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MG MGA - Engine lifting points

I'm about to lift my engine and 5 speed gearbox into my bare chassis. The body is off the frame. Previously I have lifted MGB engines with the gearbox connected by the 2 studs that hold the valve covers, which is what is shown in many manuals. This has worked but always worries me. It's a lot of weight on 2 small studs. Anyone have any better method of attaching the engine to a levelling bar on an engine hoist.

Thanks Andy 60 Coupe getting there.


Andy Preston

I know that Barney has done the maths on an earlier posting and is happy to use the valve cover studs.
However, most cars use brackets fitted to the head studs. The Triumphs and Jaguars that I work on both use the head studs, but they have heavier engine/gearboxes than the MGA.
Maybe it could be a Winter project to make up some brackets for the head studs (longer studs needed?)
That said, it should be OK to lift the MGA engine/gearbox on the valve cover studs, as people have been doing that for years.
Just for interest I have attached an image of the Jaguar setup.


Mick


M F Anderson

Andy

I lifted my MGB engine and Sierra transmission with the rocker studs without problem. I did make an angle iron bar to connect the studs so there was no bending of the studs.

I could NOT install them in the car together since I had the body on the car. They will not fit with the body on.

Jim
Jim Ferguson

The Magnette has a set of brackets fitted to the rocker studs as standard..... I took a set off a ZA in a scrapyard 20 years ago and use them whenever I remove my engine.
dominic clancy

I have had many engines in and out using a piece of angle iron set over the rocker studs. A loop of 5mm steel rod welded to the middle of the angle is the pick-up point. See pic below.
I have always taken the motor and gearbox as a unit, both in and out, without any trouble.



BM Gannon

With the MG Magnette brackets (see attached image) I would still prefer to not have bending loads on the studs, such as when two chains go from the brackets to a single lifting hook. The brackets should be lifted with a cross bar. The best cross bar is the type where the center lifting point can be adjusted with a thread. This can vary the lifting angle and is also better if sometimes you lift only the engine and other times the engine and gearbox combined.

Mick


M F Anderson

Barry,

What about a $37.00 investment in a load leveller?
Have a look at this item on Ebay for a "buy it now" price of $37.00 available from a seller in Tullamarine, Victoria Australia. It also available from stores in Australia.

http://www.ebay.com.au

Item 120333195746

All you need to do is weld two pick up points on your angle iron cross bar. This is so the chains would not apply side bending loads to the valve cover studs.

These load levellers are worth their weight in gold. You can adjust the engine lowering angle to the exact degree, changing it as you lower, if required.
The professional type I use is great for heavy Jaguar engine/gearbox units.

Mick
M F Anderson

Barry,

Actually you don't need to weld pick up points on your angle iron cross bar. Just drill two holes in the vertical edge and fit the chains with bolts.


Mick
M F Anderson

I guess I am old fashioned. I have always used underslung ropes.

Steve


Steve Gyles

Steve,

It must take some skill to position the ropes, so the engine sits in an upright position.

I cannot read the numbers on the side of your engine.
Which size are you using? 1500, 1600, ??

Beautiful paint job.

Thanks,

Reed
Reed Hayes

I prefer underslung ropes as well. Positioning is easy with one just in front of the backplate and the other around the crankshaft pulley. This gives an even lift.
Iain MacKintosh

Steve,

I have used ropes to lift an engine also.
I use an adjustable load leveller and brackets on the head studs for Jaguars and Triumphs, but for my mga twin cam I have used ropes. You cannot use the steeply angled valve cover studs as the side load would bend them. I have not made head stud lifting lugs such as on the twin cam Jaguar engine shown in the earlier post on this thread. That would be the best method.
One rope between the front of the sump and the front engine plate and the other rope under the gearbox works well (see image).
Ignore the exhaust pipes they were just being trial fitted.


Mick


M F Anderson

Reed

It's an 1800 5 bearing. Biggest give away is no mechanical tach drive.

Never had any real problems with the ropes, which incidentally, are brake parachute chute lines from a fighter aircraft (English Electric Lightning).

Steve
Steve Gyles

Whatever method is employed, think about safety.

Yesterday on another car forum, I read about a guy who almost lost a hand while re-installing a motor. The Harbor Freight engine leveler snapped, crushing his hand. While I've purchased items like sandblasting media from Harbor Freight, I wouldn't risk life or limb using one of their engine hoists, levelers, or jack stands.

(Just an opinion, your mileage may vary...)

John
J.P. Leonard

J.P. Leonard, Michigan, USA
Whatever method is employed, think about safety.

Yesterday on another car forum, I read about a guy who almost lost a hand while re-installing a motor. The Harbor Freight engine leveler snapped, crushing his hand. While I've purchased items like sandblasting media from Harbor Freight, I wouldn't risk life or limb using one of their engine hoists, levelers, or jack stands.

(Just an opinion, your mileage may vary...)

John
Hey John where is that article ? That is scary .

Karl
Karl LaFollette

Hi Guys and thank for all your comments. I went with my original ideas and connected my engine leveller (not harbor freight) to the valve cover studs. I also installed a 1/2" all threaded rod between the lifting brackets to strengthen them and prevent any rotation torque. All went very smoothly and the engine and 5 speed went in without any probelms. My painted body is hanging from the ceiling in the background.

Andy 60 Coupe almost there.


Andy Preston

Hi Karl,
On the "H.A.M.B." forum:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308335&highlight=911



-John


J.P. Leonard

This thread was discussed between 15/11/2008 and 18/11/2008

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