Best way to ship an engine - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TheDon · #1 05-22-2013, 07:45 PM

I need to ship out my OM606 I sold.

I have a standard sized pallet and some brand new 2x4's, 2.5" deck screws and a hand saw.

The engine has the engine arms and engine mounts on it and I am trying to figure out the best way to mount it to the pallet so it can be safely shipped to Cali.

I was planning on using baling wire to secure it to the pallet and then shrink wrap the crap out of it.

tips or tricks welcome.

Simpler=Better · #2 05-22-2013, 08:35 PM

Reinforce that pallet with the 2x4s, the stock 1" planks aren't going to hold a 606

Screw the 2x4s down, and use lags to bolt the motor mounts to those built up blocks.

At least two ratchet straps over it again to keep it from flopping around.

Then slap some walls on it to keep from losing crap. If you don't want it to get double stacked during shipment give the top a heavy slope and paint "DO NOT TOP LOAD" on the sides

TheDon · #3 05-22-2013, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simpler=Better

Sweet, I will do something like what you have done in your picture. I was a little unsure of stacking the 2x4's but I only need to get about 4.5" of wood to reach the arms.

The pallet I grabbed isn't a cheap pallet but one a very well made pallet that tile or stone came shipped on.I was planning on putting two 2x4's across the pallet to brace the existing planks and then screw down two rails going front to back to support the engine arms. That way I have the engine on essentially only 2x4's.Fun part will be getting the pallet off the crane like you have there.

I'm not going with any walls on the pallet, I do not have any means of cutting sheets of wood.

TheDon · #4 05-22-2013, 09:01 PM

lookie there

KarTek · #5 05-22-2013, 10:38 PM

When I transport an engine, I make a box of 2x8's that's just a little larger than the oil pan. Then, you place the engine down into the box so it ends up resting on the row of bolts around the outside perimeter of the pan.

That way, there's no bouncing load in the bottom of the pan and you can bind the engine down tight to the pallet.

TylerH860 · #6 05-22-2013, 11:25 PM

I assume you will saran wrap the crap out of it at least? That's what my local salvage yard does.

jplinville · #7 05-23-2013, 06:31 AM

Build sides and a top...Home Depot and Lowes will cut them to your specifications. It's worth the couple of bucks now instead of having to give the money it sold for back.

t walgamuth · #8 05-23-2013, 06:40 AM

I have never put sides or a top on an engine on a pallet. To me that would just invite them to put something on top of it. Take a good solid pallet, lash the engine down with either the metal bands or the little ratchet devices and wrap it all with the clear plastic shrink wrap stuff. I've shipped several this way with good results. Fed Ex ground, but did it once through a shipping broker. Getting all the paperwork right is essential though and a hassle.

Simpler=Better · #9 05-23-2013, 09:29 AM

Don, you can't let it sit on the oil pan, it will be flattened when it arrives.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarTek

When I transport an engine, I make a box of 2x8's that's just a little larger than the oil pan. Then, you place the engine down into the box so it ends up resting on the row of bolts around the outside perimeter of the pan.

That way, there's no bouncing load in the bottom of the pan and you can bind the engine down tight to the pallet.

I like that idea.

The $10 at HF for ratchet straps and zip ties(to hold the excess strap) is well worth the $$. Then you know the engine is held down tight, and the buyer will be happy to have extra ratchets

TX76513 · #10 05-23-2013, 10:41 AM

Don, I don't know how many dollars you intend to spend on ratched straps but a poly bander at Norther Tool is $34. No chance of anthing working loose and a good tool to have for other projects

daw_two · #11 05-23-2013, 10:57 AM

daw_two · #12 05-23-2013, 11:00 AM

can't find the pic....
but I recently set 2 engines on a pallet; one had a platform under it
the other engine, I leaned over on it's side.

I had 2x4s going across the top to help support. Used 2 ratchet straps. No plastic wrap and no sides.
Loaded it on the freight truck with the forklift.
I didn't hear from the buyer, so I guess they got there in one piece.

TheDon · #13 05-24-2013, 08:25 PM

I'm not going to let it travel on its oil pan, that is just dumb.

Right now I am having a heck of a time trying to get the thing off the engine stand. I wish I had kept my seat belts I used to pull it just to get it off the stand and onto the pallet. I really do not want to have to go buy a load leveler. I bought a 6.5' long strap to see if that would be of any use but its not.

Plus I do not have any sort of powertools to make chopping wood easy. Just a regular ole hand saw.This is the last time I sell an engine, it's such a pain in the ass

alabbasi · #14 05-25-2013, 11:32 AM

I've always set an old tire on a pallet and then set the engine on the tire and strapped it down with a few ratcheting straps. Seems to work.

TheDon · #15 05-25-2013, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alabbasi

I've always set an old tire on a pallet and then set the engine on the tire and strapped it down with a few ratcheting straps. Seems to work.

The buyer suggested that but I kind of wanted it to be done correct, but I guess there is no one way to do it.

I replaced two planks with new 2x4's and have 18" long 2x4's running across to hold the engine arms. Since the engine is nose heavy it keeps nose diving so the oil pan is resting on the 2x4 plank. Most of the weight is on the arms so it should be fine to ship. Bought some ratchet straps as well.