Is it possible to lift the engine using a beam running across of the gun walls.

[Allen Conrad]

I need to replace my engine coupler. I only need to lift the motor a few inches and back just a few more inches. Is it possible to do this using the gun walls to support the beam and lift the motor. Has anyone ever tried this?

 

[NHGuy]

Just use a chainfall or cherry picker and take it out. You'll never get the new coupler lined up well that way.

 

[Allen Conrad]

Why does it have to come out completely. I have a foot of room to move the motor that should be enough room to allow me to do everything needed.

 

[dennis461]

How heavy is the engine?
Can you lighten it up by removing for example, exhaust manifolds, alternator, whatever else is heavy?
How strong are your gunwales?
Can you spread the weight at gunwales with some 4x4 arrangement?

 

[Allen Conrad]

I would say the engine weighs about 575lbs. I was thinking about the 4x4's. As for how strong the gun walls are I have no idea but seem pretty solid. I was thinking time I'm not really interested in removing more than I had to. A boat mechanic said he could do it in 4 to 5 hours and that's not removing any thing. I figure it would take me 7 to 8.

 

[Scott Danforth]

You have to pull the drive anyway and realign. May as well pull the motor to make your job easier

 

[fhhuber]

Preferred... pull it all the way out.

Don't just rest a 4X4 or 6X6 across the gunwales.
(Just all around a bad idea)

Make a proper A frame. Most garage rafters aren't strong enough to be safe for lifting the engine.

 

[Woodonglass]

True True True^^^^^

 

[DeepBlue2010]

I wouldn't take that risk if I were you. Building a proper frame out of 4 by 4 & 2 by 4 and some fasteners will cost you a fraction of what it does to fix any possible damage to your boat or house.

 

[Ned L]

Hmmmm,..... you didn't like all the responses to your same question on the other site?

 

[gm280]

You know they sell engine hosts at Harbor Freight for less then $150 dollars. While that sounds like a lot of money to buy such a tool, it certainly comes in handy for so many jobs and not just this one time ordeal. I just checked and they have theirs on sell for $140 dollars right now. A heck of a better deal then most anything you could build. And it allows you to move the engine around after you lift it out. JMHO