15 replies to this topic

[nicklouse]

Lifting the engine at the spark plug holes is the last place I d ever lift it..

 
It's actually been done and recommend way since the 60's. Tried and tested.
 
Marshall & Frazer have this in their book and it's how they lifted Mini Engine on a commercial basis in their own workshop, daily.

Really? O.o
I would be so scared to try it ;p Always thought the thread was quite 'brittle' ( if that's the right word to use?)
 
Lean something everyday! :)

as was mentioned in the first post it is Common on the Model T but there the plug is vertical in the head. and it is always advised to use rated lifting eyes.
the Mini with the nicly angled spark plug holes. i would just not go there. and those eyes.....

 
 
If your 'worried' about the strength and weight etc, I usually lift them a similar way to timmy, BUT if there's about 4 threads (yeap 4 only) of the centre stud poking through, I use a flanged nut 'up-side-down' and the flange of the nut stops the bracket slipping off. I think I've been lifting 90% of the engines I've done over the past 15 years this way. The other 10% there haven't been enough threads for. I'll try to remember to snap off a photo later.
 
Just like the spark plug method, it hangs the engine at just the right angle (if it's rod shift) to get them in and out.

Love the % numbers. Mine. Never used a lift. The joys of youth. We just lifted them out. And now with the joy of a removable front just drop the front over some wood blocks. But a lift is on my shopping list. But I do remember carrying a power unit down the stone steps from my workshop when I was 20ish. Could have got messy.