Supporting the engine for timing chain replacement

[Joe Flanagan]

I know a hoist would probably be the best way to do this, but has anyone ever supported the engine from beneath with a jack when doing this job? I would be concerned about damaging the oil pan.

[David Strieb]

make a "U" shaped support out of some 2x4's that spans the width of the pan and catches the moter where the pan bolts on, and support that with a couple of jackstands or dunage. Your motor will be steady with no damage to the pan, and you'll be safe when under the car. Be safe!!!!

[Dodgeb4ya]

I have used a 6X6 piece of plywood and a heavy layer of cloth between the plywood and pan, and contour the cloth to the pan shape so the jacking load is spread out softly so to speak. I place the wood as far to the front end of the pan. There is a rib at the front flat area of the pan-Don't push against that directly-spread the load. I use a 2 foot long ram hydraulic jack. You can use a regular short bottle jack on blocks to support the engine while the front mount is off. Simple and fast.

Bob

[jd52cranbrook]

I've banged the bottom of my pan more times than I can count with my front end lowered the way it is. Eventually put a skid plate on it. It will definitely take the weight of the engine. Build some blocks out of wood, it will hold fine. No worries,,

Butttttttttt,,

You may want to get to crank area, as some of the bolts, (two I believe) go into the crank area from, not the timing cover bolts but the plate behind that.

If you are really going to replace the timing chain, now is a great time to make sure everything is sealed up correctly.

It other words, you may want the pan off.

[jd52cranbrook]

If I was doing it, I would pull the motor, put it on a stand, and be very thorough. Are you sure it needs replacing?

I mean, I am sure many will chime in saying it can be done on the car, and it can. But I would want to see everything.

Edited June 29, 2010 by jd52cranbrook

[Jim Yergin]

Joe,

If you need it, my hoist is available.

Jim Yergin

[Don Coatney]

I recommend all support be rendered through the court house. Otherwise the engine may claim no support was offered and go for damages. I have seen this happen many times and you end up with double support obligations.

[Joe Flanagan]

I'm sure things will go south in a hurry if no support is offered. Just when you think things can't go any further south, they go even souther.

Thanks for the offer, Jim.

[Joe Flanagan]

If I was doing it, I would pull the motor, put it on a stand, and be very thorough. Are you sure it needs replacing?

I mean, I am sure many will chime in saying it can be done on the car, and it can. But I would want to see everything.

It's the original timing chain, which I stupidly reinstalled in a rebuilt engine. There is a lot of play in it as far as I can tell and I think I should do it now while I have the front clip off and have easy access to everything.

[jd52cranbrook]

I can understand your concern. But it being original does not mean its bad. (And it's not stupid to re use it.) I would also be wary if you think this is the cause of your knock. Especially if you only hear the knock at the rear cylinders?

But if you have the front clip off it would be much easier, your right.

[Joe Flanagan]

I'm just thinking that since it appears to be loose, it might jump later. Plus it's got a lot of use on it. I don't necessarily suspect it as the cause for my knock. It might have something to do with my timing changing. In any case, just the fact that it's loose is justification enough for me.