[killerformula]

Hey folks,

Just was wondering if one could pull an engine out with an engine puller plate (the kind that bolts right on to the intake where the carb bolts on) with an aluminum manifold? Is the aluminum strong enough to handle the pull?

Thanks in advance-

K

[Jmark]

This question was asked some time ago and almost everyone said they did it successfully on aluminum intakes. Personally, I like the chain in each head.

[DoubleVision]

seen it done many times, yet I won`t use them.
In tech college my instructor had a 402 hanging by one, the customer was on his way for it, we were sitting in class and heard a loud boom, we checked it out to find the plate let loose, the engine hit the table, a steel plate table, half way destroying it, and knocked a sizeable hole in the cement floor, it also tore off a sizeable chunk in the oil pan and broke the oil pump off.

[killerformula]

what is the preferred method?

K

[302 Z28]

I have also seen it done many times, but I will tell you this. Most auto dealerships will not let their mechanics use them because of insurance restrictions. Make up your own mind about it.

Personally I prefer a chain to the heads or block, no doubt that will hold.

Vince

[camaroman7d]

I agree, I have seen them used but, no way I will use one not even on an iron manifold. That is a lot of weight hanging on four veru small bolts.

I also use a chain to the cylinder heads, if it is a tight compartment I will use an engine tilter (it bolts to both heads front and rear 4 chains) and allows you to tilt the engine forward an backward buy turning a handle.

Royce

[Sodflyer]

I installed my engine with the plate hooked up to the aluminum intake... worked just fine but I tell ya I had my doubts but heard otherwise.... did it work? yep... Did I like the thought of it? nope and won't do it again. Jeff.

[69elcaminoss]

There is an Edelbrock aluminum intake on Ebay right now that has a corner broken off it. The seller says it happened when using one of these engine pullers.

Go figure???

[poncho62]

I was always too cheap to buy one of thjose, when I had that perfectly good piece of chain at hand................kinda glad I didn't now.

[Hoyt]

Originally posted by killerformula
what is the preferred method?

K

Sounds like the chain is the preferred method, I know that's what I use on mine.

[FASTCHEVY]

I use chains bolted to the heads with a load leveler.
I would not use the plate for two reasons, 1; You can't tilt the engine. 2; It could brake.

[killerformula]

Hmmm, I'm sold! I actually made a puller plate out of a large eye hook, a piece of channel welded to a 1/4 inch think piece of diamand plate. Worked great on the old cast iron mopar intake (360 motor).

I realize this may sound a little basic, but please describe where you think I should bolt the chain, exactly how this shoudl be done (ie what fasteners and whatnot). Then the two pieces of chain attach to each end of a bar and up to the boom with chain. Understood.

K

[camaroman7d]

I bolt the chain to the front and back of the heads and use grade 8 bolts. If I am installing an engine without the intake I will use the intake bolt holes in the heads.

Royce

[killerformula]

?? two intake bolts? Those bolts are tiny!

So are the accessory bolt holes!

K

[johnsongrass1]

It's the only way I've ever lifted an engine and the only way I will ever lift an engine. I've pulled out over 300 or more engiens with the lift plates and never had a failure. The trick is to use quality hardend bolts at least as long as the threads in the intake ore deep.. I doubt that some people do. Seems they use whatever they can find around the shop.