Engine in time - bit scared.....

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sun Apr 21, 13 5:08 pm

Hi all.
I am about to put the engine back in the Coronet.
As you probably know, it has the Edelbrock aluminium 6 pack manifold.

I normally just crane the motor in with the lifting plate bolted to the carb studs. Not usually concerned as I am normally using 4500 carbs which give a better sense of security.

I know the centre 2300 series carb has 4 bolts (the same as the 4500) but I am really nervous about lifting on the centre carb studs on the valuable Edelbrock manifold.

Has anyone (Dave??

) had experience lifting on "just" the centre 4 studs on a 6 pack manifold??

Thanks

Pete

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Sun Apr 21, 13 5:19 pm

I've used a lift plate on a 2 barrel intake, much the same thing, no problems.

Adrian Worman · Post by **Adrian Worman** » Sun Apr 21, 13 5:43 pm

I never use the intake if it's aluminium, not just cos of the slim chance of a fastener ripping out of a corroded thread and Bananarama! up the intake, but more for the safety of the engine block and the car below it

Remove the intake, attach lifting eyes directly to the heads and sleep safe

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sun Apr 21, 13 5:44 pm

Thanks mate.

Cheers

Pete

Mossy68 · Post by **Mossy68** » Sun Apr 21, 13 5:49 pm

Sorry Pete.
Off thread but why was the motor out ???
More tuning ? Just being nosey

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sun Apr 21, 13 6:09 pm

Took out the 528 and putting in a fully rebuilt & slightly warmed over 440 as I just want a driver.....

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Sun Apr 21, 13 6:24 pm

I have never owned a lifting plate and like Ade I wouldn't trust a heavy 440 with bolts in an aluminium manifold.

I have always removed the intake and bolted to the heads when lifting.

But having had difficulties using engine hoists, and a near serious accident the last time I lifted the engine and tried to move it, I would never NEVER lift an engine out of a Mopar again. It is just too bloody dangerous.

From now on I would only ever do it the way I did it last time. The same way the factory does it. Rest the engine and K-frame on a dolly, lift the car, and slide the engine out/in. You can even do it with the transmission attached.

Yes you have to split the UCA ball joint, pitman arm, idler, and brake lines. But when working on your own it is a very easy, stable and SAFE way to fit the engine.

Cannonball · Post by **Cannonball** » Sun Apr 21, 13 6:46 pm

i use a chain on the 3/8 bolts in the two empty holes on the heads simples,

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sun Apr 21, 13 6:53 pm

Cannonball wrote:i use a chain on the 3/8 bolts in the two empty holes on the heads simples,

That was my first plan of attack, but my chains are not really long enough.

I find that it is hard to get the engine suspended squarely on chains using the holes in the head as they are not symmetrical.

Not worried on a race car, but don't want this motor to come crashing down on the Fender.......

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sun Apr 21, 13 6:59 pm

..and I am being a pain and want to leave the inlet on as I have found in the past it is easy to get poor sealing when you are trying to place a manifold at arms length (At least it is not cast iron...)

I may make up a long lifting plate that fixes to all 12 inlet threads.......

steveo · Post by **steveo** » Sun Apr 21, 13 7:34 pm

Cannonball wrote:i use a chain on the 3/8 bolts in the two empty holes on the heads simples,

thats how ive taken my engine out many a time over the years , iron heads , plenty strong enough , even taking it out fully built up with everything attached iron intake & exhaust manifolds , water pump housing etc , since i done the resto , went to using grade 8 bolts & double thick washers , & a new 1 tonne rated chain just to be on the safe side ,

use longest bolts as you can , to screw into as much of the thread in the head as possible ,

Adrian Worman · Post by **Adrian Worman** » Sun Apr 21, 13 8:56 pm

I use lifting straps sometimes, hooks on the crane easy and you can pull it around any part of the motor you like

Got loads if you want it Pete

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sun Apr 21, 13 9:00 pm

Thanks again, chaps.

Think I will take Friday off work and get the engine in and hopefully fired up!

ANTON · Post by **ANTON** » Sun Apr 21, 13 9:09 pm

When I have done them many a time now I have used a lifting plate Witt the engine fully assembled with power steering pump alternator and all the belts fan and pulleys on and have never had a problem with the Ali manifold.
The amount of length that the bolts go into the manifold offer plenty of strength.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sun Apr 21, 13 9:29 pm

Thanks for the informative updates!