DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

When I stripped my engine down I used a three legged 300kg rated stand that I previously used on my 912 engine.
As I had stripped some of my engine before it went on the stand I didn't have to worry too much about the weight limit of the stand.
However even then it all seemed a little close for comfort and not too stable.

So I decided that I would buy a heavier duty one before I commence my rebuild and have bought a 570kg rated one, with a U shaped base and four castors.

However on receiving it I have noticed that the yoke sits in the stand perfectly horizontally, whereas my previous stand ( and others I have seen ) normally have a slightly tilted yoke so that the weight of the engine keeps the yoke in the stand.



Does anyone have any experience with one without a tilt - does it sound right?

I had bought the stand hoping to ensure things were safer but now I am thinking it looks less safe.

I'm probably being over cautious but any suggestions much appreciated as always.

I guess I could chock up the front casters to get the same effect, but that will make moving it around a little difficult.

I have the 'normal' machine mart simple one, single leg at the base, tilted top.
I have put my 3.2 engines on that stand many times fully dressed, about as heavy as an air cooled engine could be except for the turbo versions.

Never a problem but a bit bouncy when spannering.

I would ignore the lack of angle on the head as I think the steel sections are larger than the little stand so will resist the twisting load better.

iirc pictures of Redtec show your kind of stand in use.

If you wanted you could place a simple packer under the side brackets at their leading edge to give a small backward lean to the upright?
I think the big 3.2 engine is about 1/2 the weight your stand is designed for.

Thanks for the quick response - just needed something to put my mind at rest before fitting my case onto the stand and starting the rebuild.

No stopping me now ! [famous last words]

AndrewSlater wrote:No stopping me now ! [famous last words]

-- except I've looked at the Redtek website and all the stands I see in the gallery seem to have quite a pronounced tilt !

Sorry to be a pain but which photo(s) are you looking out of interest ( call me a worrier !! )?

mine is about 4"-6" "laid back" on the upright, and the yolk bit is then at 90-degrees to that.. prob equates to 10 degrees or something?
not only does it keep the yolk "in" but it also keeps the C.O.G. closer to the center point between all 4 wheels..

As long as it's strong enough for the weight of your engine I wouldn't worry about it

You are a worrier!

My 'light' stand has a pronounced lean which is STILL a (small) lean with the big 3.2 on it.

This means nothing when building the engine, leaning back or forwards etc.
I imagine Redtec use them for storage and has a real 'works' type bench mounted yoke for the real builds.

I've rebuilt 4 x 911 engines on my light stand.
Some bolts are high torque jobs so you need to be mindful when pulling the high torques so the engine does not over balance, BUT your heavy duty stand is far more stable than mine.

There are far bigger things to focus on with the engine build!

Again thanks for the advice - I will stop worrying and get on with the rebuild this weekend.

All I ask is that if there are no updates on my restoration thread for a few weeks - can someone rush round to check I am OK as I might be pinned to the floor under my engine

Wear steel Toe Tectors !