Hoist points: alternative to the flywheel puller?

[TravG]

I've a 1991 Johnson 175 that I need to lift out of the back of my pickup truck. I'm wondering if there's a way I can lift it out without buying a flywheel puller. Looks like they're $75 on ebay and would take a while to fabricate by hand. Any suggestions for other options for hoisting? I already have a engine hoist, so I'm ready to go.

I'm thinking I could insert three long bolts through heavy duty washers, through wide link chain, thread into the flywheel, and hoist away. Thoughts?
Thanks!
Travis

 

[rickryder]

Re: Hoist points: alternative to the flywheel puller?

Can't see why that wouldnt work. I have pulled v 8's out of cars with a chain and 2 grade 8 bolts.

 

[James R]

Re: Hoist points: alternative to the flywheel puller?

Harbor freight sells a low cost puller. I have never had to lift such a motor but are there no lugs cast into the block as with the 150?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Hoist points: alternative to the flywheel puller?

I have lifted outboards with straps. I would hesitate to use the flywheel as a lift point UNLESS I was pulling with the proper screw in puller which is directly at the end of the crank. Even a slightly bent flywheel will cost you $$$$ to replace it.

I have seen lifting points on many V-4 and V-6 motors .... you might have one.

 

[boobie]

Re: Hoist points: alternative to the flywheel puller?

I'd stick with the proper lifting equipment. If the mtr gets dropped by having some cobbled up lifting ring what ever gets borke on the mtr may cost way more than the proper equip.

 

[TravG]

Re: Hoist points: alternative to the flywheel puller?

Thanks for the replies, I think I'll look for the real tool. I don't believe there are lifting points on the motor, but I will double check.

 

[Wishiniwuzfishin]

Re: Hoist points: alternative to the flywheel puller?

I totally agree with Boobie's post....however I think that with a little forethought and a little examining of the motor, it shouldn't be too hard to rig up a homemade lifting point on the motor. I recently moved a 150HP motor from one boat to another using the factory installed lifting eye, but if there wasn't one on it I don't think I would have had too much trouble rigging something of my own.

But as Boobie said...one dropped motor is not worth the savings of a mickey mouse lifting set-up.

I don't want to say how to do it for your particular motor, but if your mechanically inclined at all I think you could easily and cheaply rig one up as good as the factory one on my motor.

Basically all mine is, is a ring secured to the powerhead with 2 bolts.

 

[F_R]

Re: Hoist points: alternative to the flywheel puller?

The idea of three bolts through the chain links sounds like disaster about to happen. No way are you going to keep the weight evenly distributed on all three bolts. In other words, reality probably will be the entire weight on one bolt. A broken bolt or threads pulled out of the flywheel will mean a dropped motor.

 

[crb478]

Re: Hoist points: alternative to the flywheel puller?

I don't want to go against the good advise you have gotten here especially from some serious experts who are much more capable than myself. That said i have used a homemade lifting ring that threads into the three flywheel threaded holes with grade eight bolts. My version is a piece of 1/2 inch thich steel that is about 4 inches X 4 inches. It has the three holes evenly spaced to allign with the flywheel holes, and the center is threaded for a 1/2 inch eye bolt that is also nutted on the other side. I have used it to pick up several 115's and a couple of 150's with no problems so far. I only hope that I am not flirting with disaster after reading some of the other post. Also for what is is worth I have an older 115 power head that has the factory lifting ring and it sheared the block at the bolt holes. The part time mechanic I got it from told me he had it on a hoist just hanging when he heard a noise and the motor was on the ground. I try to make sure that the motors I pick up are only in the air as short a time as possible.

 

[boobie]

Re: Hoist points: alternative to the flywheel puller?

crb478, your lift tool sounds okay as long as one has the equipment to make it up.