2 x 12's that work great. I simply lower the engine with a floor jack onto this dolly and then a can roll it out from underneath the car.

:D

HFR_Racer

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291236640.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291236689.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291236694.jpg

Kind of like the girlfriend switch. I finally figured it out. I got the engine off the stand single handed.

I put the stand against the bench to prevent it from rolling anywhere.
I removed the bold holding the outermost leg.
I picked up one end of the engine and kicked the leg out of the way.
I then lowered the end I was holding to the ground.
I then went to the other side and lowered it to the ground.

Done. off the stand single handed.

Chris
73 911 E

wow. sounds dangerous. Hardly worth the risk to avoid a $40 rental. I would not advise this method...

Really easy I have dropped the engine three times now. What I did was put a hook in one of my reinfroced rafters 12 x 3 mounted 1 ton chain hoist rolled car under, jacked up car, wrapped webbing sling around intake runners (CIS) disconnected engine, lowered onto hoem made dolly, jacked rear end up a bit more and the rolled engine out. Once clear roll car away connect engine to chain hoist and lift up to engine stand done and dusted. Sorry no pics of set up just never took any as it was a no brainer. Amazed this thread has gone to 2 pages actually

A basic engine hoist works great. You can get them for less than $200 and they work fine for occasional use.

I cringe at anysort of sliding/tipping/carrying maneuver as the penalties for failure are injury and engine damage. Seen it happen. If you have room to store the hoist, go for it. I bet you can even rent one if you ask around.

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Figured I would post this here; old thread but reading everyone's solutions above led me to my solution using 2x4s. I didn't add casters or anything, my engine is either on the engine stand or on the ATV jack ready to go into the car.