Lifting Engine with Eyelet in Plug Hole

[Greg Jones]

What does the august and collective wisdom of the Ford Barn think about lifting a complete engine and transmission assembly using the lifting eyelet threaded into the spark plug hole? I have done it a few times but it always makes me nervous. Let's say you have a new head gasket and the head is torqued down-any negative effect on head geometry or gasket seal (yes torque will be rechecked of course)? I can't help but overthink this especially when you consider the business about removing the nut that holds the pop-out cable down-it moves enough that you could get leakage, etc. if you did not drain the fluid first. Granted, not the same location for stress, but still I would like to hear some opinions.

[Art Bjornestad]

Hi, I have been using this method for years with no problems but would also like to hear others input.

[Mike V. Florida]

Done it myself. how much pressure to you thint there is on the plug hole during the running of the engine.

As long as the eyelet is tight you should have no problem.

[jkeesey]

I use 2 of them and put a load leveler between them. Never had a problem.

[CarlG]

I use this, which uses 2 spark plug holes and puts the force straight up rather than an angle if using just the lifting eye from the same 2 holes. Works great. Another quality product from Bill Stipe

[Tom Wesenberg]

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I try to use two spark plug holes with a bar between so the pressure is straight up as Carl points out.
Most of the time I like to use a nylon rope or seat belt wrapped around the water inlet and intake manifold.

[nhusa]

What do you do if you have the head off?

[Dave in MN]

I have used them in the past. I can't imagine the head could flex enough to cause any problem with the head gasket. I would be more worried about the strength of a single eyelet. IMO: The eyelet should be forged or if bent steel...it should be of adequate diameter and welded to eliminate the possibility of the eyelet opening up. Safety first!
Good Day!

[Ray64]

I use a heavy nylon strap around the whole block

[Tom Wesenberg]

Here's one way I sling an engine, with several loops of woven nylon rope.

[Brentwood Bob]

If you worry about these things lifting straps handle tons. Chain works also using stud bolts. I like a cherry picker to manipulate the engine complete with transmission attached.
I have seen a sling used from mountain climbing line hanging from garage rafter. It did the job. I use the eyelits in the spark plug holes, 2 at a time. And they were made by me.
Piece of cake.
Bob

[silversink]

Originally Posted by Dave in MN

I have used them in the past. I can't imagine the head could flex enough to cause any problem with the head gasket. I would be more worried about the strength of a single eyelet. IMO: The eyelet should be forged or if bent steel...it should be of adequate diameter and welded to eliminate the possibility of the eyelet opening up. Safety first!
Good Day!

Not pretty when it happens ==
don't ask

[SteveB31]

Greg,

We have used one lifting eye in one spark plug hole for 30 years to remove and install whole engines and transmission. In fact, it is the same one we have used all those years. Works fine.

[tbirdtbird]

let us know how you make out

[V4F]

I have used 2 for years with no problems .

[1931 flamingo]

Been using since the late 50's.
Paul in CT

[rocket1]

I use two homemade eye hooks,I weld them into old take apart spark plugs,I put one in front and one in the rear with a chain between them so i can adjust the angle of the engine