Is it safe to raise an engine with washers?

[CaptCanadia]

To fit my torque converter on my mini bike I had to raise the engine about two inches for it to hardly fit and truthfully I should raise it more. I used about 16 washers and long screws. Do you guys think that is safe or is there another way I should do this? Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

2" on washers? I wouldn't. You are not evenly spreading the stresses on the block, and cast aluminum isn't that strong. In addition, those bolts are going to be under a huge shear load. This greatly increases the chances of breaking the bolts, and/or hogging out the holes in the engine. If you need 2", your best bet is two pieces of 2"x2" square tube, running front to back.

 

[CaptCanadia]

Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking, thanks. So just get two pieces of metal and drill holes into it? It will be fine still if there is a 2 inch gap in the middle under the block?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

The steel tubing oughta spread the loads enough. If you can weld, lay a plate over top of the tubing (under the engine) to completely alleviate the stresses on the block. Now, regarding the bolts- it's best to avoid really long bolts. If you can find a way to use 8 short bolts instead of 4 long ones, you're better for it.

 

[CaptCanadia]

Ah, that's a great idea, I'm on it! Thanks for the input!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

No problemo! Good luck!

 

[DJEEPER]

Check out my build.

I used some home made box spacers. Now.. Mine are only 1". but still, you get the idea.

I would rather have 2 points of shear than to have 15 (depending on how many washers you have to use)

 

[kendelrk]

is it because the torque converter hits the rear of the frame? if so heres a write up on how i did mine http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=20978

 

[ML-TOYS]

is it because the torque converter hits the rear of the frame? if so heres a write up on how i did mine http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=20978

I just did the same thing on my baja

 

[kendelrk]

did it work well for you?

 

[ML-TOYS]

The only issue now is hat with my motor bumped as far left as possible i cant get the sprockets lined up, they are about 1/8-3/16 offset. I am just going to drill four new mount holes for the motor.