WC specs

Two questions.  We are about to pull the engine in the WC  and due to doing the work in a newly renovated area and not in the drive shed I need to have an Idea of the weight of the block and the crank (all that is left on) As I have the chain falls to set up and I need to know if I need to beef up the trusses. I don't want to if I don't have to because this is a temp location for this and only need it for the engine. I should be good up to about 250 lbs.
and
On this tractors manifold there is a plate about 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" with four bolts. I have not seen a replacement that matches it exactly yet.  the only thing I can figure is is like a heating chamber that warms the intake air the way it set up.  I does not open into the intake directly. Does any one specifically know the engineering purpose of this chamber or have a picture of one ?

I don't know the weight of the block and crank exactly, but I believe you will be somewhat higher than 250. Actually, though, why don't you just make some "T"s out of 2x4's to span a couple of rafters and set on the floor to the left a right of where you will be lifting.

I think the plate was installed 2 different ways depending on gas or kero.  One way it directed,the other it blocked hot gasses.

Good to know if you can carry the bare block I'll strip it down and drop it.  It's siezed to the bell housing so I cant manover it.  I couldn't risk having it drop loose suddenly then being heavier then expected. I am more curious about the manifold though, I was always told the plate was there for one reason but now I'll have to check.  I wonder if I can find reproductions of this?

The dowels I am aware of.  Dad remembers most things about the tractor though he admits his memory could fail him on some issues. the flywheel looks a little rough.  It shouldn't be too hard to break free, I just don't want any surprises.  the block is in excelenn shape andI woul like to keep it that way.   I'll check the other computer for photos.

I'm 95% sure this is the original manifold there is no record of the manifold being changed and Dad is positive it is the one that came on it. and yes he was there when it was delivered. 
I don't have a photo yet of it with out the plate but it does not open into the air channels. It would make sense the layout the the chamber that it provides would maintain an extreme amount of heat.  the original manufacture of this manifold would be helpful.  As you can see no identifying marks left on this thing.  Run red hot too many times.

The side exit exaust was used on earlier engines and all low octane models.

I was pretty sure it was stock and know it is a gas high compression engine.  Does anyone know the engineering reason of the plated chamber?  and is there a reproduction that matches it or is it only the one with the plate with two bolts?
And yes it is a 1948 tractor purchased in 49 new from the dealer.


Edited by Redwood - 05 Feb 2012 at 10:09am

Redwood - ynot just rent a engine hoist 0r buy one, a 1 ton unit is about $200

All replacement manifolds seem to be of the newer design.  Available here:

Thanks Stu.  I will  be using this one.  I've been looking into the repair of manifolds online.  The plate is easy, I've torched it off.  I'll redrill the bolt holes. There are some products out there for repairing and I always could build it up.  but we will see.  If we want to use it It will eventually look like this anyways.