Engine on stand--how long can it hang?
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Engine on stand--how long can it hang?
It's a little un-nerving seeing that big aluminum V8 hang out in mid-air on the engine stand with only four bolts holding it. Are the mounting points reinforced or designed to be hung in such a way? Is there a limit to how long it should hang?
I've decided to put a jack stand under it when I'm not working on it.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Louis
I've decided to put a jack stand under it when I'm not working on it.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Louis
#2
Nordschleife Master
I let my lump "hang" for 18 mos. with no additional support. I experienced 1/2 -1 inch droop in the front of the engine/stand, stemming from bolt fatigue. The stand is a 1.5 ton model. So, supporting it can't be a bad idea. Your stand and bolts may be better than my autozone edition.
#3
Rennlist Member
I think it weighs around 800lbs
#4
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I just had my 4.5L on the engine stand for 3 months and took it off without any noticeable changes to the bolt locations and to the stand. I upgraded all the standard bolts that came with the Harbor freight 2000 lbs folding engine stand with grade 8 (SAE) or grade 10.8 (metric) bolts/nuts/washers.
The engine weights ~600 lbs dry, so it may be a good idea to put some support below the oil pan if you are going to be working on it for quite some time. At least that's what most pics on the web show and it's how the Porsche "special tool" is constructed.
The engine weights ~600 lbs dry, so it may be a good idea to put some support below the oil pan if you are going to be working on it for quite some time. At least that's what most pics on the web show and it's how the Porsche "special tool" is constructed.
#5
Three Wheelin'
If it's a typical engine stand with a tee shaped base and single support out towards the front just put a small screw jack on the front leg of the base of the stand and a piece of two-by under the engine and jack it up enough to take some of the weight off it. I don't know if it was required or not but that's what I did. At least then I didn't need to fret about it
#6
Ditto on the support under the front - mine was on the stand (not Harbor Freight) 3 months while I refreshed everything. I just thought it was a bit more secure.
Last edited by Mr Earbrass; 11-05-2015 at 09:01 AM. Reason: add photo
#7
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#8
Rennlist Member
The Porsche Factory Workshop Manual, on page 13-2, recommends the use of an additional support under the sides of the engine block once the cylinder heads have been installed. Special tool 9128.
#9
Rennlist Member
Yeah, I didn't feel comfortable with it hanging either. I temporarily placed a 1' diameter log under mine as a support. Just finished making a more permanent stand to go under it. I'll put it in when I get home tonight.
Last edited by Chris Lockhart; 11-05-2015 at 12:31 PM. Reason: Add info
#12
Rennlist Member
i cut a big pvc pipe at that point to support it.. before that , nothing, as it doesnt weigh much without the heads.
#14
Former Vendor
#15
Pro
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the replies. I have all the ancillaries, intake, front covers, exhaust manifolds, etc. off of the engine. I don't have the heads off yet. The engine is also fully drained. I suspect I'm at about 500lbs, based on the reported engine weight of 580lbs. I did use 8.8 bolts and sized them to engage as much thread as possible. (M12x1.5x100mm on top; 1/2"x5" for the bottom, plus flat and lock washers)
It only took me and my buddies about an hour to get it out, including having to reposition the car. We took our time. But, I already had everything taken out of the bay.
It only took me and my buddies about an hour to get it out, including having to reposition the car. We took our time. But, I already had everything taken out of the bay.