engine stand with bearings ???

[jniolon]

Hi guys .... and Merry Christmas

I'm a lurker... read a lot but don't post here often... I need some fabrication help from you guys

I'm looking to build a replacement for my wimpy engine stand. It did fine for a small block and some sixes but my next project is a 460 that will top 700 #s fully dressed. My stand will hold the weight but it's a strain and turning it is near impossible.

I want to build something with bearings in the 'head' that can support the load and turn easily. I've heard of one built with the ends of rearends cut down (with the axle bearings in place) and using the axle for the rod. Also heard of some using front spindles or trailer spindles. Anyone got any plans or pics of what I'm talking about. 700#s is a pretty good end load so it needs to be somewhat substantial...

tia

John



All I ask is a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.

[Itzkwik]

Do a search for engine stand. Several good threads. Here's one...
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10869&highlight=engine+stand

[BillK]

John,
Have you tried greasing up your present stand ? We have a Snap On stand that we use at the shop almost constantly and have never had a problem turning it. One trick is to make sure when you bolt the head to the engine block, try to align the pivot point with the camshaft hole in the blcok. That is usually pretty close to the balance point and will make it very easy to turn. I have a 502 marine engine on the stand right now and it turns very easily.

[Danglerb]

Some kind of gear reduction drive would be nice, bearings I am not so sure I would like. Amazing how fast it turns when its top heavy with a plain post.

[Vicegrip]

I made one with a worm drive by using an old ring and pinion. Bolted the ring to the back of the mounting plate on stand offs and welded a section of pipe held by some 2 1/2 in angle iron right to the stand for the pinion gear to turn in. I had to weld in a hold back on the other end to keep the ring and pinion from pushing apart. No bearings and rough made but it worked. Welded a crappy 1/2 socket to the end of the pinion shaft and turned the motor with a drive.

Rebuilt a Mercury stern drive and I/O motor in an apartment with that one. Lent it out and never saw it or the lendee again.

[Franz©]

Never did an engine stand, but I've built a road roller with 1 ton rear hubs from a full floating axel and a few cranes from front spindles from Chevy trucks. If I can hang 1000# 4 feet out on an arm and move it with one hand I'd say that's comparable.

[jniolon]

I made one with a worm drive by using an old ring and pinion. Bolted the ring to the back of the mounting plate on stand offs and welded a section of pipe held by some 2 1/2 in angle iron right to the stand for the pinion gear to turn in. I had to weld in a hold back on the other end to keep the ring and pinion from pushing apart. No bearings and rough made but it worked. Welded a crappy 1/2 socket to the end of the pinion shaft and turned the motor with a drive.

Rebuilt a Mercury stern drive and I/O motor in an apartment with that one. Lent it out and never saw it or the lendee again.


Vicegrip ???

got any pictures of the head ???

[Mapleshade]

Franz, what kind of cranes did you build? I want to build a crane for around my yard and am looking for ideas. Sorry John, I am not trying to hijack your thread.
Cheers
Barry

[Vicegrip]

Vicegrip ???

got any pictures of the head ??? No this was before internet and digital cameras. when i get some time over the weekend I will take a picture of a stand I have and then photoshop draw up a rough idea of what it looked like. Took an afternoon to make with a drill, hack saw, angle grinder and stick welder.

[krusty the clown]

otc has a diesel rated stand that has a hand crank to turn the engine, i have work several places that had them. if i remeber correctly they were a couple grand though!

[Franz©]

Little hydraulic crane that sits in a verticle reese style receiver so it can move between vehicles if I need it to.
The taillight and TV camera are magneticly mounted so they can be easily removed when necessary.

Boom and upright are 8 ga plate, copper coated from an old radio transmitter housing I got for hauling it off.
Base is a front spindle from a 3/4T Chevy. The rotor was cut off and a band brake replaces it for swing control. There's also a locking pin to prevent turning.
The configuration you see it in will pick 1500 pounds with minimal effort.
It will max out at 2500 by reconfiguring the cylinder location. That pick requires a jack under the bumper to prevent lifting the front bumper of the F350.
Whole thing comes apart into 3 pieces for easy moving between vehicles.

[1320stang]

I've seen guys take a flexplate and mount it to the head, they weld the starter gear onto a handle and bearing, sort of like a hand cranked boat trailer winch, and use this to rotate the engine.

[Ign]

I want to build something with bearings in the 'head' that can support the load and turn easily. I've heard of one built with the ends of rearends cut down (with the axle bearings in place) and using the axle for the rod. Also heard of some using front spindles or trailer spindles. Anyone got any plans or pics of what I'm talking about.

It's been done:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3663305&postcount=25

Do it right and the lockout will allow you to rotate the engine to any position and engage the lockout to hold it there.