Engine hoists

[Bubsyouruncle]

This may have been well-covered in previous threads, but I would appreciate the feedback from the folks who have been there on what constitutes a good engine hoisting rig. I have used an a-frame, and a joist, and a number of other OMG arrangements over the years. So far all my fingers are intact (no thanks to some of the dumb things I have done).

I an not getting any younger, and safety is far, far, more important than cost.

[RMR&C]

I have used many devices as well.....tractor with a front loader, chainfall, come along, etc. Finally bought a cherry picker (old, used) which I like best, my only advise on those is buy or borrow a GOOD one! The cheap imported ones are scary.

[Tom Morookian]

Lots of questions first:

If your a "shade tree" mechanic then a big enough tree works fine.

If your working on a concrete floor then an engine jack that moves is better than moving the car.

If you put a couple of 2 x 6's across the garage (assuming a 1 car garage), then a come-along or chainfall works OK.

I've even dropped an engine out the bottom, onto a creeper, and rolled it out.

If you buy a commercil engine jack, don't go cheap!

[wga]

I use a hydrualic with a adjustable tilt that works just fine. Check the wall thickness of the tubing on these, you will see differences - why some cost $125 and others
are more $$. I prefer this to the chain fall I've used as I can move this hoist around
as required to move the engine.

[billwill]

Originally Posted by Bubsyouruncle

This may have been well-covered in previous threads, but I would appreciate the feedback from the folks who have been there on what constitutes a good engine hoisting rig. I have used an a-frame, and a joist, and a number of other OMG arrangements over the years. So far all my fingers are intact (no thanks to some of the dumb things I have done).

I an not getting any younger, and safety is far, far, more important than cost.

Go to Harbor Freigh and buy an engine hoist 99.95

[Charlie Stephens]

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I vote for a good cherry picker. Rent one if it is a couple of days job otherwise buy one that can be taken apart for storage and transportation. I once used the 6X12 beam over my double garage door and a block and tackle that I bought at a swap meet. I opened the garage door and cut a hole in it where the chain needed to go through. After I was finished I added a couple of decorative pieces to the door, one of which covered the hole.

Charlie Stephens

[El Rat]

U-Steal-em engine hoist works well. Buy a good one, heavy with long legs (hoist...not). One that can be dis-assembled for storage works beat for me. Years ago I built engines in the attic of "pops" garage and then lowered thru trap door into my hot-rod! I wish I could "do it again"!!

[DD931]

And while you're buying your cherry picker (the only way to do this in a civilized manner), also buy an adjustable balance lifting rig to be able to adjust the center of gravity. You'll thank yourself when you try to change the angle of the engine as it is coming out.

[Tinker]

Be careful of where you get the adjustable tilt rig. There was a thread on the hamb of cheap ones binding and also some experienced the chains breaking. Mines a cheaper one and it binds some, I changed the chains but I need to replace it completely.

I bought a good used 3 ton cherry picker from a family member for car engines and have a few chain falls for other heavy stuff. Good chains are a must and you can back up the chains with a couple of heavy ratchet straps. Better safe then sorry.

[Tinker]

Here's the link to one of the threads on the bad engine tilt or leveler.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=308335

[ford38v8]

When I was young and dumb and full of s###, I used a chainfall over a 2x4 roof member to pull a 49 flatty, and luckily survived to pull a 4banger. The 2x4 was cracked, but held somehow, then I got even luckier when my chainfall was stolen!

[Frank Miller]

I would be leery of using tree branches and wooden beams to hoist engines. A cherry picker with a good engine balancer will be best. Whatever you pay it will still be cheaper than a band aid in the emergency room.

[OLD...BILL]

Originally Posted by Bubsyouruncle

This may have been well-covered in previous threads, but I would appreciate the feedback from the folks who have been there on what constitutes a good engine hoisting rig. I have used an a-frame, and a joist, and a number of other OMG arrangements over the years. So far all my fingers are intact (no thanks to some of the dumb things I have done).

I an not getting any younger, and safety is far, far, more important than cost.

Hey Bubsy: "not getting any younger" try 81 ys. ... But to your "HOSTING RIG" ..a lot of good info on cherry pickers and etc. there was a tread some time ago. with pictures, about a LIFT PLATE which hit home with me, having come close to losing a part down the intake, as I put an engine together,and ready to install .... the lift plate is made to bolt in place of the intake manifold, and cover all open ports and it covers the open lifter valley completely, Keeps it clean, and use 6-8- or 10 bolts to cover the area,. and to lift with.....so much safer than a short chain and two bolts, in the intake port bolt holes. .. they do break out, yes I have seen it happen ... not fun and hey be safe.... OLD.....BILL

[Ross6860]

The best one I have used had all four "legs" adjustable for length.

If I could find one like it I would buy it in a minute. It was a buddy's and he got it from Harbor Freight but they don't have that model any longer (this was 15 years or so ago).

You could get the front legs well beyond the pick point (hook) and extending the rear legs out gave great stability side-to-side. It was not collapsible, so it took up a lot of room. It only took a few minutes to disassemble it though if you needed the space.

[1931 flamingo]

Used to use an A frame from a kid's 2 swing set and a "borrowed" chain fall (which I just got back from the borrower after 50 years. Worked great, was usually at a different home garage each week-end.
Paul in CT