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Engine Stand Modifications

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by y2k-fxst, Jan 22, 2018.

  1. Jan 22, 2018
    y2k-fxst

    y2k-fxst Member

    North English,IA
    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2014
    Messages:
    293
    Any ideas on improving an engine stand? The one I've got takes two men and three Hooter's waitresses to turn with my 4bt on it. Know part of the problem is the inner sleeve is undersized of the outer sleeve too much causing all the weight to be carried in just 2 small areas. I'm making a pretzel out of the 3/4" HR shaft I'm currently using to turn it.

    Been thinking of cutting the outer sleeve off and replacing it with one with an ID closer to OD of the inner sleeve. Have also thought about rigging up some bearings but, don't want a top heavy 700# motor spinning out of control! Thought about adapting a s-cam and slack adjuster from a semi, or cutting apart a hand crank winch to turn it with. Just have to be able to have the mounting plate removable to mount to the motor.

    If you've made such modifications lets see them!
     
  2. Jan 22, 2018
    Framer Mike P

    Framer Mike P Member

    Hopkinton, NH
    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2016
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    Add more waitresses?
     
    tripilio and dozerjim like this.
  3. Jan 22, 2018
    Oldriginal86

    Oldriginal86 Member

    Pasadena, Md.
    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2014
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    589
    If your stand was designed for V8 gas engines it’s not heavy duty enough for that diesel. Most diesel engine stands bolt to the side of the engine at a point of somewhat balance. They also use a gear drive to turn the engine slowly.It would help if you could bolt the adapter plate on dividing the weight top to bottom so neither would be heavier then the other. When I worked at a GM dealer they wouldn’t let us put a 6.2L on an engine stand like that. Just be very careful whatever you do. We don’t need to hear anymore horror stories.
     
  4. Jan 23, 2018
    y2k-fxst

    y2k-fxst Member

    North English,IA
    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2014
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    293
    It's a 1 ton engine stand so I'm less than half the weight limit. Don't think I'd want to try it with something like a 1200# 6bt though! I'm about 50 lbs heavier than a cast iron big block motor. Have found others with similar problems as me. Just no good ideas on fixing it!
     
  5. Jan 23, 2018
    Framer Mike P

    Framer Mike P Member

    Hopkinton, NH
    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2016
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    217
    Rather than cut the outer sleeve off, could you make a lengthwise cut in it and then form it to the inner tube and reweld? It would not be perfectly round after but might spread the load a little better.
     
  6. Jan 24, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    I would think that, instead of a cantilever design, you could use something like a rotisserie to support both ends. Then a transmission bearing or similar could support the load on each end, making it easy to turn. It might have to be specific to this engine, so you could bolt to the front end and still rotate the crank.
     
  7. Jan 25, 2018
    termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Mason, MI
    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2002
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    4,418
    Ive seen some bigger engines at the tech center where they did what tim said. One on each end. But that makes it a little harder to work on the front of the engine if needed.

    Biggest thing ive noticed is making sure the weight is even top to bottom. Maybe some grease, or nylon bushing between the inner and outter?
     
  8. Jan 25, 2018
    y2k-fxst

    y2k-fxst Member

    North English,IA
    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2014
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    293
    Biggest problem I'm having is the 4bt I'm working on does not center good on the stand in the first place. But, even though the motor is top heavy the way it is currently mounted it does not turn easy even with the weight above the centerline.
    4bt 2.JPG
     
  9. Feb 4, 2018
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
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    I'll take that top heavy motor off your hands, and then you not have the problem. I really like diesel's I had a Perkins P 6 on my old car and a couple Chevy Luv Trucks diesels, 50 mpg was nice.
     
  10. Feb 4, 2018
    y2k-fxst

    y2k-fxst Member

    North English,IA
    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2014
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    Nope, too far into parts gathering for that motor to change now. :D
     
  11. Feb 4, 2018
    jeep peep69

    jeep peep69 Member

    redding ca.
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2007
    Messages:
    619
    Get a s cam and slackaduster and mount it on there it will help turning it that’s what we use at work but we turn bigger engines on a much larger stand
     
  12. Feb 7, 2018
    48cj2a

    48cj2a http://bantamt3c.com

    Central Illinois
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    May 4, 2003
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    526
    [​IMG]

    Here is another:

     
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  13. Feb 8, 2018
    48cj2a

    48cj2a http://bantamt3c.com

    Central Illinois
    Joined:
    May 4, 2003
    Messages:
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    This is my engine stand (OTC 1735)...I also took a larger piece of 1/4" thick box tubing to slide over the center tube to extend the two uprights and turned it into a rotisserie when I was welding floors in the tub.

    [​IMG]
     
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  14. Feb 11, 2018
    73 cj5

    73 cj5 Not ready for the junkyard yet

    Clinton, Mississippi
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    Jan 10, 2014
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    Just a tidbit: if an engine is too heavy for the stand the rear cylinder bores can distort.
     
  15. Feb 12, 2018
    y2k-fxst

    y2k-fxst Member

    North English,IA
    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2014
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    293
    1 ton stand with a 800# motor, should be good to go on weight.
     
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