engine lifting

[bertho]

Gents,
it's any restriction for lifting a diesel engine? the case is a 3412cat engine we need to be tilted as vertical position (empty of oil or water) to go inside the engine room.. some mecanical gentlemen warn us about the fact that the crankshaft is of particular concern if the engine is tilted off the horizontal axis as the full weight of he crankshaft, flywheel and front damper and pulley will be transferred to the rear main bearing cap thrust washers.
and can be dammaged....
what surprised me!
any advise about that ?
cheers and thanks
bertho

[Frosty]

What you have been told is a joke --It must be.

That is absalutely wrong, there is no way you can damage the strongest part of the engine. The rear main bearing cap thrust washers is the bit that transfers all the thrust the engine makes and puts it into the boat. It is foolish to think you can damage this by lifting. Just make sure when lifting you attach a chain to to something that can take the weight.

I assume that it was a Thai that told you this and for a small charge he can do it properly?

[bertho]

Frosty,
noooo ! it's come from a serious profressionnal english gentlemen in singapore.... personnaly, i have the same feeling as you....never heart before such things.. thanks !
rgds

[Bergalia]

With you on this one Frosty. The question is - what is the English gentleman's profession ? An accountant ?

Though I'm sure some of our other nautical engineering colleagues (deference to you Frosty) will also weigh in...

[marshmat]

If in doubt, the safest bet would be to call Caterpillar Marine, 1 800 321 7332 or 1 309 578-6298, and check with one of their engineers. I doubt the engine would be damaged by lifting this way, but it can't hurt to check with the guys who actually designed it.

[bertho]

Thanks guys,
I will contact caterpillard, just in case!...I'm always interrested to learn! even after 25year in the field !
cheers!
Bertho