BlueKitsune

Ok I need to remove the engine from my 83 ZX but I have NO access to a hoist or crane, SO I was thinking would it be a bad idea to put 1 or 2 4x4 boards up in my rafters and screw them to the rafters and then use a come along to lift the engine from the car? I've done this with a little I4 Toy engine but nothing bigger then that.

NismoPick

I wouldn't use a come along. I doubt you could lift it just by hand cranking. You also need some ability to move horizontally as well. I've thought about installing a winch on a track in my rafters, especially because I found a 1ton (I think it was anyway) winch @ Harbor Freight for $99.

BlueKitsune

Well I can move the car back and forth, that why I was thinking just using the rafters, its not like the car im pulling it out of is worth anything anyways lol.

The come along I have is a big ratchet type with the lever not the crank. the a winch is a nice idea. But anyways Im more scared of my roof falling in on me to be honest.

Niku-Sama

i'd be more worried about the rafters them selves. nothing like ripping big holes in your house.

now if you re-enforced that area and then used a 6x8 thats a whole nother story but with that kind of cash and time and effort....your better off getting a lift.

or you can take it apart in the engine bay bit by bit and then getting some one to help with the bottom end after you get the heavy stuff out. although if i am able to lift a bare 350 block i dont think this is going to be much heavier bare.

you just doing a rebulid?

renatodato

I agree with Niku Sama. The rafters aren't that strong as units. Reinforcing them to carry a heavy load is a lot of work and effort. Rent a hoist at your local tool rental. If you have the space, check out craigslist for used hoists for cheap. I got mine for 75 dollars. Removing an engine from any car is serious business; safety first.

Bleach

you could screw the main 4x4 to the bottom of your rafters and then have a 4x4 post from each end of that beam come down to the floor. This way the structure of your garage keeps the "U" shape beams from tipping over but all the weight of the engine is supported by your 4x4 uprights on the ground and not directly by the 2x4 rafters. Just be sure the two vertical posts are UNDER the main horizontal post and not screwed to the outer ends of it.

You would need a beam horizontal to easily clear your car. Probably 8 feet long. I'm guessing the standard height garage would need two more 8 foot beams as well.

I also agree that you should be able to lift the block with oil pan out with help from 1 other person. I had the head/block setting on my garage floor and I could scoot it around by myself. I lifted it a little but never clear off the ground by myself.

BlueKitsune

Well heres the thing, the engine is brand new, only 7 miles but the car is pretty much totaled and no title, so Im parting it out anyways. SO I really dont want to have to take the engine apart. And as for the rafter idea, i think I'm going to try to find a hoist... The more I look at the rafter, the more weak spots I see.

I dont think theres a place in Vernal to rent tools like that

lww

You're kidding right?! Look in your yellow pages under "Tool Rental" or better yet, use the internet...

http://www.switchboard.com/results.h...&semSessionId=

The first one that comes up:

Basin Rentals
280 N Vernal Avenue, Vernal, UT
Services: Air Compressors, Cement Mixers, "Engine Hoists", Forklifts, Generators, Ladders, more...
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat
Brands: Briggs & Stratton, Bobcats
Business Categories: Oil Field Equipment Rental, Tool Rental & Leasing, Contractors' Equipment & more...

Cat Rental Store
1345 S 1500 East, Vernal, UT zip code
Services: 24-Hour Emergency Services, Backhoes, 24-Hour Emergency Service, more...
Hours of Operation: 7 Days A Week Daily Everyday
Brands: Cat, CAT THE Rental STORE
Business Categories: Tool Rental & Leasing, Contractors' Equipment & Supplies Rental & Leasing

U-Haul CO
664 S 1500 West, Vernal, UT zip code
Services: Reservations, Storage, Trailer Rentals, Truck Rentals, One Way Rentals, more...
Products: Trailers, Vans, Hitches, Boxes, Dollies, Hand Trucks, Packing Supplies, more...
Business Categories: Tool Rental & Leasing, Truck Rental, Trailers Rental & Leasing

Franks West States Service Inc
1304 S 1200 East, Vernal, UT zip code
Services: Rental Tools, Casing Crews, Laydown Machines, POWER TONGS, TORQUE TURN, more...
Hours of Operation: 24 Hours Service

Scott Machinery CO
1348 S 1500 East, # 3, Vernal, UT zip code

B & K Tool
1250 E Highway 40, Vernal, UT zip code

Vernal Builders & Industrial
1190 E 135 South, Vernal, UT zip code
Services: Rentals, Rental & Leasing, Fences, Commercial Services, Industrial Services, more...
Hours of Operation: 6 Days A Week
Payment Options: All Major Cards Accepted, VISA, American Express, discover, MasterCard

BlueKitsune

O.o Ok... Ive lived here for 6 years and I didnt know there was any places like that... Ok I'm going to go check that stuff out now.

Bleach

You can buy one for $199 at Harbour Freight. there are several locations near Salt Lake City.

You're only 33 miles from the city of Dinosaur. Have you been there?

BlueKitsune

Ya Once to buy a lotto ticket but other then that no lol

audiofreak97

If you are desperate and don't want to buy a hoist, just drop the motor through the bottom of the car then have some friends lift the front of the car over the top of the motor.



Works for them civic owners

Bleach

oh I got it.

Set the engine on a dolly or rolling car jack. Then cut out the front crossmember and just roll the car back. You did say the car was garbage, right?

BlueKitsune

Ya I did, you saw it in the for sale section lol. idk if I want to start cutting stuff tho O.o

81SacUti280zx

i think he was joking...but wouldnt be a bad idea lol. but i think renatodato has the best idea...just look on craigslist. cause u also never know when you would need it again. So BLAAM. u got one at your disposal now. or ur buddies need one. or something ya know. My buddie has got a old 61' gmc flatbed tow truck we use a lot lol. very fun and very very easy to pull and drop engines.

BlueKitsune

I'm chopping up all 3 of my old broken down ATV and welding up a crane kinda thing now. I just have to go buy some new saws-all blades.

How heavy ARE lease engines?