Using engine bay as engine stand????
 

I was wondering if anyone has done this? To check where a leak is on my engine (main seal area), could I install the engine into my car with out the trans, bolt the engine in and use a jack stand to support it. Then start the engine to watch for leaks?

I am sure there are other concerns besides this, but it may be hard to keep all of the fuel and oil lines connected during a partial drop.

And with the engine on a stand, it shouldn't be too hard to find the source ... especially with the CIS and fan shroud off.

The engine will be out of my car, so I would just reinstall the engine with out the trans, then start it up and look for the oil leak....?

How do you plan to start the engine?

why not just turn the engine over with the starter? just make sure no fuel or spark is connected. Follow the guidlines in Waynes rebuild book for getting oil pressure

How do you install an engine without the transmission if the foward engine mounts are on the transmission?

Engine bay as engine stand......
 

Without the transmission, you need to have a way to hook up a starter and be able to secure the engine. This is is very doable. If you're the kind of person who likes to experiment and tackle challenges, this will be it. You'll be needing a set-up some what like this:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1220395727.jpg

After removing the engine from the car, you could determine where the leak/s are coming from without going to the hassle of mounting and starting the engine sans transmission. I wish you are located nearby and use my engine test stand.

Tony

The starter is mounted to the transmission.

Edit - sorry Tony, posted at the same time

Zalex Industries sells or leases an engine test stand for this purpose. See link below or search the pelican parts catalog (engine test stand):

Pelican Parts - Product Information: ZLX-ENG-STND

Thanks,
Tom

You can do this with the engine on the floor. Just hook up a fuel pump and battery. CIS fuel distributors have a "return" line and there are other minor challenges, but it's been done many times before.

Oh, and yes......you can just install the engine into the car without the transmission. Either way, you still have to figure out a way to turn the engine for starting.

seems pretty ambitious to me. You say the leak is "coming from the main seal area".

Why not just replace that seal and all the other seals in the area. After all, you're pulling the engine.

Yeah, there will be much gnashing of teeth if you reinstall the engine and it still leaks, but I bet it won't.

---

Tom '75 targa

For $600 that seems smart money rather than re-installing, finding a leak, re-dropping, fixing the leak, re-installing, finding another leak, etc. etc. etc.

Do you mean like this?
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1254532262.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1254532365.jpg

The fuel can and battery are remote from the stand for safety purposes.

Find a donar car you can cut the rear clip from and mount it to some legs. These pictures show the early version. Since, wheels had been added to the legs.

I like that Abisel.

Tony has a novel idea also.

Good job guys.

Or like this. An engine stand, designed for V8s. I bought it at Costco for $350 or so and modded it to accept the 911 engine.

YouTube - 71E engine start1

911ETarga, what you propose sounds difficult and dangerous, if the engine is out just go to the hardware store and pick up a selection of rubber stoppers. Plug up all oil lines and vacuum lines etc. Then pressurize the case with a compressor or bicycle pump thru the top case breather. Spray the areas where you think it might be leaking with a soap and water solution. You will get bubbles where it is leaking.

Sounds good in theory but some leaks don't appear until the engine is at full operating temperature.

Lets say your solve the "where do I mount the starter" riddle. Then, how do you get the flywheel off to look at the seal when the car is running?

Just pull the flywheel. You will see if it is at the seal by the residue. If it is at the case or a plug that to should be clear. ;)