Engine Drop Next Weekend

[Charlie V]

I'm getting ready for an engine drop next weekend. Having a few Pelican and Canada West - PCA folks over for some fun. Just getting into some of the details and have a couple of questions.

1. Can I drop the engine with the SSI's on it and slide the engine out with some of the weight on the headers/hot air boxes??

2. With the SSI's and a BB muffler on it. Where the headers go into the muffler, it hangs about 3/4" lower than the hot air boxes. How strong are the SSI headers?? Do I need to ensure all the weight is on the bottom of the engine case or will the SSI's support some of the weight??

Thanks.

[Charlie V]

bump.

Any words of wisdom??

[buster73]

The heat exchangers are pretty strong and can support some weight for a while, although this is not the best solution. If the weight is not evenly distributed you might risk bending the expensive sheet metal and the engine is more or less "hanging" from the cylinder heads if the engine block is not supported.

I used a 2x4 with some cardboard in the centerline (below sump plate) which supports most of the weight and the SSI just balance on both sides of a padded furniture dolley. This way they don't carry too much weight and it is easy to pick the engine up with the jack later.

Good luck with your drop and have some fun.

[Charlie V]

Thanks Guenter.

[Jeff Alton]

Charlie, I have an ATV jack you are welcome to as well if you want. Also, you can borrow my P201 if you only need it for a week or two.


Cheers

[sushinav]

I'm a fan of a folded newspaper on a carjack, located at the engine/tranny junction. No pressure on the exhaust, and it pivots nicely for wiggling.

[Charlie V]

Thanks for the suggestions and words of wisdom. I've got things pulled together for the drop. Should go fairly smoothly.