It looks like I may have to buy an engine hoist. I bought a OHC motor and trans back in Jan from some nice folks in OK. I managed to strip the motor on the trailer and then move it to a furniture dolly and roll it into the garage.

Now I am looking to mount it to an engine stand and have yet to figure out an Egyptian method to get them together.

What I am looking for is when you guys have used an engine crane/hoist did you have to remove the hood? I am looking at a hoist from Northern tool and want to know if I can get the motor out without removing the hood.

All replies all appreciated.

Marc

I believe it is wise to remove the hood first. I have never tired removing an engine with a hood on, but

1) I will bet the hoist cannot be centered over the engine without hitting the hood,
2) You will have to raise the engine a great deal to clear the radiatior frame (unless you are removing that too) and there is no way you can do that with the hood on.
3) You will eliminate the chance of denting your hood. Removing engines usually require buddies and occasionally involves adult beverages. You can see the danger.

You can get 2 ton foldable hoists new for about $199 on sale from any parts store outfit. Thus you can pick it up and avoid shipping costs for a large, heavy item. You can also dismantle it again afterwards for even easier long term storage.

It you look at the approx $50 cost of renting a hoist from an equipment rental place, the hassle of getting a truck to tow it home and back, take into consideration how trashed that unit will be and multiply $50 times the number of times you will need it (engine in + engine out at a minimum) you will see these hoists come close to paying for themselves.

Not advised. Something breaks free and you will damage something for sure. It takes two people only a few minutes to dismount/mount a hood.

take a pen and mark around each hood bolt on the hinge and you won't have to line anything up again after.

[b][/b]

That there inlays the problem. Although I live in a densely populated suburb/subdivision there are zero adult males that will be able to assist. I am on my own with this project. I have looked at some inexpensive overheads that I can mount to the rafters. This way I can secure the hood and remove it myself.

I do know a guy that has a 69FB OHC Sprint that I have been hanging out with. He has a FULL BLOWN shop and 22 cars (3 GTO's 7 Trans Ams which one is a 69 TA) at his place. Lifts/rotisserie/complete functioning auto shop/All tools/everything .... problem is that I have only known him for a short time. He has offered to fix my car at his place but I am having a huge problem of letting my car go out of my reach.

I have removed a hood myself. Open hood, tape edges. Loosen and remove one side, go to the other side and remove bolts.

Possible yes, advisable, no..

But it can be done.

Have to remove the hood with or without trans attached.
This is how I do it. Not for faint of heart. Their pretty heavy for a 170 lb guy.
Set soft blocks of wood on cowl. Loosen lower bolt couple turns and remove upper on one side, then hold hood up with one hand while removing opposite 2.
Lower corner of hood back to cowl(insert Bjorn cringe!).
Move back to other side while still holding hood up to remove last bolt.
Then move back to front(while still holding it up) and lift hood from middle(hand on each side) to set on 2 soft blocks on floor.
Reverse pattern to install(even more fun).
Best to wait till you have help, but no one seems to be around when I need it...

An offer of free beer of choice AFTER the project is done may bring some new buddies around.

Or invite some relative to visit (with a hidden agenda).

Way my buddies(cops and firefighters) drink, may be cheaper to have a shop do it LOL!

I think Salmon38 is on to something...

I too have done it by myself and looking back I ask, WTF was I thinking. It is not worth trying by yourself, all kinds of stuff can go wrong. Find someone to basically hold it till you get one set of bolts in. All the lineup can be done alone. It is a 5 minute job for the helper.

Hey I can't tell you how many times my wife has helped me remove or replace a hood on my car. She's not the best help but she's close enough as long as it doesn't take too long. Short attention span when it comes to my car. She's just about to the point where she is going to refuse to ride in it after last weekend.

Are you kidding me, I just assumed Marc was unmarried. It's a no-brainier then, get the wife to help.

Likewise, my wife/kids have helped me numerous times doing activities similar to that. LOL, once I paid my daughter to wax the floorboards under my car. It's funny, I remember her talking to her friends and saying, "Well I waxed my Dad's car this weekend." They responded, "Everyone has done that." Not under the car, she says. Well, at least I thought it was funny.

Like the other said, it doesn't take much help to remove the hood. Neighbor kid, spouse/girlfriend (but not both at the same time).

All you need is someone to steady it to make sure it doesn't smack your windshield. I actually marked around my hinges with white-out (easy to see, easy to remove - it worked anyway).

Loosen everything (after you marked it), save one bolt per side. Have them hold it while you remove their last bolt, go to your side do the same.

If you have the engine hoist and a strap you have all you need to remove or install your hood. Just connect the strap to the center of the hood, raise hoist so there is no tension on the hinge springs, remove the bolts and swing the hood away from the car.
I've done it several times with no problems.

I have had a lot of success talking my wife into assisting me with bleeding the brakes.

Maybe it has something to do with an activity where the key words are "up" and "down".

At least you don't have to look her in the eye with either event.(old joke)
I do tend to get a lot of eye rolling when I ask but she's a pretty good sport about it most of the time.