For some engine repair and rebuild jobs, you need to be able to see the entire engine instead of poking around under the hood. Trying to lift an engine without the proper equipment is a recipe for injuries, expensive accidents, and usually both. Here’s why you should invest in an engine hoist and use it for your next engine repair.
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What Is an Engine Hoist?
A hoist is a relatively simple piece of equipment. It uses chains to secure the engine and a pulley mechanism to lift it out of the car and suspend it in the air. There are three types of hoists:
- Hydraulic hoists
- Electric hoists
- Chain hoists
Of the three, only hydraulic hoists are ideal for lifting engines. Chain hoists have to stay in one place and electric hoists simply aren’t powerful enough.
Hydraulic hoists, or engine cranes, are the miniature cranes you see in most auto shops. They use hydraulic cylinders filled with fluid to quickly and easily lift engines up to 4 or even 8 tons. These hoists require fluid replacements and occasional servicing, like any hydraulic system. The advantages of a hydraulic engine hoist are power, ease of use, and the ability to move the hoist around at will.
Why Use an Engine Hoist?
Trying to lift an engine out of a vehicle without a hoist is a complicated and dangerous process. It’s much easier to simply use the right tool for the job. Don’t risk dropping thousands of dollars in machinery and engine components by trying to save a few hundred dollars on a hoist.
How Do You Use an Engine Hoist?
Whether you’re installing a new cam and lifter kit or doing some serious troubleshooting, it helps to get a view of the entire engine at once. Here’s a step-by-step guide to lifting out an engine using an engine hoist.
- Properly set up your workspace before you start trying to life the engine. Plan where you’re going to hoist the engine, where your tools and workstations are, and how you’re going to move the car away from the hoisted engine.
- Carefully disconnect every part attached to the engine except the mounts. (We’ll get to those in a second.) Be thorough and make a list, as it’s easy to break an engine component by forgetting to disconnect it.
- Adjust the reach and weight capacity settings on your engine hoist.
- Lift the engine just slightly to remove pressure on the mounts and unbolt them.
- Use the hoist to lift the engine out completely.
- Move the vehicle away from the hoist or move the hoist away from the vehicle. Be careful if you choose to move the hoist, as the lifted engine can become a very expensive wrecking ball!
With a perfect view of your engine, it’s easier to repair and replace the machinery. A newly modified engine and a set of drag tires can get your vehicle in racing form. Avoid the headache of trying to lift an engine without a hoist by picking up this easy-to-use and essential piece of garage equipment.