Engine hoist

Awhile back there was a posting on a homemade engine hoist. He could install or remove engines by himself. Loved the idea. Mentioned to a friend of mine that I would like to make one. Last Sunday he stopped by and dropped off a bike lift that was given to him. He already has a lift and only has 1 bike so he decided to give it to me and see if I could make something out of it. I had some time because I was waiting on parts so I decided to give it a go.

I had collected some odds and end for the project.

Went and bought a bottle of gas for the welder. What a difference, almost feel like I know how to weld again.

Long story short this is what I ended up with.


It did need a counter weight on the rear of the jack.

I was able to get the engine in and back out by myself. I do need to redo the arm for the front mount. It's almost to close to the frame. All in all it's a good starting point.

Since the weather is crap I decided to redo the front arm and gusset both of them. Should have plenty of room in the front now. When the weather gets better a coat of paint. For a $2 investment it should do the job.

Great start! That would be so nice to effortlessly lift, move and install a motor by yourself without bustin a nut!
I remember seeing the same thing you’re talking about. Wasn’t it on some guys YouTube video? I seem to remember that the base of the jack sat directly beneath the motor? Then you wouldn’t need counterweights.
I can’t remember how he designed it now. I remember watching him push that jack around with the motor on it.
I hope you post some photos of it in action! I really like the idea.

Very cool. I think if you mounted the plate you bolted to the top of the jack over to the other end of the of the top of the jack, or even adding something to the top of jack so the plate would be more toward the handle of the jack would make it more stable.
Might want to add this to the Homemade and Unique Tool thread.
Leo

Right on! Last two times I've laid em down on their side. Then worked the frame from the motor. Not good times... ALMOST ALWAYS scratched the frame during installation. Haha..

This is cool idea. Im wondering if you could make a similar side mount assembly, but a use chain block on a perpendicular runner instead of a jack (for people who have a chain block). You would have to gently support the motor, but the block would take the weight so you just pull it sideways...

XSLeo said:

Very cool. I think if you mounted the plate you bolted to the top of the jack over to the other end of the of the top of the jack, or even adding something to the top of jack so the plate would be more toward the handle of the jack would make it more stable.

Click to expand...

I need the motor to extend past the end of the jack for clearance when picking or setting engine. Also for when getting it on and off the engine stand. With the counterweight it's pretty stable.

XSLeo said:

Might want to add this to the Homemade and Unique Tool thread.

Click to expand...

I'll do that. After it's painted and I take better pics of it in action.

wherearewe said:

This is cool idea. Im wondering if you could make a similar side mount assembly, but a use chain block on a perpendicular runner instead of a jack (for people who have a chain block). You would have to gently support the motor, but the block would take the weight so you just pull it sideways...

Click to expand...

Would be worth a try. Jim made a really nice attachment for use with a chain hoist.

I think this is the one your talking about.
http://www.xs650.com/threads/flattrack-racer-build.31898/page-3

wherearewe said:

This is cool idea. Im wondering if you could make a similar side mount assembly, but a use chain block on a perpendicular runner instead of a jack (for people who have a chain block). You would have to gently support the motor, but the block would take the weight so you just pull it sideways...

Click to expand...

GLJ said:

Would be worth a try. Jim made a really nice attachment for use with a chain hoist.

Click to expand...

Here's the one I made....