Moving an engine

[radioactiveman]

Hello,

Apropos of my recent post in mechanical ( https://board.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=77916), I’ve bought a partially built engine.

My question is, how possible is for two people to lift an engine block to manoeuvre it into a car/van? This is the engine in question, to give you an idea of what’s is and isn’t attached: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11628697663 ... SwGTBmuLTa

Also, can it be placed on its side/back/front or should it remain upright on the sump. I’m trying to gauge the possibility of fitting it into a (modern) MINI.

Many thanks!

[svenedin]

I was actually thinking about this myself today. I was on the phone to an engine rebuilder and I was asking what he thought about transporting a complete 1098 in my Audi estate car. I estimated that a complete 1098 weighs about 90Kg and he said this is correct. I am going to use an engine crane to transfer the engine to the Audi. 90Kg is about the weight of a reasonably heavy adult man (14 stone)

In your case the engine is minus the head so maybe 80Kg (12 1/2 stone)

I did lift a 1098 with one other person when I was in my 20's but I wouldn't dream of doing it now.

Assuming the engine is drained of oil you could transport it on its side but with the tappet chest covers uppermost or it will leak residual oil from the draft tube (probably). It may also put strain on the oil filter head and it would be better transported upright and lashed down with straps.

Stephen

[radioactiveman]

I was actually thinking about this myself today. I was on the phone to an engine rebuilder and I was asking what he thought about transporting a complete 1098 in my Audi estate car. I estimated that a complete 1098 weighs about 90Kg and he said this is correct. I am going to use an engine crane to transfer the engine to the Audi. 90Kg is about the weight of a reasonably heavy adult man (14 stone)

In your case the engine is minus the head so maybe 80Kg (12 1/2 stone)

I did lift a 1098 with one other person when I was in my 20's but I wouldn't dream of doing it now.

Assuming the engine is drained of oil you could transport it on its side but with the tappet chest covers uppermost or it will leak residual oil from the draft tube (probably). It may also put strain on the oil filter head and it would be better transported upright and lashed down with straps.

Stephen

Thank you, this is interesting.

I’m leaning toward hiring a van for a few hours.

I’m in my 30s, so perhaps I’d still be okay to manoeuvre it into a low van. Plus, for the cost I’d be annoyed if I damaged my modern. It also gives me the most flexibility in terms of lashing it upright to some anchor points.

I’ve got some offcuts of OSB in the garage so I could probably cut it down to act as a base to attach to.

[rocco]

Between two relatively normal chaps lifting that engine without the head will be absolutely no problem. I recommend putting it in or on a plastic container/box when in the car and push it in to the boot far enough to clear the glass rear window. Wedge it in to position with some empty boxes, bubble wrap, old blankets, empty plastic drinks bottles and stuff like that.

I don't know for sure the dimensions of a Mini but with the seats backs folded down I would be surprised if it didn't fit.

[MikeNash]

Most cars have sills across the outer edge of the boot to lift over, and they tend to be higher in small cars. Getting an engine in (and especially out) puts you into slipped disc and hernia country. Take care! A flat floor like you have in a van or trailer (or a Traveller!) makes it much easier and safer.
MikeN.

[svenedin]

Perhaps I am a bit cautious these days but I am in my 50's and I have had hernia surgery and abdominal surgery so I think my reticence to lift heavy things is understandable! It is so easy to slip a disc even for a young fit person and the consequences can be devastating so I would use a lifting aid (engine crane) every time. It's up to you.

Stephen

[radioactiveman]

Thanks is for the advice everyone. I hired a van in the end, and I’m glad I did. Much easier than the back of a car, I’d imagine!

The block was bloody heavy. As much as it’s possible for two people to lift it was very awkward.

IMG_2378.jpeg (365.67 KiB) Viewed 1790 times

[svenedin]

They are really heavy as you found out. I have 2x blocks on the floor of my garage (minus heads) that were given to me over 30 years ago. They are a real pain just to shift just a few feet in the garage. I remember carrying those blocks in to the garage all those years ago and they seemed heavy enough to two of us in our 20's at the time. I have now learned that a complete engine is around the 105 Kg mark. It isn't just the weight it is the fact that they are really awkward to carry as well.

Stephen

[firedrake1942]

I and another, fairly beefy chap in our 60s / 70s, lifted a complete 1098 (minus dynamo / starter) onto a barrow and from there into the back of a Land - rover. Heavy ? yes,! Awkward? somewhat! do-able with attention to backs and knees? certainly! I think the hoist-option, if we had had one, would have been better tho!