Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I have a spare U20 engine that I want to store without damaging the pan or head. I have looked for a universal engine cradle that I could bolt the block to leaving it upright and off the pan with the ability to move it if needed. Has anyone found one that fits or made one that works? I see them for small block Chevys and Fords that claim to be universal but specify Chevy or Ford blocks. Thanks Rick

Harbor Freight has an inexpensive engine stand.
Dan

I considered that but anengine stand takes up a lot of space vs a cradle or dolly. This will just be an insurance motor for a bad day with my car’s engine that I Hope never happens. Thanks Rick

I use a Harber freight furniture dolly. It needs a wood 2x4 cross
Member for the front of the pan and the rear end of the block sits on the dolly. I have stored U20s and R16s on these for years, like over 10 for a R16 without any damage. You can roll it around if needed too. I also use these for transmissions.

That said, it’s not 100% stable and with a little effort you could push it over and off the dolly. But if you park it and leave it, no problems

Brilliant!

You can always augment the furniture dolly with a 2x4 stand screwed to it. I just build a box that encompasses the oil pan and raise the engine so it sets on the flange of the oil pan. I screw that to the dolly and lower the engine into the box.

Thanks guys I looked Those Foley’s at Harbor Freight and had thought they might work . I thought I might need to pull the head to lighten the load up a little and make it not so top heavy. With the head on the motor and with it so narrow compared to a v8 I thought about laying it down on a dolly on the the drivers side of the block thinking it would be more stable an less likely to flip over if bumped. I need to pull the flywheel off for sure as its pretty heavy by itself. For now have it on a car dolly with 2x4s lying on across the ends and I layer on on the driver side of the block. Thanks for your ideas I just wish someone would make a motor cradle for these blocks like the one’s on Ebay for Fords & Chevys. I would sure buy one. Thanks RickRick

So, the harbor freight furniture dollys work great.

But if you want the engine to actually be a spare when you need it, you better maintain it while it is stored. Make sure it gets oiled and turned occasionally. This is significantly easier on a stand.

I've had a complete frame with engine, wheels and all running gear sitting on 4 HF dollies for several years now.

If you use a furniture dolly, put a cheap ratchet strap around it and the engine. This makes it somewhat more stable.

You can store it between the fenders of my car.............

bossbob wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2019 1:06 pm You can store it between the fenders of my car.............

how would you recommend keeping surface rust off cylinders and cam lobes.
any oiling or random turn over?
overfill with oil in pan?
fill with straight antifreeze?
plug openings. ports?