Pulling the engine out of the 149
 

Hey guys , I am pulling the engine out of my 149. To do some work on it.
Whats the best way to lift this thing out of there? I am strong enough to physicaly pick it up and move it but I'm afraid to break something doing it. Any suggestions?

I would remove the hood and grill. I used to lift the engine out the frame by myself.......until I hurt my back. I now use a lift system to remove a engine.

I've picked these engines up myself after removing carb and starter/generator and muffler. It's a handful. After a couple of these lifts, I rigged a come-along from a ceiling truss for the next few I pulled. Much prefer the come-along or chain hoist. They only weigh about 100 lbs or so, so just about any rafter/joist,truss, etc, can handle the load. The best way would be to lower it onto a roll-around cart to work on it, but I don't have that yet, so some man-handling is still required.

Up until the last couple, I think I've picked them all out and put them back by hand, but I'm getting to the point where I just don't want to exert that kind of effort any more, so I've started using a come-along or chain hoist, depending on where I'm doing the work.

I would agree - definitely get a lift. That cast iron is heavy!

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/l...toilpan001.jpg

I had to build this after my back surgery.

Thanks guys. Someday I will have a garage but for now I am doing this in the yard in front of my tiny shed (too small to even pull the 149 into) so I guess its remove the carb and starter and grunt this thing out.

The easiest way I have found to lift them out by hand is to, remove the upper heat shield, muffler and S/G. Then use the exhaust elbow and the back of the S/G mounting bracket as "handles", pick it up and set the sump on the cross member let the engine balance there for a minute and catch your breath, then pick it again and set the pan on the frame rail, balance and rest, then pick it again and set the pan on the tire, balance and rest, then set it off onto the floor.

Or get a friend to come help...

What about using a tree for a make shift hoist? If you don't have a sturdy enough tree, then use the neighbor's tree!:biggrin2:

Cub Cadet 123

Just remember the bottom is not flat, and you'll need to be prepared with some 2x4s or something to brace it from tipping over once you set it down.