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 engine crane and stands recommendations?
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thesaabologist
V4 Fanatic

319 Posts

Posted - 01 Jan 2011 :  23:06:37 Show Profile Reply with Quote
Might pull my v4 out shortly and am wondering whether to purchase an engine crane

First question what is the weight of a V4 without a box? Second question -do I need a stand or is a wood pallet ok?

Any recommendations of makes and models of cranes and stands? Do's and don'ts?

---------------
1974 Sonett III

john-saab
Administrator

United Kingdom
2679 Posts

Posted - 02 Jan 2011 :  08:43:50 Show Profile Reply with Quote
The v4 lump isn't too heavy (but heavy enough to cause you damage)..any good engine crane will lift it. I found my 1.5 tonne crane on Ebay..the plan was to use it and sell it on when i had done..i found i needed it more and more and it's now part of the workshop. You will need a good flat and smooth floor for safe opperation. I have an engine stand but i only use it if the sump or bottom end has to come off otherwise i have a bench i made which is strong enough to support a v8 so it takes the v4 with ease.
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melle
V4 Guru

United Kingdom
3830 Posts

Posted - 02 Jan 2011 :  10:29:32 Show Profile Reply with Quote
I prefer an electric hoist or a chain hoist over a crane. If your ceiling is not too weak, you can use one of these:

They don't take much space when stored and I guess B&Q's sell them rather cheaply.
I also use the bench to work on engines, I've never used an engine stand.

1970 Saab 96V4 "The Devil's Own V4"
1974 Saab 95V4
1977 Saab 95V4 van conversion project
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pchristy
V4 Guru

United Kingdom
1790 Posts

Posted - 02 Jan 2011 :  12:03:45 Show Profile Reply with Quote
The first time I lifted a V4 out, I used a Haltrac hoist with the 4-leg gantry (not sure if you can still get them)! As John has said, it became so useful, I still have it!

The only downside was that I was a lot younger and lighter then, and my weight was insufficient to raise the engine off the floor again! I could swing on the rope like Tarzan, to no good effect! I had to wait for a neighbour to help me lift it!

More recently, a friend has given me a hand and provided a hydraulic crane when I needed to change the 'box. It certainly made life MUCH easier! And my roof wouldn't support a hoist with an engine dangling from it!

The lump isn't that heavy, but still enough to do some damage - there's a lot of inertia there! Do mind your fingers and toes!



--
Pete
"Duct tape is like the Force: It has a light side and a dark side, and it binds the Universe together!"
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john-saab
Administrator

United Kingdom
2679 Posts

Posted - 02 Jan 2011 :  15:32:14 Show Profile Reply with Quote
Build a bench if you can..it's one of the best tools you will ever have..I used 2nd hand wood and built it into the building..lot's of good thick timbers and a piece of scrap stainless from a local green grocers clear out..

Since the photo was taken i have added a large vice..another invaluable tool!

Edited by - john-saab on 02 Jan 2011 15:34:39
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melle
V4 Guru

United Kingdom
3830 Posts

Posted - 02 Jan 2011 :  20:14:04 Show Profile Reply with Quote
Yes indeed, no workshop without a heavy duty bench and vice! You can also rent a hoist or an engine crane (http://www.hss.com/g/67715/500kg-Engine-Crane-Folding.html) or borrow one from a friend.

1970 Saab 96V4 "The Devil's Own V4"
1974 Saab 95V4
1977 Saab 95V4 van conversion project
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thesaabologist
V4 Fanatic

319 Posts

Posted - 03 Jan 2011 :  00:13:36 Show Profile Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by john-saab
Build a bench if you can..it's one of the best tools you will ever have..I used 2nd hand wood and built it into the building..lot's of good thick timbers and a piece of scrap stainless from a local green grocers clear out..

Since the photo was taken i have added a large vice..another invaluable tool!



