How to work on in-place engine...

Brian VT

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2021
Posts
974
Reaction score
556
Location
Maine, USA
...with less pain?
I just replaced my injectors. Most of the time I was laying over the radiator or further in.
I had a shipping blanket folded up for a cushion. In some positions I couldn't breathe so could only work for short spans. Have you all found better techniques for less pain and suffering?
I'm picturing one of those ceiling hoists used to store Jeep tops. LOL
 

Attachments

  • mission_sm.jpg
    mission_sm.jpg
    57.3 KB · Views: 4

ih8minimumwage

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2011
Posts
227
Reaction score
112
Location
Eugene, OR
Plenty of days of sore ribs laying over my radiator cap when I did my head gaskets in the truck.

Best bet would be a 'Topside or Engine Creeper', but they're still pricey (No Harbor Freight option yet).
 

gnathv

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Posts
1,048
Reaction score
522
Location
Athens, Al
I made a wooden frame that went across from fender to fender and across the hood latch area. It was about 18“ wide and I had an old foam couch cushion. World of difference. I do have a top side creeper now though.
 

Jesus Freak

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2022
Posts
3,205
Reaction score
3,607
Location
Crestview, FL
I have kids. I'm training them to enjoy mechanical stuff. Right now, I give them instructions on stuff to do to lawn mowers that we sell for profit and I give them a cut of the proceeds. At a certain point, I should be able to prop on the fender and make sure that the fan is blowing directly at me while giving instructions to one of my son's on what I want them to do. That should be a more comfortable way to work "under the hood" but sitting on a chair might be better but you won't be able to see what they're doing. That's my plan. As far as doing the work yourself, there's no easy answers, only bloody nuckles, sore ribs, and thick grease everywhere.
 

gnathv

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Posts
1,048
Reaction score
522
Location
Athens, Al
Mine looks like this.
 

Attachments

  • 6CE58DEF-629C-4D64-8EB4-6FB1D8CEA2E6.png
    6CE58DEF-629C-4D64-8EB4-6FB1D8CEA2E6.png
    855.4 KB · Views: 23

Brian VT

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2021
Posts
974
Reaction score
556
Location
Maine, USA
I don’t see the remote and cup holder
I noticed that yours has a tool bag. I'm sure that is handy.

All-terrain casters can be bought for a reasonable price. I will need those also.
I have a 2-car garage but my wife's car and my old Benz live in there.
I'm working on my truck under a portable garage/tent. Until my PowerBall ticket comes through.
 

Jesus Freak

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2022
Posts
3,205
Reaction score
3,607
Location
Crestview, FL
One day, a shop with a lift. Right now a 2 car carport and a good size asphalt circle drive. Spilling diesel on asphalt is miserable.
 

gnathv

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Posts
1,048
Reaction score
522
Location
Athens, Al
Have you ever tried scrubbing it with Dawn and rinsing with water. I spilled some on a friends concrete driveway and did that, it didn’t leave a stain.
 

Mishka

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2019
Posts
139
Reaction score
66
Location
Fort Knox, KY
My bumper has a bull bar I put most my weight on and then I lean on the fuel filter/alternator or ac compressor depending on side I need to get to.
 

Big Bart

Tow&Slow
Joined
Dec 22, 2020
Posts
1,481
Reaction score
950
Location
Newport Beach, CA
Mine looks like this
I got tired of standing on 4”x4“s, being short of breath, and not being able to reach things when working on a truck or suv. So I bought one of these, it works great, pretty comfortable to lay on.

Don’t loose sleep over the casters, like a ladder you don’t want it move while on it. It’s light enough you can pick up and move it where you want it if on dirt or gravel.

I am 6’-4” and I do not fit into the engine bay like you see many do in YouTube videos.

That is a great price, I paid $50 more locally 2 years ago.
 

Jesus Freak

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2022
Posts
3,205
Reaction score
3,607
Location
Crestview, FL
Diesel turns asphalt into mush. It eventually hardens back up, but it takes a while. I don't worry about it, I kinda like my oil slicks.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
91,217
Posts
1,128,503
Members
24,045
Latest member
Ramtough01
Top