Engine took a 3 1/2 foot drop

[SGTLawson]

When I was removing my engine the end link on the chain I was using snapped just as the transmission was clearing the front crossmember of the frame. The front of the engine swung down about 3 1/2 feet and slammed into the driveway exploding the harmonic balancer/drive pulley denting the oil pan and breaking the air conditioner compressor in two. The back of the trans hung up on the crossmember. I could shoot myself in the face for not separating the transmission, or using a stronger chain but whats done is done.



Besides an engine speed sensor this seems like the only damage that was done. I spun the engine and the crank seems OK. The crank does make slight contact with the dent in the oil pan but I think it could be pulled or tapped back out to clear. I'll just have to go without A/C for a while. Is there anything else I should be checking for? Is there a good place to find a used balancer/ drive pulley?



Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[24VChev]

ouch!

I would get a dial indicator an see if the snout on the crank still runs true. I would also think about installing a new main bearings also. A front seal might be in order too. You can hammer out the oil pan fairly easly.



Malcolm

 

[nascar mark]

I can get you a used balancer but I think you should be concerned about the crank/crank bearings/front seal and rear seal. 1200lbs of engine and transmission droping 3. 5' will do some damage!

 

[SGTLawson]

Thanks for the reply. The crank is still true. Good point on the mains. I'll PM Nascar Mark on the balancer. Thanks Again

 

[JLEONARD]

Sarge,

That sucks! Changed a bunch of engines, never had that happen, not bragging, just lucky I guess. What happened to you is a disaster waiting to happen for all of us who are stupid enough to do our own work. I feel your pain.

Hopefully you incurred no damage other than the obvious that you see.

Hope all goes well. Look at the bearings and check for a ding mark.

Jay

 

[DieselBuzz]

When I pulled my motor and was turning it to sit on a pallet. Snap went the chain. I was lucky it was only about a foot off the pallet. It crushed some wood and put a 1/2" dent in the pan but nothing else. I know I was lucky. It can get exciting when they go.

Art

 

[tugboatphil]

I moved a lot of cargo in the Navy, and we had all sorts of formulas for figuring safe working loads and breaking strengths for wire rope and different types of line. But there was no such formula for chain. It really is just like the old saying, "as strong as its weakest link. "



For most applications, the folks that designed equipment that required chains would just over compensate. For smaller rigs and many ammo applications, we'd have a small wire weaved through the chain and secured on each end with clips. It wasn't intended to carry the load for any length of time, but to give you enough time to get the load on deck before damage could occur.



If you suspect the chains on your hoist are getting worn or might be too small, go a size bigger. Check to make sure there aren't eny twists in the links before you hook up.



Just my $. 02

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I recommend grade 80 chain, 5/16 or 3/8" for lifting. Sorry about your problem. I have a regular 160 hp balancer I can give you, or you can get a bigger 215 hp damper that is better if you have raised rpm range on your engine.

 

[michigandon]

Bummer!

Sorry to hear about your accident. I'm always on pins and needles whenever I do ANY type of heavy lifting, whether on the job or in the garage.



I'm not normally one to go cashing in on somebody else's misfortune, however I do have an AC compressor off of my '93 donor engine that I am not going to be using. I've never ran it so it's sold as is, but it's gotta be better than what you have! If you're interested feel free to email or PM me and and we can discuss it further.



Again, my condolences to ya. :{ :{



Don

 

[SGTLawson]

Thanks again for all the feedback. I knew better than to use the chain I was using. I had been using the chain for over 10 years for heavy lifting. The hasp at the end is actually what broke. As I hooked to the engine I stopped and thought that maybe I should replace the hasp, but I talked myself out of it. Next time I'll listen to that little voice a little closer.

 

[tugboatphil]

I always do what the voices inside my head tell me to do... .



Sorry, I couldn't resist.



Phil

 

[SGTLawson]

LOL!! Hey... Nobody was hurt, and it could have been worse. All you can do is laugh about it now!