I like your garage walls - mine a boring concrete

---------------
1974 Sonett III
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olive oil
V4 Beginner

United Kingdom
66 Posts

Posted - 03 Jan 2011 :  10:01:19 Show Profile Reply with Quote
Hay you lucky people with a garage.I have the wind in my hair & the sun on my face when i work on my car.I don't have a garage.P.s Plenty of wet weather gear for when its raining.Look on the bright side of things,when the car is fixed we get to smile while we are driving our classic's.
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Woody
V4 Guru

United Kingdom
2758 Posts

Posted - 03 Jan 2011 :  11:28:22 Show Profile Reply with Quote
My Garage hasn't any reinforced beams so I use my daughters' (all now grown up) swing frame and a chain block to lift engine. Then roll the car back when engine high enough. Whilst my bench (1960/70s kitchen unit) is strong enough to hold an engine I use a Clark engine stand for convenience, though it does take up some space - I have to reverse the Troll in and open the boot so the engine block can clear the boot opening. The engine is mounted using the block side castings, though the stand plate obscures the fuel pump opening:-





Edited by - Woody on 03 Jan 2011 12:09:20
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john-saab
Administrator

United Kingdom
2679 Posts

Posted - 03 Jan 2011 :  12:13:01 Show Profile Reply with Quote
Looking at the rental prices it just doesn't add up..1 weeks hire=£60 and you will need it for a week because when you remove the engine you will see loads of jobs that could be done "while you have the chance"..this will involve ordering parts or time to do those little fiddly bits and before you know it the engine will have been out of the car for a week..by the time your 2nd weekend has arrived you are reaching £120 for hire..another few ££S and you could buy a hoist..sell it on ebay when you have done..i have watched hoists fetch as much or even more on ebay than buying a new unit..people just get carried away!
I have a block and tackle set up similar to Peters..they are cheap and very controlable but you do need a frame of some sort or a VERY strong rafter in your garage...always worth chatting to a scaffolder..you might pick up a set of tubes for the price of a drink!
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blue95V4
V4 Fanatic

United Kingdom
415 Posts

Posted - 03 Jan 2011 :  14:17:46 Show Profile Reply with Quote
I have an old hydraulic "personnel lifter" - bought on ebay for £35 a few years ago - that was originally designed to lift [old/disabled] people in and out of bath/bed. SWL is 130kg so plenty for lifting a V4 engine /gearbox using a couple of short chains and a nylon ratchet strap wrapped round the back end of the gearbox. I must admit that I [now] prefer to remove the engine first, on its own, followed by the gearbox. Much easier to disconnect the drive shafts that way (unless they're already out!). When I changed the engine/gearbox in my 99T I borrowed a huge old engine crane from my local Saab indie - it all went in the back of my 9-3SS, too ! Accomplished the changeover on my own, with no additional help - challenging - useful that I have long arms for refitting the drive shafts while juggling the engine with the other hand.

The Troll's engine bay looks so neat and tidy - nice one, Woody.

David (96 2T, 260-2 Saabo and a 95 V4, plus a Hirsched 9-3 TiD SW)

Edited by - blue95V4 on 03 Jan 2011 14:21:07
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James Ranaldi
V4 Guru

United Kingdom
1475 Posts

Posted - 03 Jan 2011 :  16:18:18 Show Profile Reply with Quote
Fine set up there john-saab.

Beast of an engine Woody.....great to see.

Cheers
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v4admin
Forum Admin

United Kingdom
519 Posts

Posted - 03 Jan 2011 :  23:11:17 Show Profile Reply with Quote
I am planning to pull mine out soon and have invested in a hoist, it was a bargain at £145
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Borstlap
V4 Fanatic

Norway
333 Posts

Posted - 05 Jan 2011 :  21:50:22 Show Profile Reply with Quote
Saabologist, maybe a bit off-topic but maybe handy to know: if the front bar that runs over the radiator hasn't already been made detachable, do so befor you lift out the engine. It makes it a lot easier to get the engine out and in again. Screw down a piece of L-shaped bar under the original one (two vertically and two horizontally placed screws), remove it and then saw away the original bar. This way you won't get distortion.

Alex
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thesaabologist
V4 Fanatic

319 Posts

Posted - 05 Jan 2011 :  22:25:08 Show Profile Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Borstlap
Saabologist, maybe a bit off-topic but maybe handy to know: if the front bar that runs over the radiator hasn't already been made detachable, do so befor you lift out the engine. It makes it a lot easier to get the engine out and in again.



Is that difficult with or without gearbox?- was going to change the clutch and was planning to leave the 'box in.

---------------
1974 Sonett III
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pchristy
V4 Guru

United Kingdom
1790 Posts

Posted - 06 Jan 2011 :  09:58:17 Show Profile Reply with Quote
Don't know about the Sonnet, but on the 96, the engine comes out quite easily without the 'box. Based on 96 experience, I would say don't remove the 'box unless you absolutely have to!



--
Pete
"Duct tape is like the Force: It has a light side and a dark side, and it binds the Universe together!"
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