Swapping engines

[LoneWolfGal]

The 1100 lb. lift table was finally delivered today. It has a higher capacity than the yellow table I posted about earlier, at about the same price (or was — they raised the price by $60 the day after I bought it). Dimensions: 31.5" L x 19.5" W x 33.5" H. It's made of thick steel and is powder coated. I was happy to see it has large rubber wheels. Funny thing, see the plastic bag on the crossmember at the bottom? It contains parts that don't seem to belong to the table. No mention of them in the 1-sheet assembly instructions. I hate it when parts are left over. I taped the bag there in case their purpose dawns on me. I plan to put my 500 lb. engine on it tomorrow. I have some short 2x4s and 1x2s I can use to block it level.

[LoneWolfGal]

Advice needed. Although it's still mostly supported by the hoist, the engine seems to sit solidly and securely on its large, thick aluminum sump cover. I had intended to put blocks under it, but it's not obvious how blocks should be placed. Can the sump cover support the weight of the engine without being damaged? If not, how are other folks approaching the problem? As I said, the hoist is supporting most of the engine's weight at this time.

BTW, you'll notice the bottom of the engine is dirtier than the rest of it, thanks to 39K miles of road grime. Gotta correct that state of affairs (along with the transmission) before I put it in the car. Clean engine, clean mind.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

Advice needed. Although it's still mostly supported by the hoist, the engine seems to set solidly and securely on the large, thick aluminum sump cover. I had intended to put blocks under it, but it's not obvious how blocks should be placed. Can the sump cover support the weight of the engine without being damaged? If not, how are other folks approaching the problem? As I said, the hoist is supporting most of the engine's weight at this time.

BTW, you'll notice the bottom of the engine is dirtier than the rest of it, thanks to 39K miles of road grime. Gotta correct that state of affairs (along with the transmission) before I put it in the car. Clean engine, clean life.

JFP would know for sure, but I'd think it's OK, since the cover is flat and the pressure is transferred to edges. The danger would be a single pressure point in the center.

I'd recommend a rubber mat of some sort. That diamond pattern steel can easily gouge or scratch the aluminum sump with even the slightest movement.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by piper6909

JFP would know for sure, but I'd think it's OK, since the cover is flat and the pressure is transferred to edges. The danger would be a single pressure point in the center.

I'd recommend a rubber mat of some sort. That diamond pattern steel can easily gouge or scratch the aluminum sump with even the slightest movement.

Al, I've been wondering when someone would comment about the diamond plate. Like you, I wasn't aware (until I touched it) that it's only a rubber mat with a diamond-plate pattern. Looks like the real McCoy.

The only structure in the center of the sump cover is the oil drain plug, but luckily it's recessed. Even if it projected, the "diamond plate" would probably compress enough to protect it.

Nevertheless, I'm prepared if JFP tosses cold water on the idea, in which case I'll have to come up with a blocking solution utilizing 2x4s and 1x2s.