flipping an engine

[Lin]

I want to do some clean up work on the bottom of the engine. I have it on a rotating engine stand. After draining water/coolant and oil the best you are able, can I just flip the engine upside down (with head still on) so that I don't have to stand on my head? Anything I need to be cautious about?

Lin
1960 BT7 in restoration
1959 Bugeye

 

[Dave Russell]

Hi Lin,
Depending on how the engine is mounted, it may be very, very top heavy. Watch it & be prepared.
D

 

[Lin]

Hi Dave, I wil be careful and I have some extra hands helping. I was more concerned about things like remaining oil dripping into the upside down components like the distributor that are still attached to the block. Any concerns there? Thanks.
Lin
1960 BT7 in restoration
1959 Bugeye.

 

[Dave Russell]

Hi Lin,
There are very few things on top that oil could hurt. Most of the excess will just "run back down" when the engine is righted. The only things that "might" get contaminated would be the distributor & combustion chambers, which aren't too hard to clean later if necessary. I would pull the plugs before inverting it. When it's right side up again & ready to go, crank it over on the starter until oil pressure shows & the cylinders are clear of excess oil. Inspect & clean the distributor if necessary. Put the plugs back in & away you go.

A side mount engine stand makes things more acessible & easier to work on. If you have an end mount stand, I would put some blocks or jack under the unsupported end of the engine. Once again, be careful. The big sixes are pretty heavy, & when mounted by the end, have a lot of leverage on the stand due to the great overhang.
D

 

[Lin]

Thanks, Dave!
Lin
1960 BT7 in restoration
1959 Bugeye