[FC] Concern on head removal / Jack Use

[kaczmarek at charter.net]

We've all been there with the jack thing.  I still use the Richard Finch 
Cart method.  Rear on jack stands up as high as they can safely go.
Take those bottom bellhousing bolts out and unhook everything except the 
trans and engine mount bolts.

Lower the car until the drivetrain is sitting on the cart. Unbolt the 
mount bolts, jack the vehicle back up.   Engine on cart, just roll it 
out from underneath, you're ready to go.  Never dropped one.

Hank


On Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 4:11 PM, Ken Hand wrote:

> I need to comment on the floor jack procedure.
>
> I have worked on Corvairs professionally for a few years now. My first 
> few attempts and successes were done with the scissors jack and a 
> small bottle jack, I didn't have the money for a floor jack back then. 
> Was it safe? Probably not but when times dictate you do what you need 
> to do to accomplish the task.
>
> Later on after I had done a couple of side jobs my first big purchase 
> was a $39 floor jack, if you can call it that. They still cost the 
> same today! Later yet I was able to afford a garage sale good floor 
> jack only because I knew the person and he let me make payments. I 
> learned the art of balancing an engine only and a full drive train on 
> a 2X6 and when I could find one a 2X10 or 12. This was all done by 
> myself, yes I have dropped a few but I can count them on my fingers. 
> In the earlier years I have also broken a couple of diff snouts, no 
> one is perfect.
>
> If you have the choice have help there just to help steady, just in 
> case.
> BTW, I still use the jack and board method even though I have a hoist.
>
>
> Ken Hand
> 248-613-8586
> www.corvairmechanic.com
>
> 
> http://s186.photobucket.com/albums/x118/vairmech/Viet%20Nam%20Pictures%201971/
>
>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> .
>
>
>
>
> By the time you disconnect everything needed to drop it down enough to 
> do the head, you will notice the whole powertrain is ready to come 
> out.  If you have a nice powertrain jack you might as well remove it. 
> But if this is a one man operation with a floor jack, a piece of wood 
> and a prayer then leaving it on those front mounts can be much easier 
> and safer.Good luck!AndySent via MOTOBLUR™ on Verizon Wireless  =
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