Question: How to jack up the engine?

[apalt]

Anyone have any tips or advice on how to jack up the engine a couple inches?

I am getting prepped to do an exhaust manifold change out and the research here indicates that it is made easier by jacking up the engine a couple inches.

Having never jacked up an engine before, I am looking for some advice so I don't break or bend anything.

Thanks.

Greg

 

[phsycle]

Fairly straight forward. Loosen the motor mount (which ever side you're working on), then jack up.

 

[apalt]

I understand the concept. I am looking for the details.

How many motor mounts are there?
Where are they located?
Is there anything other than motor mounts that need to be loosened (like the transmission shifter, coolant lines)?
Is there a good jack placement, or should a use a 2x4 to spread out the load?

greg

 

[OregonLC]

You only need to jack just a little bit on the driver's side. Passenger side requires no jacking (assumes DT headers). Just put a block of wood (like a short 4x4) at the back of the engine close to the trans. Don't jack on the oil pan. You only need about 1/2". Just work it up slowly moving it the minimal amount necessary to allow the header to drop. IIRC I kept the nut on the mount as a restraint. You don't need to loosen anything else, all will flex. There is only one mount per side.

BTW, if you haven't done so yet, relocate the O2 sensor wires before you drop the header.

 

[apalt]

Ah yes, exactly what I was looking for...thanks Oregon LC. And thanks for the O2 sensor tip.

Yep, ordered the DTs yesterday. $600 plus $25 shipping. Pretty steep for some hollow metal, but if it makes the damn ticking go away it is worth.

greg

 

[OregonLC]

Ah yes, exactly what I was looking for...thanks Oregon LC. And thanks for the O2 sensor tip.

Yep, ordered the DTs yesterday. $600 plus $25 shipping. Pretty steep for some hollow metal, but if it makes the damn ticking go away it is worth.

greg

It will. And your pick up a little performance. And a bargain compared to a detailed repair with OEM.

 

[3D FJ]

Is it better to jack up the engine or lift the engine with an engine hoist? Any difference?

 

[OregonLC]

Is it better to jack up the engine or lift the engine with an engine hoist? Any difference?

Depends on the direction an lift. For this, a jack works fine. Plus there's no handy hook on the top that I've seen. On mine it took less than an inch. If I needed a hoist then I'd be concerned about hoses. If the DS mount is loosened we're only talking a few hundred pounds of force. It's more rocking the engine than jacking it.

 

[apalt]

OregonLC - did you have to do anything with the steering linkage?

 

[OregonLC]

OregonLC - did you have to do anything with the steering linkage?

Yep, had to remove the coupling to creat space. Just put some tape on both the coupling and the shaft and mark it so you can re-index correctly. Mine was to gunked for a paint pen.

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

That's what I did wrong. Removing the steering linkage would have saved a lot of time. I just jacked up the engine from the the solid metal part where it meets the transmission. There are only 2 bolts that hold the motor mounts together. I made the mistake of undoing the 4 other bolts on the motor mount.

 

[wildsmith]

Put the seat belt through the steering wheel and into the latch so the wheel can't turn freely if you're going to disconnect part of the steering shaft, it will stop any accidents with the steering wheel being turned a few times and breaking the spiral cable assembly.