engine lifting attachment points

[mac2]

I need to remove engine and gearbox to replace clutch on 88 excel. From some of the blog photographs I note the lifting gear is attached to the inlet manifold. I can't help but shudder at the thought. Has anyone used slings which run underneath the engine and if so where is the best place to attach? Ideally 2 so an engine leveller could be used.
Thanking any replies in anticipation

[Lotus-e-Clan]

You can remove the engine without the gearbox if you use an engine leveler.
To do my clutch I bought a new 2ton long reach crane for about £120 +£25 leveler.
The leveler chains go under the No1 + No4 inlet manifold - safety is not a problem - and most importantly, the engine is well-balanced using the inlet - and everyone else does it this way so no need to worry! It came out easy once the clutch is depressed to push the bellhousing apart.

Going back in, you need two extended studs in the engine bellhousing to act as guides (cut heads off a pair of long bolts and slot the end for screwdriver removal) Guides take the strain off the g/bx input shaft and makes alignment a breeze. Studs removed once engine is in - but make sure you think-through space available for stud removal ..some positions are better than others.

Reason I chose to remove without gearbox is 'cos I had limited headroom in my garage ...the gearbox+engine adds a lot to the height gain needed for clearance. Also you don't remove the gearstick, speedo drive etc, or mess with the propshaft in any way - or disturb the tailshaft oil seal.

[mac2]

Many thanks Peter K. I have removed many engines Minis Vws Lotus Elans an E type and a Porsche 944. Getting the balance and being able to change angle during removal make for a simple job especially if one works alone. I am fortunate enough to be well equiped engine crane, load leveller and 2 post lift. There is however no substitute for experience with a particular vehicle. I certainly noticed from the photographs that the inlet manifold 1 and 4 positions look effective and if this is a well established method I just need to overcome 'the shudders'. I must confess I had similar shudders when told the best way to lift an Elan Plus 2 on a 2 post lift was on the body with the weight of the chassis engine and transmission hanging off the body mountings! In fact if the 4 suspension tower bolts alone are in place it still works sans drama. Just one point I did note was that the official Lotus Excel workshop manual referred to a sling.

[Lotus-e-Clan]

WSM also says take engine out with gearbox ... but you don't have to.

[robertverhey]

Some pics in my gallery might assist. Over 10 years ago, but I remember being nervous too. But the manifold handled the weight okay. Personally I'd leave gearbox attached, and do yourself a favour, don't bother with those fiddly, hard to access down pipe bolts. Detach the exhaust at first joint alongside gearbox. You need to have the wheels about a brick-height above the ground to get the necessary angle.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~robert. ... llery.html

[Lotus-e-Clan]

Some pics in my gallery might assist. Over 10 years ago, but I remember being nervous too. But the manifold handled the weight okay. Personally I'd leave gearbox attached, and do yourself a favour, don't bother with those fiddly, hard to access down pipe bolts. Detach the exhaust at first joint alongside gearbox. You need to have the wheels about a brick-height above the ground to get the necessary angle.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~robert. ... llery.html

Ah ..forgot to mention ..I also have a lift (four post) .

So the exhaust downpipe nuts are easy to see and undo (with a slim socket on a wobble bar).

[rbgosling]

Quick question -
If you do remove with the gearbox, which bits of the gearbox mount do you need to undo? The four bolts at the bottom of the mount, which are easy to access, and hold the mounting rubber to the crossmember? Or do you have to remove the crossmember itself, which looks like it will require the exhaust to be removed, or at least manoeuvred out of the way?

Thanks!

[bash]

Engine and gearbox on 2 to 4 inlet stubs and a 'levele'r strap. Used this method a few times with no problems.


Bash