Good time to buy an engine hoist! | FerrariChat
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Good time to buy an engine hoist!

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by sammyb, Jul 13, 2011.

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  1. sammyb

    sammyb Formula 3

    Jun 23, 2006
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    Sam
    #1 sammyb, Jul 13, 2011
    I'm about to lift the engine out of the 308 GT4, so I needed an engine hoist. Went to Harbor Freight, where they have the 2-ton folding hoist on sale for $209 -- usually $259.

    When I went up to the register, I tried to use the stock 20% off "super coupon" for the $12.99 regular-priced lifting straps, but the checker said she could use it for the hoist. So it wound up being $169!

    It took me about 30 minutes to put it together...it's now positioned perfectly over the GT4 engine just waiting to lift -- as soon as I unhook those front motor mounts and the alternator hot lead.
     
  2. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
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    #2 2NA, Jul 13, 2011
    Rock & Roll!
     
  3. bpu699

    bpu699 F1 World Champ
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    #3 bpu699, Jul 13, 2011
    I have the same one. Works well. Cylinders don't hold pressure overnight. I had the motor up each night, and it was on the floor by the morning. Not a big deal, but be aware of it... Good value for money.
     
  4. sammyb

    sammyb Formula 3

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    #4 sammyb, Jul 13, 2011
    I figured that it would be like other Harbor Freight products: make sure the valve is REALLY tightly closed or find it bled to the ground by the AM. My engine will need to be on the hoist for a few days, as Bill the Ferrari expert (who is going to be rebuilding it) won't be available until next week.
     
  5. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

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    #5 FasterIsBetter, Jul 14, 2011
    Congrats on the hoist. My buddy has one of those, and it works well. We actually had to replace the extension on the arm because we couldn't get the lifting hook out far enough with the stock bar. But it does the job. And as suggested, be careful with the valve on the piston. If you are leaving the engine on the hoist, make sure there is something under it, in case the pressure releases, gradually or otherwise. And when you are putting it back in, work very carefully with that valve, as it tends to be all open/all closed if you twist too hard. Watch out for those sudden drops. And obvious Darwin Award warning -- don't work under the engine when it is hanging on the lift. Support it properly, or we might end up having to nominate you for one of those dubious awards.
     
  6. It's Ross

    It's Ross Formula 3

    Jul 30, 2007
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    #6 It's Ross, Jul 14, 2011
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2011
    Regarding the engine hoist; the cylinder isn't intended to hold it up indefinately. Cranking down on the valve will ruin the seat and make it difficult to release smoothly/slowly.
    Nice job with the coupon. I don't believe they are intended for sale items.
    An engine hanging from a hoist always reminds me of this extreme example of the potential consequences;http://www.airdisaster.com/investigations/aacrash.shtml
     
  7. sammyb

    sammyb Formula 3

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    #7 sammyb, Jul 15, 2011
    It worked very well yesterday. I was VERY impressed with the unit. It pumped up well, and when we needed to release (a thousand times up and down as we figured out the path of least resistance), it allowed slow and progressive drops.

    The engine is sitting on a dolly right now, but still hooked to the crane. I'll raise it up to put it in my truck.

    I removed the rear bumper of the GT4 to allow for a perfect reach. Those extra six inches make all the difference. (Insert your own "that's what she said" joke here ;) )
     

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