So I cam across a video in which an overhead crane is used to move a the block of a V8 and what they used as a sling is a serpentine belt. Have any of you heard of this or used this?

Check out the where it is done in this video (at 2:48 and 3:02 to 3:04): https://www.hagerty.com/articles-vid...ld-pontiac-389

 

I didn't watch the video, but I wouldn't use a serpentine belt to lift anything. I have an assortment of "real" slings exactly for that purpose. They aren't that expensive, and your safety is not the place to take cheap shortcuts. Just my opinion.

 

I've used seat belts before, but working in a salvage yard they're easy to come across lol (would NEVER use them at work, OSHA would have a field day lol, but at home, heck yeah). Best part about them is they don't scratch up a freshly painted block or heads like a chain would

Never heard of a serpentine belt being used though, and I too would be hesitant to use one, even a brand new belt...

 

I use slings for lifting all the time at work. I would never ever use a serpentine belt to lift anything, especially a block.

Actual slings aren't that expensive, and if properly taken care of, will last for many years

 

So here is screen shot. It is a block for a Pontiac 389:

 

Normal installed tension for an automotive serpentine belt is in the neighborhood of maybe 200lbs. When you figure in the safety factor, using one as shown is probably safe. That said, a new belt costs more than a decent sling, and an old belt definitely should NOT be trusted. So I'm just going to stick to using slings.

 

Yeah, old seat belts FTW. I've been using them to handle my Vortec while swap. Serpentine..? Nah, I wouldn't risk the engine nor my health to work with anything like that.