• Hi Guest!
    You can help ensure that British Car Forum (BCF) continues to provide a great place to engage in the British car hobby! If you find BCF a beneficial community, please consider supporting our efforts with a subscription.

    There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Subscribers don't see this gawd-aweful banner
Tips
Tips

time to switch trannies

sim

Jedi Trainee
Country flag
Offline
Hi
just need a little advice on lifting the engine
Is it safe to use the 2 valve cover bolts as lifting points?
Going to do this with out removing the Bonnet.
1958 sprite
Thanks
Sim
 
Its safe to use those two bolts, but I can't even begin to imagine how you will do that with the bonnet on. Mine is forward-hinged and I still wouldn't want to try it with the bonnet on.
Best of luck, and don't forget to remove the ground strap.

Glen
 
I disagree about using the valve-cover bolts as they are attached to the valve-train and there is the potential for damage! I prefer to use one of the top bell-housing bolts at the back and alt/gen bracket at the front.
 
Be careful if you use the valve cover bolts. I've seen lots of pictures of folks doing this sucessfully, but I bent one of the bolts when I pulled the motor from a 74 Midget that way.

Next time I do it, I'll do something similar to what Mike suggested.

I've heard stories of folks who could pull a Bugeye engine without removing the bonnet -- using a floor jack, you just sort of walk the motor out the front. Me, I'll be removing the bonnet when I do mine in a couple months.
 
drooartz said:
Be careful if you use the valve cover bolts. I've seen lots of pictures of folks doing this sucessfully, but I bent one of the bolts when I pulled the motor from a 74 Midget that way.

Next time I do it, I'll do something similar to what Mike suggested.

I've heard stories of folks who could <span style="color: #FF0000"> </span> . Me, I'll be removing the bonnet when I do mine in a couple months.

That sounds like an awfully hard way of doing it (leaving the bonnet on!)!!!! and you are right about the valve cover bolts. Cock/bend a pedestal and you have just added to your headaches!!! I don't think they were designed to handle the full weight of the engine!
 
I've used the valve cover bolts once or twice and I know its commonly done, but my preference is to use the rear exhaust manifold stud hole w/bolt and one of the thermostat bolt holes.

Glen Byrns
 
I use a couple of straps around the engine.
 
I use rear exhaust manifold stud and waterpump
 
Thanks for all the help
I will stay away form the valve cover bolts.
tranny bolt and something up front sounds good to me.
I have had this car for more than 33 years and this will be the 4th time that I have pulled the engine. I just forget what I did. The other 3 times I did have the bonnet off. But someone here said it was possible to do with it on. So will try that.
Thanks
Sim
 
Take the bonnet off, it is not really possable with it on.
 
jlaird said:
Take the bonnet off, it is not really possable with it on.

Frank posted instructions once on how he has done this with the bonnet on. Me, I'm going to round up some friends and pull the bonnet.
 
Ditto on the strap's around the pan. Also makes easy to wiggle it back in when the time comes.
 
I pull engines out of Bugeyes all the time and never touch the bonnet.
Floor jack and straight out the front.
I have done it myself but it helps to have a helper or 2 floor jacks.
Jack it up, slide it over the steering rack, hold it there with one hand while you lower and move the jack out to the front of the car, slide the motor back onto the jack.
If someone can just balance the engine on the rack while you relocate the jack, that is a big help.
Put a towel on the rack to avoid scratching the paint.
 
Ok I see the picture but I only have one floor jack.
but I guess I rest it on the rack and then move the floor jack to the out side. then lift again and move all the way out.
Can the oil pan take the weight? I would put a board across the jack to spread the weight off the sharp edge of the jack.
Thanks
Sim
 
Pans are tough with a block of wood on them.
 
one more question does it help to have the back end up on jack stands or can the car rest on all 4 tires?
Thanks
sim
 
After all is disconnected, car on all fours is okay.
 
HI
I am going to try the floor jack method
Sorry I was not clear on this. so does letting the car sit on on 4 still good?
Thanks
Sim
 
Back
Top