20 replies to this topic

[Mad Max]

Hi


Whats the best way to connect crane to engine. Its getting to the point now where i'm doing it regular and would like a better solution to that some rope which is always abit dodgy. So what are other people using?

Thanks in advance

Dan

[Noah]

You can get eye hooks that go on the exhaust manifold studs and the front ones go on the head studs.... This does require loosening them though.

Wise Old Elf (Jason) recommended to the studs and the Alternator bracket.

[Artful Dodger]

cambelts:P you wont snap them!

a more 'safe' solution is making brackets that go on studs. L shape that have some chain through them and long enough to go up to the crane. easy to lift it out then.

[Noah]

cambelts:P you wont snap them!

a more 'safe' solution is making brackets that go on studs. L shape that have some chain through them and long enough to go up to the crane. easy to lift it out then.

I'd use seat belts to be honest, go to a scrappy cut a seat belt out, you won't break it. They're designed to withstand ridiculous forces! :)

[ukcooper]

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item27c7548456

[Mad Max]

Ok so a couple of L shapes with holes in and a chain. Where can you connect it to with minimum fuss. Obviously the exhaust studs as it will have to come off to get the engine out but where else?

[Noah]

Cylinder Head Bolts.

[Cooperman]

I have to original 'L-shaped' single bracket which fits onto the front centre head stud. That holds the engine at the correct angle for dropping it in with minimum fuss.
Think you can still get them, or just make your own. Use 1/4" thick steel plate.

[Vipernoir]

The attachment in the eBay auction is a direct copy of the original Sykes Pickavant cradle - I will not pull an engine out without one.
Utterly superb and as it will lift either totally level or canted backwards it makes removing even a remote gearbox a doddle.

[Wise Old Elf]

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item27bb979017

I have used these on the cylinder head studs at work many times when I worked in a garage. But it does mean that you then need to change the head gasket.

I have also used a tow rope around the exhaust manifold and alternator bracket many times and have never had any problems.

When using a tow rope you do run the risk of the rope snapping or the alternator mount breaking but you have to weigh up the risks yourself.

I have seen the bracket mentioned above but have never used one.

[Vipernoir]

I've never changed the headgasket after using the Sykes lifter (which attaches to the outer front head studs) as the gasket has no opportunity of moving.
I torque the lifter on and retorque the head on removal - never had a gasket go or even weep.

[MIGLIACARS]

The attachment in the eBay auction is a direct copy of the original Sykes Pickavant cradle - I will not pull an engine out without one.
Utterly superb and as it will lift either totally level or canted backwards it makes removing even a remote gearbox a doddle.

Even on a remote!!!!! I wish i knew this in the summer it was hell on my own taking a remote engine out, I needed 5 arms,

[Vipernoir]

The chain has rings on the end and there are two places you can hook them. One lifts right through the centre of gravity and the whole lump lifts level, and the other cants it backwards at EXACTLY the right angle to get a remote diff housing out from under the floor.

The repro ones look decent and are about half the price of a genuine one - use one once and you'll never lift an engine with anything else.

[xrocketengineer]

I used a standard load leveller with only two brackets. However the studs were extra long due to the aircon. So the head nuts were not disturbed.

[dow62]

Now thats what i call a private plate !!!!