Engine running stands allow hobbyists to start, test and run engines before installing them into project cars, which helps identify leaks, break in the motor and tune it.
YouTube user Ben Stone created an affordable collapsible engine stand that fits neatly into his garage and costs less than $400 to construct. Construction took only one weekend with some basic tools necessary for its completion.
Introduction to DIY Engine Running Stands
Engine running stands can reduce strain while working on an engine and also allow for easier access and better positioning of work. There are various sizes and shapes of stands designed to safely hold an engine type; their adaptor plates ensure stability for proper functioning.
These plates attach directly to the stand and can be bolted on. Once attached, an engine can be secured using strut rods that extend to support it - once this process has been completed, it can be turned around freely so as to access every area of the vehicle and test its performance.
Although engine run/test/run stands can be expensive and require truck shipping due to their size and weight, YouTuber Ben Stone was tired of spending so much money on large equipment, so decided to create his own collapsible engine stand that collapses down into less than 9" for storage in his garage. The end result? A simple yet effective engine stand!
Tools and Materials for Construction
Constructing an engine stand may seem complex, but it doesn't need to be. Equipping yourself with the appropriate tools and materials makes the project simpler; these include a circular saw, MIG welder and engine hoist.
Ensure you keep hammers and nails on hand; these tools are essential for any builder and can be found at local hardware stores.
An engine stand consists of a frame that supports both sides of an engine, usually via steel tabs at its rear end, while its front is held up by strut rods. For optimal support of an engine stand it must be assembled securely using welding techniques.
A standard engine stand can support engines weighing up to 600 pounds. Some of them include adjustable legs that can adapt to different engines while others feature rotating heads to allow users to work on it while rotating it in different ways. Before undertaking any work on it, however, make sure to verify its weight limit so as not to injure or damage either yourself or the engine in any way.
Step-by-Step Building Process
An engine stand is essential for anyone working professionally or as a hobby on engines. They allow easy access to your engine for servicing from a safe, comfortable position while protecting it from dirt, debris and moisture damage.
As well as purchasing engine run stands from retailers, it is possible to build one yourself. Doing this requires planning and tools such as a circular saw, MIG welder and engine hoist - the key is making sure the frame can support the weight of an engine such as V8s without exceeding their recommended weight capacity on three-leg stands.
YouTuber Ben Stone created this DIY collapsible engine run stand to start, test, and break in his rebuilt engines before installing them into his project cars. It collapses down to less than 9" deep for storage under benches or against walls out of sight.
Secure Engine Mounting
An engine running stand is a tool designed to assist in working on your car's engine more easily, saving both time and effort while decreasing risk of injury or engine damage.
DIY engine run stands are an economical solution if your garage space is limited and the expense of buying one from a hardware store becomes prohibitive. YouTuber roscoe445 created one made of steel which easily adapts to fit the specific motor of each vehicle and folds away for storage when not in use.
An engine mount is an essential component of any car's drivetrain system, providing protection from engine damage while improving driver comfort by absorbing vibrations from the road and increasing driver comfort. Furthermore, engine mounts play an integral part in optimizing your car's performance - thus it is crucial that you know when they have become worn out as soon as possible and what warning signs to watch out for.
Fuel Supply and Cooling Systems
An engine stand can help you inspect, rotate and examine your motor without having to lift it from its frame. Furthermore, its convenient transportation makes the task far simpler; making this an invaluable aid for mechanics transporting heavy-duty engines from one location to another - particularly since moving such massive objects manually could cause irreparable damage or necessitate expensive repairs down the line.
DIY engine run stands can be made for less than half the price of commercially available ones, such as this YouTuber's version by Ben Stone that collapses to less than 9" deep for storage purposes and is used to start, test, and break in engines before installing them into project vehicles.
This DIY engine run stand features a fuel tank, electric fuel pump and two-gallon radiator with dual fans for cooling purposes. Furthermore, there's even an engine mount on the rear that supports bell housings and flexplates! The plan can be purchased online with detailed instructions, illustrations and photographs for easy assembly.
Wiring and Electrical Setup
Though technically possible to work on engines without using an engine stand, doing so is much more complex and time-consuming. Stands allow users to rotate the engine freely while also accessing all areas of their vehicle in an ergonomic position for faster repairs that improve accuracy while increasing safety in their garage or shop.
YouTuber roscoe445 had limited space in his garage, yet still needed to start and run his rebuilt engines for break-in, carburetor tuning and other testing purposes. So he created this collapsible engine run stand that's easy to assemble, fits most V8 engines, can be stored away when not in use and fits most engines perfectly!
Although completing this DIY project requires measuring, cutting and welding skills, most ambitious car enthusiasts should find it manageable. To assist those who prefer not to perform these duties themselves, The Best DIY Plans Store offers a kit that contains all necessary components already pre-cut and ready for assembly - this makes the assembly process faster! It also features a mounted battery box with dual electric cooling fans and upper/lower hoses that articulate convenient connections!
Testing and Troubleshooting
Though technically possible to work on an engine without using an engine stand, doing so can be dangerous and ineffective. A stand allows you to rotate the engine with ease, access all areas, and work comfortably from a comfortable position while decreasing injury risks.
An engine stand provides you with the versatility to perform numerous tests and troubleshooting steps prior to installing it into your vehicle, such as breaking in camshafts, adjusting valves, checking for water or oil leaks, performing compression testing, balancing flywheels and camshafts, among many others. By conducting such checks on an engine run stand, you can save time and money as it allows you to verify if the new motor runs correctly before installing it into your car.
Tips for Maximum Performance
An engine run stand will make any job much faster and simpler, whether you're doing an engine rebuild or a simple tuneup. Accessing the bottom of the engine provides easier repairs, modifications, retightening bolts, replacing oil or water filters as needed and verifying camshaft degreeing with an air-fuel meter - as well as easier re-tightening bolts, replacing oil or water filters and checking camshaft degreeing using camshaft degreeing gauges.
Precision tools, such as calipers and outside micrometers, are also invaluable resources. A caliper will enable you to accurately measure depths and steps, while an outside micrometer helps check diameters that your caliper cannot.
YouTuber roscoe445's limited garage space forced him to create this collapsible DIY engine run stand, so as to ensure his rebuilt engines were ready to start up and test before being installed into project vehicles. He uses it for breaking in new heads with coatings or parts installed for leakdown tests and heat cycling engines many times so he could verify their integrity - saving valuable dyno time while starting and testing engines without incurring excessive time costs for testing/running them on an actual dyno time commitments/costs associated with starting them on an actual dyno.