|
Modifying an Engine Stand
by Richard Primm
Now that I’m retired, I have plenty of time to tinker in the shop. I enjoy working on my old Fords and this modification has made life much easier.
I found that rotating a Ford flat head engine on the Harbor Freight stand was not an easy task. The shaft of the rotating mounting plate is just a loose fit in the frame. My first thought was to make a new shaft supported by bushings, but then I thought about using roller bearings, so I made a set of roller bearings.
Step one was to bore the frame to smooth things a bit and to get a consistent ID.
A little time on the lathe resulted in a box full of rollers. It was then a simple task to make the four cages to hold them.
A new rotating shaft was made and a couple of grease zerks were installed in the frame to keep things lubed.
The results have been better than I hoped. Even a heavy engine rotates easily and smoothly. It’s not a bad little stand, but I suggest modifying with either bushings or your own homemade bearings – you’ll be glad you did.
Our tips and newsletters come
from subscribers like you!
Have something of your own to share?
Send in your tip with photos! or Reply to this email.
|
