14 replies to this topic

[CBJ805T]

Hi

I'm taking my engine out tomorrow and need some advice on where to mount the lifting brackets on the engine?
I've already removed the front panel and so don't need the engine to tilt to remove it - can I use the two rocker cover bolts? Or do I have to use the outside 2 cylinder head bolts?

The only reason I don't want to do that is that I'm not taking the engine apart and don't want to disturb the head gasket

Thanks for your help, Chris

[jaydee]

I bolt them to two cylinder head studs at the front. Dont use the studs for rocker cover bolts.

[dangerousdowning]

i didn't actually use lifting brackets on mine, I just roped it up and took it out and that with just removing the bonnet.
But if you alreay have the brackets then it will be a little more controlled when lifting.

[maccers]

Same as above, when I hired a hoist from HSS it came with a 3 meter sling that I wrapped around the engine and connected the eyelet to the hoist hook. My mrs operated the lever like a car jack and I made sure the engine/box came up without hitting anything. Very straight forward, just dont rush it.

[jameslearwood]

Same as last two just make sure the sling
Isn't up against any accessories and won't slide as if it doesn't spread the load evenly it could just flip it.
Nice and slowly keep checking as you lift not too difficult never had the brackets they would make it more controlled but if you don't want to disturb the head gasket a sling might be better

[tiger99]

Some A series engines had lifting brackets fitted as standard to the rocker cover studs. I have seen them in scrappys, ages ago, possibly Morris Minors or A35s. But with the extra weight of the Mini transmission I would not attempt it, as the studs are only 5/16"..

I have used the cylinder head studs quite a few times, the two front outer studs are just about perfect to get the engine to hang at a suitable angle. Taking one nut at a time off, and re-torquing, has never done any damage to the gasket. I actually had two small brackets, made from short offcuts of angle iron, which I left in place permanently/

[xrocketengineer]

I was very lucky with mine. Being a Japanese Mini with air conditioning, it had three extra long studs with additional nuts for the alternator and the coil.

Edited by xrocketengineer, 10 May 2012 - 08:16 PM.

[CBJ805T]

Thanks all, looks like its a sling or the cylinder studs then, if you think it wont do the head gasket any harm the. It make most sense. Especially as I've already bought the brackets from minis pares :)

Edited by CBJ805T, 10 May 2012 - 08:33 PM.

[Spitz]

I use the front clutch slave hole and bolt....and the altenator bolt


on an autobox......I used the steady bolt

[tiger99]

I would not do that on a 5/16" bolt. 99 times out of 100 you will get away with it, but if you are the 1 in 100 and a bolt breaks or strips, it realy will ruin your day, even if 400 lbs of engine and transmission misses your feet, because it will surely bend your Mini.

[CBJ805T]

Tigger99, sorry which comment were you referring to? Rocker cover studs?

[james962]

Tigger99, sorry which comment were you referring to? Rocker cover studs?

I'm pretty sure he is referring to the top engine steady bolt.

[tiger99]

James, yes, the engine steady and alternator bolts are a bit iffy.

[reallybig]

used the rocker cover bolts and it was fine

[Spitz]

Yes...the 5/16" bolts work fine and are safe.
You just need to ensure the lift point isn't at the end of the bolt...lol...that's just common sense.