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Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2022 10:17 pm
by Dennis_Brown
I have seen several articles on using a triple chain hookup using hooks into the magnet area. One thing you would have to make sure you have them spaced evenly and you run the possibility of one of them coming unhooked and serious damage resulting.
Would it not be safer to remove 3 alternate clutch retainer plate bolts and use 3 longer bolts with flat washers going thru the end links on a triple chain setup. You may have to do multiple lifts and your chain would not come unhooked. You could also use short pieces of angle iron with screw together quick links connecting them to the chains. When you are finished replace the 3 clutch plate bolts and install the tie wires.
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2022 10:24 pm
by RajoRacer
I've used this one for so many transmission jobs I couldn't count them all - never had a problem !
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2022 10:31 pm
by Allan
Mine I like Steve's, except that the hook not only goes under the flywheel, the ends are bent to go around a magnet spool and come back out again. I made them from tough wire wheel spokes.
Allan from down under.
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2022 10:32 pm
by NealW
Steve, did you use an unmodified hardware store hook? If so, what size and can you show a better picture of the hook bolted to the chain? The MTFCA transmission book shows a homemade 1/4" hook design that requires several bends. Your design appears to be simpler to make. Thanks
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2022 1:24 am
by Steve Jelf
Here's mine. Works OK so far.
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2022 9:32 am
by DanTreace
Another member posted his version of a plate, that seems good. For use, the chain assembly is easy to position, and to remove. You have to do that many times in setting the magnet gap to the coil ring, as you lift and drop, lift and drop
The chain hooks hold firm, but you do have to take care not to twist fast the heavy piece around. The double hook around a magnet post is perhaps nice, but may take a bit more wiggle to get the 3 hooks in place.
Also mark, with an ink marker, the side and back edge of the crank flange at two of the holes, to be sure that the same two dowels always go into the same two holes as you set the gaps.

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Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2022 10:38 am
by Norman Kling
That whole idea scares me! Two men can easily lift it, and if you have the engine on a rolling stand, you can move the stand next to your bench and two can lift it and set on the bench without even carrying it more than a couple feet at most.
Norm
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2022 11:13 am
by George House
I made one like the first and last picture. Works like a charm. I’m through with it and would sell...
gwhouse731(at)gmail(dot)com
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2022 11:22 am
by RajoRacer
It's quite stable Norm - I wiggle it down on the crank dowels with one hand whilst holding the transmission steady & lowering the crane - not everyone has an extra man hanging around !
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2022 11:37 am
by perry kete
Well Norm two men may be able to lift it in to place but since I don't have any friends I have to do it myself.
I used ratchet straps with my engine hoist. I ran the straps through the transmission and attached the hooks to the hoist hook and lifted it that way.
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2022 11:58 am
by AndyClary
I must be doing something wrong. I install the flywheel, check and correct magneto gap and transmission shaft alignment. Then I assemble to transmission onto the flywheel on the motor.
Andy
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2022 12:16 pm
by Tim Rogers
Andrew- I do the same exact process. Work smarter, not harder!

Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2022 1:13 pm
by RajoRacer
I utilize my KRW magnet gap gauge so usually only need to set the complete transmission on one time !
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2022 1:42 pm
by speedytinc
RajoRacer wrote: ↑Tue Jul 12, 2022 1:13 pm
I utilize my KRW magnet gap gauge so usually only need to set the complete transmission on one time !
Yes this step takes 1 install, but unless you are extremely lucky, you will need to remove & reposition, at least the flywheel & transmission shaft multiple times to confirm or reset the shaft to insure its running true.
You all put an indicator on the trans output shaft dont you?
Truing the trans shaft typically involves an average 6 resets to get right. The flywheel feels 5 #'s heavier after each move. To this point I have been doing the R&R by myself. I am considering a lift procedure commensurate with my added years.
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2022 9:32 pm
by Allan
Even with facing the poles on the coilplate on a surface grinder to get them all the same height, and truing up the trans shaft, it still takes a few lift and refits to set the coilplate at the desired clearance form the flywheel. By the third lift I can sometimes get a handle on how much shim to use. Being able to control the lift and lowering makes the job so much less demanding.
Allan from down under.
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2022 9:51 pm
by Art M
I used dial indicators and various depth gauges to set the runout and gap before I assembled the transmission. When I assembled transmission, I hit things right on the first try.
This was five years and may not remember all of the details, except hitting the target on the first try. It is the only one I ever did. Mag still,works,well.
Art Mirtes
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:05 pm
by AndyClary
I use a magnet height gauge so it only takes a couple on/off to verify the gap. Once I get the transmission shaft straight I don’t take the flywheel back off. Assembling on the bench or motor is the same work. When I get older I may use something to lift the flywheel.
Andy
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2022 1:28 pm
by Mark Gregush
For setup of the field coil/magnet gap, I leave the drums off. When the gap is set, assemble the drums to the flywheel with the flywheel mounted on the engine and the stand in the horizontal position.
Re: Transmission lifting chains
Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2022 6:38 pm
by m_p_dean@yahoo.com
Steve Jelf wrote: ↑Tue Jul 12, 2022 1:24 am
Here's mine. Works OK so far.
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The dog ain't buyin' it.