FJ engine mount frame to use a conventional engine stand, anyone seen one?

[Pat Conlon]

Hello good folks, I hope this post finds you and your loved ones healthy. I am looking forward to the future when things get better, and get better they will....count on it.

I have a question for the group. I would like to build a FJ engine frame that will allow me to use a conventional engine stand. This would allow access to the top end engine components, then, rotate the engine upside down for access to the bottom end.
We all know about the engine storage stands for the FJ engines, that's not what I'm talking about.
The FJ engine has a horizontal case so if you want access to the bottom end, you can't use the rear lower mounting points for the engine support. Only the rear upper mounts and the front mounts can be used if you want to be able to get the cases split.

Has anyone seen anything like this? Pictures are good.

I ran this question by our resident FJ racer, Chris (fj1289) and here is his response:

Too funny Pat!  I was just working on that idea a few weeks ago.  Had a design figured out to use the rear engine mounts - uppers and lowers - and was getting the welder out when it suddenly dawned on me if I took the bottom case half off - the top half would just droop down to about vertical!  I stopped there and instead just wrestled with it on the bench.

Just went out to the garage to look at the cases.  I think it would be best to "mount" the top case half.  I envision attaching to the upper rear mount with the top "arms" of the engine stand.  Then fabricating some arm "struts" to go around the case to attach to the upper forward mounts from the bottom "arms" of the stand.  It would look somewhat like an aircraft engine mount structure.  Should triangulate it well enough to hold the entire engine weight.   Also would allow you to turn the engine over to remove all the lower end stuff and transmission.  Also allow you to pull the crankshaft. 

I'll have to revisit this idea - and maybe scrounge up some angle iron and steel tube .... maybe some steel plate ...

[Pat Conlon]

Here is what Randy sent me, but as you see, both case halves have to be assembled to use the upper and lower rear mounts for the support of the engine.

[fj1289]

Pat -

1  don't see a pic

2  bought some material to try tonight (BUNCH of in-house renovations going on during daylight hours ...)

[Pat Conlon]

Hey Chris...Can you see Randy's pict now?

[fj1289]

Nopers.  Also tried on the iPad and laptop 

[Pat Conlon]

Let me try this....http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=19594.0;attach=16193

Here's Randy's quote:

BTW, I'll have to see if I can find it. I made a adapter for my engine hoist 20 plus years ago. I tried it a few times and then gave up. That was way back when the shop was still at my dads. I haven't seen it for years.

You cannot use it with the case being separated. The case has to be complete and then onto the stand to assemble the top end. Since that was just an extra step for me, I just keep them on the bench and complete the assembly.  It looked very similar to this.

[racerrad8]

Can you, or anyone see it now?

Randy - RPM

[Pat Conlon]

I can see it....then again, I could see my first picture....

Thanks Randy

[fj1289]

Thanks Randy - can see your picture. 

That is similar to what I started to make - until I realized I couldn't split the cases.   

Started on another design - didn't have much time though.  Hopefully can finish cutting and get some welding done tomorrow.   

[Waiex191]

Let me try this....http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=19594.0;attach=16193

For IT purposes, your link gave me this:

[Pat Conlon]

Ok, thx Bryan

[racerrad8]

I can see it....then again, I could see my first picture....

Thanks Randy

Pat, somehow the way you attached the image is not allowing anyone but global moderators see it in the text. I just uploaded the attachment from my photo files on my computer. If you want to post the picture the way you did it, I think you have to use a third party host, flickr, Post Image, etc.

If you look at the text in the reply with quote, I can see the [IMG] code there, but nothing is showing up. When you are anything other than a global moderator, the off limits link posted is given to the user.

I have sent an email to my IT guy for him to look into it and see if something in the software has changed, unfortunately this is above my pay grade...

Randy - RPM

[Pat Conlon]

Ok, thx Randy, no worries.

[Brook]

..... Randy, back in the day, when building a motor for the street (racing) or the roundy rounds. The mechanics in my

area/group would not build a racing motor, on a motor stand.    Because, of the off-set weight. They would say, that the

torque  measurements would not be the same, at both ends of the motor (the motor would stretch, on a motor stand) Do
you agree??

would that apply, to motorcycle motors, also??   

[Pat Conlon]

Well, that is interesting. I've not heard of that.

The concept of this FJ engine frame is that it will support the FJ engine on two points, located on opposite ends of the engine, the front and back upper engine mounts.  However, the frame itself will be cantilevered off the engine stand.