Pulling out a late model A4 with a V-Drive from a Columbia 30 (1972)

[Shrek]

Hi folks, As a question for the future possibility of removing an A4 for a valve grind and ring job - is it possible just to remove the entire motor, gearbox and v-drive as one unit just my de-wiring and un-plumbing everything and by disconnecting the engine output drive flange from the prop shaft flange ? That way less labour is required but I realise that it would be a heavier lift out of the boat. Is is physically possible to do this out of the water though, with the assistance of the marina, using a lift of some sort? Thanks in advance. PS I am going through up to one litre of oil per day on a long day, but she still starts really well and purrs like a kitten.

[Al Schober]

My thinking would be to pull the engine and the V-drive as one. I certainly wouldn't want to leave the V-drive hanging on the shaft. The V-drive has no mounts of it's own.
I would remove as much weight as possible. Manifold and starter as a minimum, flywheel if you have access. Perhaps the head? Definitely drain the oil!
Don't rely on the lifting eye at the alternator bracket unless it's been modified to pick up 3 studs - you risk cracking the head. Slings around the block and transmission are much safer.
A marina lift is one way to go - perhaps the only way if your mast and boom are not installed. I've had good luck pulling (and installing) engines using the main halyard as a lift, with the boom as an outhaul to get the lift point where you want it. You don't want to put the boom in bending.

[ndutton]

It went in as one unit, no reason it can't come out the same way. A word of caution though: if using the factory alternator bracket/lifting eye as the lifting point, it must be reinforced as described here or you'll run the very serious risk of cracking the head. Others have chosen to avoid the lifting eye altogether preferring slings under the pan instead.

[Shrek]

Thank you to both Al and Neil. This is great news, and one day when I eventually do this, it should save a bit of the labour cost, especially if I chicken out and get a shop to do the work , whatever that might turn out to be. I have never done any major engine work on my own. Thanks again folks - Gordon (Shrek)

[joe_db]

I always take the manifold and starter off before removing my engine. Both of those things are heavy hunks of iron.