DIY Engine Hoist/Lift?

[OK-944]

The hoist that I'd borrowed to remove my engine is now tied up at the garage next door, and I'm itching to get my engine back into my car. I've got a few 3 foot lengths of 4X4 lying around, and I'm trying to envision some sort of framework made from these, plus a couple of pulleys for a block and tackle.

I know that an easier solution would be to hang a block and tackle from a tripod made of longer (10 foot?) 4X4's, but I'd like to use what I have lying around if possible.

I also have a few odd pieces of 3/4" plywood, plus some 2X4's.

My car is in my garage/barn - which has a tall ceiling but the floor above is a bit weak and so I would not trust hanging any hoisting gear from it.

I'm also wondering if I could cobble together some sort of lever arrangement, possibly in combo with my floor jack, with which I could at least lower the engine from its stand (so I can reinstall the flywheel/clutch/bellhousing), and than possibly jack it back up into the car.

Again, I really would like to get the engine into the car soon, but I don't want to kill myself and/or wreck my engine trying.

At any rate, any DIY engine lifting hints would be great. Thanks!

[krystar]

.....get your hoist back. don't mess around with 400 pounds of aluminum when you're underneath it trying to get the torq tube to mate with the pressure plate splines.

[fiat22turbo]

If you must do something like this, look into gantry crane designs and realize that wood works best in compression loads and less so at bending loads.

You could also maybe rent a proper engine crane or even borrow one from a fellow racer in the area.

[cjpacitto]

buy one on Craigs list cheap and sell it when you're done. Shouldn't have any trouble getting your money back.

[fennacf]

I have one you can borrow. I am heading up to NH tomorrow morning so PM tonight and I can leave it at my fathers house or meet you somewhere Sunday morning. I also have a load leveler for leveling out the engine when hoisting.
Andrew

[944 Ecology]

Can I buy some life insurance in your name??? I sense a Darwin award nomination in the offing.

[Rasta Monsta]

F*#!&ing George, hilarious.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by fennacf

I have one you can borrow. I am heading up to NH tomorrow morning so PM tonight and I can leave it at my fathers house or meet you somewhere Sunday morning. I also have a load leveler for leveling out the engine when hoisting.
Andrew

Andrew

Very nice offer and I hope that OK-944 will publicly answer you...

J.J.

[OK-944]

Andrew - many thanks...and PM sent!
- John

[bell]

Darn......thought we were going to have to make some popcorn LOL

Remember, gravity will always win