Engine as jack point?

[defcon65]

Wayne's book says go ahead and place the jack under the engine where the case halves come together. Porsche manual says NEIN! Who's right? Any opinions? What do you do?

Joe

[MikeSid]

Lots of threads on this topic. Here's one.

Lifting Points

I used to use the engine as a jack point but I think that's just wrong. It's not difficult to find another jack point, so in my opinion, it's simply not worth even a minimal risk that the engine would be harmed.

That said, I'd balance an engine and tranny on a jack pad like Pelican offers, but the added weight of the car is a different matter and seems to place a great deal of weight on opposite ends of the crankshaft.

[edward993]

Hi Joe,

This an age-old question. Every shop I have seen over the years (yes, I've only gone to good shops, no hacks) has lifted 911's rear end from the engine, either for a quick inspection, or to put on jackstands. Moreover, everyone I've known who works on their 911 has done so for decades w/o harm. And I, myself, have done so for my 911s for the almost 6 and 2 years I've owned my two. I do 99% of the maintenance/mods so this is not an infrequent occurance. Do a search, and I think you'll find the same. Hope this helps you.

Edward

[loot87]

It depends on the car. Since this is the 911 forum, I'm assuming you have an 80s or prior 911. A jack pad is a great option for that and that's how I did my 83. But with a 964, I don't see an alternative to the engine as the receptacles for the jack pad are gone. I suppose I could rig up a cross bar so it would be like the rear part of a shop lift. But I just use the engine.

[911 Rod]

Can I ask the obvious question.
Has anyone ever heard of an engine being damaged by jacking?

[defcon65]

Thanks for the opinions, all and the link to the thread, Mike. I SWEAR I did a search first but didn't find that thread. I have to admit I've already jacked it up by the engine but was struck with the uneasy feeling of 'there has to be a better way'. Years ago I remember seeing a guy on Late Night stop a metal-bladed fan safely with his tongue - twice, but thought that it just wasn't right...
I guess I'll have to buy that jack pad if I want to sleep nights.

Joe

[Emission]

Originally posted by 911 Rod
Can I ask the obvious question.
Has anyone ever heard of an engine being damaged by jacking?

Great question.

Not me.

I put a rolled up newspaper under the case before I put my jack under it. It spreads the load a bit, and keeps from metal/metal contact.

[vash]

i like that question! anyone ever heard of a motor being damaged by using it as a jacking point?

i do it all the time, and i sleep great!

[72doug2,2S]

I've done it, but it seems wrong. That's not a major piece of metal you're using and it certainly wasn't designed for it. I don't need to start any oil leaks I don't have, so I say no way. I purchased the jack pads and will lift her one side at a time.

a hockey puck is my choice, it fits right in the floor jack pad

[MikeSid]

Originally posted by 911 Rod
Can I ask the obvious question.
Has anyone ever heard of an engine being damaged by jacking?

Ever see a engine that leaks oil?

The amount of deflection is not going to be an observable phenomenon without pretty precise measuring equipment. But it wouldn't suprise me if an engine that lifts its car regularly leaks more than one that doesn't.

[Miguel Antonett]

For 20+ years I lift the rear at the engine case; however I always put a softener (piece of 2x2) between the jack and case = no problem.

[dhoward]

+1

[vash]

no way. the pistons swing back and forth has to be more than 1500 lbs of dead weight. and i promise any internal dynamic loads is alot larger than what that bar holding the motor to the motor mounts sees. that thing is thin! it would govern the max capacity.

[911 Rod]

I use a 6" piece of 2 x 4 that has crushed itself to form the basic shape of the engine.
As the engine itself is most of the weight of the car, would this not be the same as sitting the engine on the floor?
I have no leaks.

[Emission]

Originally posted by 911 Rod
"As the engine itself is most of the weight of the car, would this not be the same as sitting the engine on the floor?"

That's part of my justification - the engine is nearly all the weight back there.

One downside - it could stress the engine mounts.

[911 Rod]

All in all this a very safe practice. IMO
I never have a good feeling about jacking one side and then another.

[oldE]

I have a piece of 2x6 with a relief cut for the drain plug. It spreads the load out along the centerline. No problems in 6 years.
Les

[Ray B]

Jack by engine with no problems. I use a thick phone book for a pad.

[Hoss3.0]

Is it not recommended to jack using the trailing arms? A low profile jack could easily get under them and lift the car as high as you need. Does it set off the alignment? Or dent the arms? Just curious really. It doesnt seem to me that it would be any worse then using the engine. They do hold the car up after all.