The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop lifting a 235 engine

I just want to double check myself on lifting my 235 engine and installing it. At the front, I feel pretty confident. I have a short chain attached at both ends to the two 3/8 bolts that attach the thermostat housing to the head. At the rear, I have a 3/8 forged eye bolt installed in place of the rear bolt that holds the rocker arm assembly in place. Thanks for your help.

That should work.

I built an engine leveler from a broken trailer tongue jack that uses the valve cover attaching studs on my 216. The gives me the ability to change the angle of the engine.

If you don't have an engine leveler, you should consider getting one, especially if the cab is on the truck.

I have considered buying a leveler, but haven't done so yet. I normally use a large chain between the front & rear attachment points, and I have always been able to level the engine by changing the link that I use to hook the hoist hook onto. Of course that's not as handy as a leveler because I have to take all weight off of the hoist in order to move my leveling point. Yes, my cab is on the truck, but none of the sheet metal in front of the cab is on yet, so that will help a lot. Thanks for your reply. You are always helpful.

I usually remove the rocker arms and pushrods, bolt a couple of pieces of angle iron to the head using two rocker stand bolt holes, with 3/8-16 Grade 5 bolts, and attach a piece of chain to the angle iron with clevises. That gives a straight up lift to the bolt instead of a sideways shear force.

Engine levelers are the way to go. I have an inexpensive one from Duralast that has a coarse acme-type thread that works great. I much prefer it over my nice heavy duty one with 1/2 - 13 threads on the leveling rod, as it operates faster, is lighter weight, and smaller to store in my garage. Use some 1” flat bar bent into an “L” shape with a chain on end going to the leveler, and bolt the other side through one of the removed head bolts with 1/2” grade 8’s. Clevis pins are handy for making chain connections. Just don’t hook on to the intake or exhaust manifold as they will crack under the weight.