Engine stand question??

Jay Auskin · 08-26-2002, 12:03 PM

I am getting ready to start looking at my recent purchase which is a non-running '72 911T Targa. I understand that I might be faced with the need for a re-build, and was gathing info on tools, costs, etc.
I have a question regarding engine stands. I know some nice heavy-duty purchased examples go for about $250-$400. Then I find this not-so heavy duty example on the internet for $30. (JCWhitney--not known for superior products)

my question is---will this hold a 2.4L engine?? I don't want to cheap out if my engine will fall, breaking many expensive parts...including my foot!

Thanks,
Jay

Superman · 08-26-2002, 01:38 PM

I used one briefly, but I supported the other (front) end of the engine with a piece of lumber. I did not trust that yoke, and I don't think you should trust it either. STandard (four-bolt) yokes can work okay with the right washers, shims, etc., as long as you're not splitting the case or dealing with clutch parts. If you're going to split the case, then I feel the 'real' 911 yoke is necessary.

Doug Zielke · 08-26-2002, 10:01 PM

The yoke in the picture is intended for use with a VW (4cyl) motor.
Use it on a 911 motor, and the "yoke" will be on you!

Jay Auskin · 08-27-2002, 04:36 AM

thanks for the info guys. I think I get the whole "yoke on you" thing. (ha, ha!)
I was definitely skeptical when it said for Porsche & VW. I guess if my first Porsche experience ends up that I need to do a re-build before I get the vehicle driving, what's another $200-400 into the pot??? (my wife can never know I said that)

THanks!
Jay

724doorE · 08-27-2002, 05:39 AM

Jay, If you can't find what you need, I have a fairly manly engine stand and yoke made for the flat six. The others are right that little one you showed is for flat 4's, don't do it! If need be I could probably let your borrow mine it take your engine apart and then again to put it back together. However, I sense that you already have a stand and just need the yoke!

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Agreed, the ones we sell have five arms on them for a reason...

-Wayne

Doug Zielke · 09-08-2002, 05:16 PM

I just received my engine holding fixture (aka: Yoke) from Pelican.

Now I understand why this thing costs what it does, and why it is really the only *proper* tool for the job. I'm seldom disappointed when I buy the right stuff. Worth every penny!

It didn't come with a handle to rotate the motor, so I added one.
It also fit into my Chinese engine stand perfectly.

scca_ita · 09-08-2002, 06:02 PM

I just missed a 4 arm yoke on ebay for $160. Is the vise required or are there configurations (like the one you show) that securely lock the yoke like the vise does?

If I want to just get the yoke what are my options.

Also, How are you going to get the motor up and down from the stand?

Doug Zielke · 09-08-2002, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by scca_ita
Is the vise required or are there configurations (like the one you show) that securely lock the yoke like the vise does?

Also, How are you going to get the motor up and down from the stand?

If you are refering to the optional "bench clamp", I didn't need that because my engine stand has a pin that mates with the yoke at 4 - 90 degree positions.

Lifting?
I have access to a "cherry picker" engine hoist.
Also, beer and cigars have been proven to draw volunteers that can lift the motor, while *you* watch.

scca_ita · 09-08-2002, 06:50 PM

I see Harbor freight has a stand that is $40. What dimensions do I need specify for the Yoke shaft? 4" diameter?

Doug Zielke · 09-08-2002, 08:01 PM

Yoke shaft is 2.380" O.D.

island911 · 09-08-2002, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Doug Zielke
. . .Lifting?
I have access to a "cherry picker" engine hoist.
Also, beer and cigars have been proven to draw volunteers that can lift the motor, while *you* watch.

Doug, I can bring an engine hoist if needed (span type, wont interfer with the stand as many "cherry picker" types would). Although volunteers lifting works great too.

Leland Pate · 09-08-2002, 09:46 PM

It ad fo the cheap-o yoke said VW/porsche because they were refering to the 914's 4 cylinder motor...definately not suited for a flat 6!
I'd go with Doug...buy the nice factory yoke and get a cheapie generic engine stand to mount to te yoke. That would be a prety swet setup! i WANTED A FACTORY YOKE, JUST COULDN'T AFFORD ONE. i MODIFIED A STANDARD STAND BY TRIMMING THE LONG MOUNTING TUBES SHORTER TO ACEPT THE STUDS ON A 91 MOTOR. (****...HIT CAPS LOCK) Any way, it can be done, and it will work,,,but as others have noted, it isn't strong enough to hold one side only or is big enough to fit the clutch over.
as far as lifting the engine to the stand... a chery picker is definately nice. i had three of my friend help me lift my bare longblock onto the stand which wasn't bad...but taking i off required me renting an engine hoist from a place in town.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

I'm not trying desperately to sell engine stands, but take it from Doug, there is a big difference, and I only recommend the ones that we sell, or the factory ones. Those are the only ones that I would trust to hold the engine.

If you're trying to save $$$, then just buy a used one. Just make sure that you buy the good one. Your saving money doing the rebuild yourself. If you're going to start skimping on step 1, then you might as well not attempt it. We sell a ton of these, so there have to be some out there that are not being used.

-Wayne