I am planning to do an engine out to replace the 8 yr old cambelt next week Ik have made my own engine dolly (will hold 450kg) It measures 80cm by 47cm (32 x 18 inches) to support the rear rectangular frame Just wondering if this is big enough so the engine will not tilt to the front Frank
18 inches sounds pretty small. How did you choose those dimensions? Off the top of my head I would think the 32" would be about right for the width, and the length needing to be a bit longer. If you plan on checking the condition of those stupid plastic tensioner blocks for the oil pump, the oil pan will need to come off. The more you support the frame from the outer edges, the more room you'll have to work, and the more stable it will be.
Thanks Paul, I will use a second dolly if necessary Already purged the fluids Only 2 liters came out of the gearbox???
At 450kg limit your dolly is too lightweight by a good deal. I think that the engine+transmission weighs in at more than 800Kg. Are you going to use the "two jack method"? If so, the whole weight of the rear of the car will be on the dolly at one stage. In short, make sure that your wheel systems and plinth are up to the job. I used two sheets of 3/4" ply sandwiched together for my 355. The dimensions of the dolly were 24 X 30 inches. Any bigger means less access for unscrewing things (unless you put pads onto the dolly plinth - but that means that you have to lift the car even higher to roll out the engine + transmission). Good luck.
I am not using the 2 jack method The second dolly will hold 200Kg so I think I am ok there, 800Kg fot hte engine assy seems too high?!?
Mixed up my units, didn't I! I think that the whole caboodle is around the 800 pounds (and NOT kg) mark.
OK No prob Although that is unusual for someone living in France... Nice area you live in (Var or Vars?), perfect to enjoy the 355
After 30 years of living in France (I'm a Scot) there is no excuse for mixing the units. All I know is that it is bloody heavy and the dolly and wheels have to be pretty solid when pushing the unit around the floor. I found it useful to stabilize the unit using 4 wee blocks on the corners 'cause the flange nut on the big oil pipe is slightly lower than the base of the engine - you'll see what I mean. (I will not make the mistake of calling it the sump............). I live in the Var (but Vars ain't far away). I'm about 1/2 an hour inland from St. Maxime/St Tropez if you know the Département du Var.
OK good to know I visited a friend living near Apt this summer Also like the Nice area to ride the (motor)bike and F Tsiao
