Safest way to do engine mounts
 

What would you guys do to make engine mount replacements the safest? I have no problem with the passenger side one -- but the drivers side is a tricky one to get at the bolt.

How would you keep the sump propped up without damaging it (my floorjack tends to very slowly creep down this is why I need another idea to keep the engine up once its there)

Please invest in a new floorjack. Don't risk your life on something like that. Body parts (yours) are very expensive to repair!

changed my views after reading an article that stated that any floor jack can experience a "catastrophic failure" at any time without warning! northern tools has a device that will hold the engine up once it is jacked into place. it sits on opposing fender wells with a chain that holds the engine up. far safer than risking your hands to a hydraulic floor jack. granted a lot of people have used floor jacks to change out engine mounts, but what if you are that one in a million that experiences a hydraulic jack failure while your hands are under a very heavy engine?

I always use the floor jack but you could use a 4x4 piece of wood across the inner fender wells and a chain or ratchet strap. Ive never seen a floor jack fail in 20 years of wrenching but still dont get under a car without stands.

Yep. I always back up a floor jack with jack stands. The stuff's all made in China so you can't be too sure.

I guess a lift and jack poles are not an option? ;) That's how I did mine.

Possibly a hoist?

I sent 80 bucks on a 2500 lb motor cycle lift that is two arms moving upward with a steel bar between them. As you lift the arms, the whole gizmos has back-up rods that lock into place evry 6 inches, so even with catastrophic failure, the mechanic back up gives you time to move.

Of coutse,
I have four 6 ton jack stands as well. Never go under w/o jack stands

NEVER do any work under a car without jackstands!

I have the drivers side mount out right now.
Both sides are up on jackstands and I have a board under the oil pan and lift it up with a hydraulic jack.

Some preparation is needed.
The engine shocks & the longitudinal shaft needs to be disconnected.

That back bolt is a pita. I used an allen key and turned it 1/4 turn at a time. I did it from underneath. You can't see it you have to do it by feel.

Danny

If your floor jack is worth more than about $12 you can easily rebuild it. Any hydraulic shop has the seals. I have a 50 year old cast iron frame Walker that I have rebuild 3 times. It is dead simple.