DG84S

I am ready to replace the motor mounts and the oil pan gasket. Is the bell housing strong enough to support the engine with a bottle jack and wood block so I can do both jobs at once? I hate to rent an overhead lift if I can get by without one. Any of you guys have experience in this area? Thx

Ketchmi

I just
1. lifted the engine by the oilpan
2. removed the crossmember & motor mounts
3. cut 2 2x4's to length from the block mounts to the floor
4. lowered the engine onto them
5. removed the oilpan and had my fun.

When done with that, I

6. lifted the engine back up by the oilpan
7. replaced the motor mounts
8. lowered the engine back onto the new mounts
9. had a beer.

Hope this helps.

Dave

Erik - Denmark

DG84S,
When I did the engine mounts job, I lifted the engine from the top.
- Remove the ventilator
- Make a special hook plate to be placed on the place of the ventilator (Three-angel plate with a hook at the top)
- Make two wooden blocks at least 1 feed long and shaped to the be placed over the bolts for the bonnets - Not harm your lack, you can cover them with e.g. polyester tissue
- Place a small U-beam (2-3"x2-3") on top of the wooden blocks - The U-beam to have a screw hook in the middle
- Fix the U-beam to the wooden blocks with wooden screws
- Lift the engine with the screw hook

Now you can work free under the car - You can even lift the car, and you are working safe
Good luck!

Russell82

I bought a cherrypicker from Autozone for 200 bucks when the kid promised to buy it back from me for 100 when I'm done with it. But I like it so much I may end up keeping it. I used a combination of the lift from above and a small scissor jack under the front of the bellhousing to share the load as I've had the crossmember out for a few weeks (limited actual work time). I guess I'd be a little leery about doing the whole job supporting only the bellhousing, as once the crossmember is out, you're supporting the entire engine and a good deal of the TT as well. Also, with the crossmember is out there's quite a bit of free side-to-side movement, and you're going to be spending a good deal of time under it... safety first. Good luck
RAS

UBoatCommander

Years ago I replaced a smashed oil pan on my '85 automatic by jacking under the bell housing with no problems. Make sure you support it in some other way also in case something happens to the jack. Put some jack stands somewhere (out of your way) under the engine in case it decides to come crashing down!

Randy

DG84S

Thanks to all who replied. You've given me a variety of options.