Where can I support the bottom of a motor with a jack?

[Zim]

I need to put a new freeze plug in, and I dont have the resources to yank the motor... so Im thinking im going to put a hydrolic jack in my bilge on a 2x6 and use it to support one side of the motor while I take off the motor mount and replace the freeze plug thats behind it. Where can I support the motor underneath? I would assume the oil pan would be punctured if I did that, but where else is there? Its a 4.3 v6 so its not the heaviest thing in the world... what you guys think?

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Where can I support the bottom of a motor with a jack?

just use another small piece of wood between the jack and the oil pan to protect the oil pan and spread the load out a little.
--
Stan

 

[Zim]

Re: Where can I support the bottom of a motor with a jack?

thought about that... it should be ok like that then?

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Where can I support the bottom of a motor with a jack?

thought about that... it should be ok like that then?

Ya, I will set a motor on its oil pan if needed and never had a issue.
You must have a lot of room under your motor (I couldn't get a jack under mine). Something I did do a couple years ago though. I used a small bottle jack on the stringer to a nub on the block or heads (I forget which), If you have cast iron exhaust I bet you could use it. Just take it up enough to take the pressure off then....

 

[Zim]

Re: Where can I support the bottom of a motor with a jack?

I didnt have enough room to put my hydrolic jack under there, but I was able to slide my cars scissor jack under the pan. I've got 2 of the motor mount bolts out... 1 more to go, then the big huge one that rests on the stringers.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Where can I support the bottom of a motor with a jack?

Make sure you have your drive off before you start jacking.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Where can I support the bottom of a motor with a jack?

Only take weight off.
DO NOT JACK UP.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Where can I support the bottom of a motor with a jack?

Make sure you have your drive off before you start jacking.

DO NOT skip this. You will have to realign the engine, so the drive will have to come off anyway. No sense in waiting.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Where can I support the bottom of a motor with a jack?

The reason you need to take the drive off is that you wil be putting pressure on the shaft and coupler jacking it up. Something will break or bend if you don't take it off.