can an engine rest on it's side on the ground?

[H-K]

I have too many engines and not enough stands and I need to quickly figure out a way to free up my hoist. I don't have time to order more stands/dollys, so I need to figure out something temporary until then. The engine is an old SBC block with heads and tin. I'm wondering if it's possible to just lay it on its side on the garage floor for a few days until I figure something out. Has anybody done this or is this problematic? will it crush the oil pan and damage the crank or anything? I'm in a pinch here and could use some help so anything is much appreciated.

 

[Chevycrew]

why not just block it up? the oil pan will support the weight, and just block under the front of pan or crank pulley. Then add a couple blocks to the side to keep from tipping.

But tipping it over should not hurt it either...

 

[chadschoon]

build something out of wood to hold the block off the ground. when I picked up my motor thats how they had it so I could transport it.

 

[zukking01]

I have seen then upright on a tire with no rim. If you have one kicking around try it out.

 

[RockMonkey]

I have seen then upright on a tire with no rim. If you have one kicking around try it out.

If you need a tire for this come get one.

 

[jamesgeologist]

There's a dude here in Ogden that has about 25 engines all ready to run on shopping carts modified to fit the motor mounts. He wheels them around the shop and he can run them while still on the cart. Pretty slick, actually. Wish I had taken a picture when I had the chance.

 

[4554x4]

You wont hurt anything by laying it on its side.(maybe break sparkplugs if the ex. manofold is not there) If there is oil in it, it might smoke a little the first time you start it. No big deal!

 

[Jeeperman]

I have seen then upright on a tire with no rim. If you have one kicking around try it out.

also works with just a rim
like so.....

 

[Tacoma]

Yikes!!!

 

[Brad J]

I have seen then upright on a tire with no rim. If you have one kicking around try it out.

I've had a 392 on my garage floor for years sitting in an old tire. It's in an old bald 33x12.5x15 tire and fits perfectly.

 

[H-K]

If you need a tire for this come get one.

I might take you up on that. You still in the same house you were a few years ago or have you moved?

 

[H-K]

why not just block it up? the oil pan will support the weight, and just block under the front of pan or crank pulley. Then add a couple blocks to the side to keep from tipping.

But tipping it over should not hurt it either...

Do you mean cinder blocks or something else?

thanks everybody for your suggestions.

 

[SAMI]

I've always just used a tire

 

[Jeeperman]

Yikes!!!

it was just temporary, lol...now its on a pallet

 

[RockMonkey]

I might take you up on that. You still in the same house you were a few years ago or have you moved?

Moved. PM me if you want to come pick up a couple tires and I'll give you directions.