Date:         Sat, 16 Oct 1999 12:18:41 -0700
Reply-To:     Max/Joyce Wellhouse <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Max/Joyce Wellhouse <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
Subject:      Cool engine support rig
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

While pulling the tranny to r&r the clutch and related components, I wondered how I'd survive suppporting the  front of the engine while pulling the tranny out.  Rigged up a simple 2x4" longenough to bridge the engine access hole and then used a short(in my case a frayed one thart I was ready to throw out) cam strap.  What's a cam strap?  It's a tool most serious whitewater raft guides use to lash their frames down to their rafts  It is nothing more than 1" flat nylon webbing with an Ancra cast aluminum cam buckle sewed on one end.  they are also popular for tie downs for canoes and kayaks if you are knot-challenged.   That buckle is hell for stout and by simply running the webbing through the hole in the top of the case near the flywheel, it was easy to set the tension just as I wanted it.  The big bonus was the easy realease when guidingthe tranny back in so the right angle could be attained to get the two mated again.   for those not strong enough to pull the strap tighten enough initially, you could always jack up the front of the engine slightly and then set the cam buckle and then release the jack.  The straps are available at most canoe and kayak shops.  They range in price from $4-$6 depending on length(a short 6' one is way ong enough).  Don't waste the money on Yakima straps  The designer colors disapear once you get them greasy anyway!.  NRS is a major manufacturer of these items as is Voyaguer(mad riveer vcanoe).

Dimwitted Moose and Flying Squirrel

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