Topic: Engine Removal Easy as 1-2-3

[KC_Northstar]

I just tried a new method of engine removal.  I put my K2 up on a motorcycle jack that has rollers. I then put a 8 foot 2x4 through the frame supported by jack stands.  You've seen this method before, but instead of moving the engine to the right,
I moved the bike to the left and the engine stayed stationary.  The time from photo 1 to photo three is about 3 minutes.  I put masking tape on the frame, but the engine never touched the frame at all.  Of course it took about 10 minutes to get the engine
in just the right position to pull the bike away, but it was pretty easy.  To raise the engine just lower the bike a little with the jack . to make fine adjustments just give the jack a few taps with a hammer and it will move fractions of an inch in any direction.
Hopfully this method will work well when I replace the engine.  Ill let you know how that goes.

[CycleRanger]

Yes, good method!

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=71240.0
 

[Really?]

Did you damage any fins with the rope?

[KC_Northstar]

No damage.  actually the engine is held up with a couple tie down straps.  There is a rope across the front of the engine that just keeps the tie down straps pulled together so there is no way they could slip off the ends of the engine.

[KC_Northstar]

The motorcycle jack makes it way easier than egg crates.  The adjustments needed up and down or right and left are super easy and you don't have to drag the bike on the center stand, just roll it on the jack.

[2wheels]

If I ever have to pull a motor that's how I'm going to do it.
Thanks for sharing.
Could I ask for one more picture of the motor from the back.

[KC_Northstar]

Here are a couple pics from the rear and one from the side.

[BeSeeingYou]

That's a brilliant idea.  Beats my method of laying the bike over on a couple of old tires and lifting the frame off.  Have to give it a try when I put the engine back in my XS650.

Got any snow up there? We just got a few inches with more on the way.  Most we have had all winter.  Haven't even put gas in the snowblower yet. 

[slowjo]

Great job. I just pulled mine also. I just muscled it out onto a milk crate. Then I borrowed a engine lift to help me get it onto a engine stand.

[KC_Northstar]

"Looks to tippy for me. Is there a way to secure the wood to the jack stands"

Actually I was a little concerned when I saw how high I had to have the jack stands, but it is
pretty stable.  The engine seems pretty balanced front to rear and the weight makes the 2x4
pretty stable on the stand.  I did screw another small piece of 2x4 to each end so it can't flip
over on the stand.  (see the last pic taken from the side) That effectively makes it a 4x4, which
you could probably use instead of a 2x4.  Although it is pretty stable, I wouldn't go muscling it
around , but this method requires no great force at all. In fact it just comes right out with only
gentle force on the motorcycle jack. With care the engine makes no contact at all with the frame.
The only hard part is that damn flange on the front lower right motor mount. It does take a little
effort to get the engine positioned just right to make it around that flange.  I'm going to grind
that flange off before reinstalling and that should make it way easier.

[bjatwood]

I have this same MC jack, KC.
Brilliant idea. 
One I will use when I want to take my mill out 1 day in the future for sure. 

[iron_worker]

I too would be a bit nervous about it trying to rotate the board and slipping off if the COG is not directly below it.

However, I do hand it to you for coming up with a pretty clever idea. A lot less muscling about and more precision.

IW

[70CB750]

Clever!

[kmb69]

Pretty dang slick, KC