Engine Cradle v. Engine Stand

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paddy1998
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Engine Cradle v. Engine Stand

Post by paddy1998 » Mon Jun 15, 2020 5:25 pm

As a result of the seized head bolt follies of the past week (viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13537 I'm going to have to pull the engine.

Because this is the first time I'll be doing this I'll need to acquire some equipment, specifically an engine stand or cradle.

It is unlikely I will ever pull the engine out of any other car besides a Model T.

I'm going to put in new valves, clean up the top, maybe a new fan bearing, and possibly a new clutch spring and clutch discs.

I'm partial to the cradle because of the space limitations of my garage, but will I have sufficient access to remove the clutch spring and drive plate to inspect the clutch discs and lug shoes (1926) while it's still in the crankcase? Seems like not, but I don't know.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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Humblej
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Re: Engine Cradle v. Engine Stand

Post by Humblej » Mon Jun 15, 2020 6:38 pm

A conventional engine stand that rotates is best. It will permit working on the top, the bottom, and turning it on its nose to set the mag ring gap.


frontyboy
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Re: Engine Cradle v. Engine Stand

Post by frontyboy » Mon Jun 15, 2020 11:27 pm

Lang's sell an adapter for a inexpensive motor stand that is designed to fit a model t motor. This will allow you to rotate your motor 360 degrees for ease in working on it.

frontyboy


Altair
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Re: Engine Cradle v. Engine Stand

Post by Altair » Tue Jun 16, 2020 1:10 am

I made a wood engine cradle that was designed so that I could turn the engine over and place it in upside down. I would put it on the floor and gingerly turn it over and pick it up replace it upside down. This is not as convenient as a fancy engine stand but it only takes a few minutes longer, and you are never in a hurry working on an engine, slow and methodical gets the job done right.

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Steve Jelf
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Re: Engine Cradle v. Engine Stand

Post by Steve Jelf » Tue Jun 16, 2020 1:32 am

Yes, you want the pan off when you work on the transmission. You also want the stand to rotate so you can turn the engine nose down to work on the transmission and magneto.
The inevitable often happens.
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Kaiser
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Re: Engine Cradle v. Engine Stand

Post by Kaiser » Tue Jun 16, 2020 6:02 am

One of these will work best for your needs, together with Lang's adapterplate you have the best combination.
Be sure to get the version with four casters, the three wheeled version in not stable enough for the big lump of a T engine and trans.
Added bonus: it can be taken apart for storage if space is a problem.
As usual i have no connection to the seller, the picture is just for illustrative purposes..
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When in trouble, do not fear, blame the second engineer ! 8-)
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paddy1998
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Re: Engine Cradle v. Engine Stand

Post by paddy1998 » Thu Jun 18, 2020 12:13 am

Hey thanks for all the advice.

I picked up a used Harbor Freight 1,000 lb stand for cheap from somebody that just wanted it gone and ordered the adapter plate.

Now keeping an eye out for a hoist while I wait for the adapter plate to arrive.

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kelly mt
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Re: Engine Cradle v. Engine Stand

Post by kelly mt » Thu Jun 18, 2020 11:41 pm

I really like this engine stand. Very stable. As far as cradle I use three jack stands.
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Re: Engine Cradle v. Engine Stand

Post by Duey_C » Fri Jun 19, 2020 1:06 am

Nice score on the used stand Scott. :)
Pat, cute 12-20? in the background. ;)
Since I lost my mind mind, I feel more liberated

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