Dropping engine for transmission removal - don't use S hooks

Post by **abscate** » 25 Sep 2017, 09:27

Pictures to come, but nothing gory. I dodged a big bullet with this one (for damage, not safety)

One would thing with my experience attaching, tying down and loading I would not have made such an elementary mistake, but its the last time anyone here will make it.

The hook slipped off and luckily I had lumber under the motor so it fell about 1 inch, and was also slowed by a pinched hose. I since positively attached it to the links with chain and threaded bolts with lock nuts

Post by **scot850** » 25 Sep 2017, 11:21

Thankfully it is not the LAST time you might do it. We all have done those brain fart moments and it is only when it goes wrong or we look back at it and think why the heck did I do that.....!

Glad you made it out.

Neil.

Post by **98v70dad** » 25 Sep 2017, 18:02

Thanks for posting that as a safety warning to others. S hooks aren't rated for holding much. You need a closed shackle to pick up any appreciable load safely. S hooks are widely available and cheap so they're tempting.

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 25 Sep 2017, 18:29

Every time I think I find a short cut, it always turns out to be the long way. I am glad nothing bad happened besides bruising your ego. Thanks for the tip!!

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 25 Sep 2017, 19:49

Those S-hooks have never looked dependable to me. I wonder if that's why EricTheCarGuy uses old seatbelts? Glad you're OK, my friend. The last person to tease me for having too many jacks under the car when I was messing around lost out on free labor. The Volvo life is amazing. But a long Volvo life is even more so.

Post by **abscate** » 26 Sep 2017, 04:30

When I started the load the S hooks were nice and vertical, but as you can see they quickly worked around to horizontal, and then slipped. The chain with the HF engine bar is a bit small for the app,I couldn't find a good shackle that fit the chain and the engine mounts.

I'll be loaning this tool out with bolts and lock nuts that do fit, though

brunocerous · Post by **brunocerous** » 26 Sep 2017, 18:05

Seriously glad you're OK. Such a good reminder, especially as I gear up (and psych myself up) to pluck the VW engine in the coming weeks.

Post by **JimBee** » 26 Sep 2017, 18:13

Helpful heads up and good that no fingers were damaged; they're really useful and they don't grow back.

Post by **abscate** » 26 Sep 2017, 19:24

brunocerous wrote: ↑26 Sep 2017, 18:05 Seriously glad you're OK. Such a good reminder, especially as I gear up (and psych myself up) to pluck the VW engine in the coming weeks.

With a T4 and a cherry picker, that engine grab is a breeze once you take the front end off.

Post by **abscate** » 27 Sep 2017, 15:02

Did find damage from this event today - I snapped off the dipstick handle. I will have it wired and welded before clutch is in though, as reminder.