Removing Engine Cradle

[Ben's Z]

Anyone removed the engine cradle before? I want to take it out to media blast and paint and was wondering how safe that is? Can the engine be supported by the bottom of the oil pan? I was thinking of the engine of the oil pan where it attached to the block.

[Walter Moore]

You need a hoist to remove the engine. I don't think that trying to support it by the oil pan would be a good idea.

[beermanpete]

The factory service manual has instructions for removing the front suspension, including the cradel, with the engine still in the car. They say to support the engine but don't say how.

Supporting the engnie from the oil pan sounds like a problem. Use a cherry picker if you have one. You could use a support like the type used for front wheel drive cars to remove the transmission. It places the load on the strut towers. Look at the Lisle website for an example.

http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=364

[Lazeum]

I have lift my engine by using the oil pan (I did it because anyway, engine is in need for a rebuild)

I haven't damaged anything by doing so but I've used a large piece of wood to spread the load evenly.

So it is doable but if I had to do it again, not sure I would

[Zs-ondabrain]

When I did this exact thing to my 260Z. I supported my engine with a grooved top 4"x6" beam, cut to size ( frame supported, with stands, measure the distance between the Front crank pulley and the ground, add 1" then cut a 1" deep groove to fit the pulley)

If after the front crossmember has been removed, you feel you need more support on the engine, Then cut a 2 foot long 2x6 or 2x8 and lay it along the oil pan from front to rear and support it with a stand or small jack, in conjuction with the block on the crank.

All this of coarse, if yo don't have an engine hoist.

Dave

Edited July 28, 2011 by Zs-ondabrain

[TomoHawk]

When I got my steering rack replaced, the guy removed the oil pan and put a board across the bottom of the block, and lifted the engine with a jack. I don't trust hydraulic jacks because they usually leak slowly, so you could probably stuff a frame support under the engine for a day or two, unless you have an overhead beam you can borrow.

Edited August 2, 2011 by TomoHawk