Pulling Engine using Intake Manifold Lift Plate

Has anyone ever attempted to or successfully lifted a Big Block V8 using an Intake Manifold mounted lifting plate? I have my 7.4L Merc with Velvet V Drive about to be lifted out of the boat this weekend. The manifolds & risers have been removed as well as the heat exchanger. However I think I'm still looking at at over 1,000 lbs. Should I be concerned?

 

No, that is a common way of picking up the engine. The weight is distributed on the 12 bolts, so that is about 100lb each. Also, you should add a chain or strap to the tail of the transmission so it doesn't tilt too much. That will also take up some of the weight.

 

Thanks Gonzo... I've used this plate for small blocks in auto applications before. I was more concerned with the lifting plate being held in with the 4 carb bolts then the intake's bolts. It's a cast iron intake so I guess the threads are adequate. I would think that an aluminum manifold would be a problem?

 

I never trusted the aluminum manifolds to lift the engine. Otherwise, you can wrap lifting straps around the engine.

 

Yeah, you can use the carb flange plate, though I usually prefer to use bolts on the ends of the heads, where often a factory installed lifting eye is located. The reason is you have much more angle adjustment with the wider pickup points, which can help balance the trans hanging on it's butt.

 

With the transmission on, it will be tail heavy. I often use a come-along tied to the transmission so it lets me adjust the tilt.

 

Thank you both. As I don't have any lift rings remaining from the factory I was going to do precisely as Gonzo mentions. I'll hook the hoist hook onto the lift play eye closest to the transmission. Also I'll position a come-along to pull up on the transmission. I'll let you know how it works out.

 

You could lift it a very small amount, where an accidental drop won't cause much, if any, problems, and let it hang for awhile to see if there are problems. If I was worried about it, I would also try and move it around, maybe even climb on and jump a few times.

 

Success! The lift plate held nicely, v drive and all. Thank you all for the input