Topic: engine removal process 1 Or 2 person

[Sdsbassist]

I've seen a few stories and videos about people taking out an engine with 1 or 2 people by laying on its side.

my first question is does this work that well if you're trying to keep the engine undamaged?

what is the procedure for doing this the correct way? What tools do I need? what bolts do i take out ?

can you do the same thing to put in a motor? I'm doing a swap.

I need some information I guess.

[Dyrden]

If you can get 4 hands on it, youll no doubt save lots of time, especially the first time around.  If your engine uses exhaust studs, taking them out can actually save time(or cost you a bunch if you break one).  Also the engine is pretty damn heavy, even if you get it out by yourself its a bear to handle alone when its fully assembled.  I used the "lay the frame on the side" technique to pull the engine and am building it in the frame(using a gordons kit allows this)

[Sdsbassist]

So for hands and the side method?

[DJ_AX]

I recently took my engine out while the wheels were still on.
I wrapped some slings around the sides of the engine  to a 5' long 2 x 4 just behind the valve cover.
on the left side the board extended  a few feet, the end of it up on a couple of milk crates.
The other end of the board, I hung from above with one of those cheap tie down winches.
Snugged it up. Cranked the winch just a bit, tilted the engine, and then dragged the bike away.
Slide another milk crate under the engine and set it down.

I could have done it by myself but my wife helped a bit

[wvshooter]

does this work that well if you're trying to keep the engine undamaged?

If you're really concerned about engine or frame damage or personal injury you should probably go with something mechanical that can support the engine from above.

A few years ago I removed and reinstalled the engine in a 750 two different times. Did it alone but rigged an awkward hoist from the ceiling. It wasn't easy to say the least. Sold that bike and now have another 750. Just removed the engine on the new bike but couldn't bring myself to do it the hard way. Solution...

Bought an engine hoist from Harbor Freight, $150. Spent half a day welding up a simple c frame type jig out of 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 rectangular steel tubing, $20. The jig attaches to the hoist above the center of the bike frame. The jig reaches around the center of the frame and extends under the frame so both sides of the engine can be grabbed using straps like the ones found on tie downs.

Removing the engine with this thing could not have been easier. And didn't need a helper. No lifting. No possibility of injury. No damage to anything. I had done it the scary way before and didn't want to go there again.

[JohnG]

I have an F so I don't know if that helps or hurts - probably neither.  Have had the motor in and out a dozen times in it's life.  The F has exhaust studs, certainly no asset.

Best move I made was to use a small, foreign car scisssors style jack and a long, heavy duty flat blade screwdriver.  Once the last bolt is out, the last few times it has taken about 5-10 minutes to get the engine out.  I put it on a milk carton.  The jack and screwdriver allow me to strategically move things but still have both hands free.  The jack also helps on the way back in.

[lucky]

I've seen a few stories and videos about people taking out an engine with 1 or 2 people by laying on its side.

my first question is does this work that well if you're trying to keep the engine undamaged?

what is the procedure for doing this the correct way? What tools do I need? what bolts do i take out ?

can you do the same thing to put in a motor? I'm doing a swap.

I need some information I guess.

I am 63 and I have taken the CB750 engine in and out of the frame by myself with almost no effort while the frame and engine are laying on its side.

Remove the rear wheel. Remove the front wheel.
The more you take off the easier it is.

Best to have everything off.  Just the frame and the engine.

Make sure you have it laying on the correct side for removal.
The engine on the CB750 is made to come OUT of the right side of the motorcycle.
So to REMOVE the engine, lay the bike on its right side. Put it on a thick folded up sleeping bag or old mattress etc., to protect the engine.

If you have a oil pressure gauge on... it REMOVE that or it can get broken.

[Sdsbassist]

How many bolts do you leave in before you tip it?

[KC_Northstar]

Here is how I did it.  Just one person and was really pretty easy.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=102658.0

[lucky]

How many bolts do you leave in before you tip it?

Two.
The bottom rear and the top rear.

[killersoundz]

I remove all the motor mounts. Lay down some padding on the floor. Kick the s.o.b over on to the pads. work the frame off the motor

[lucky]

I remove all the motor mounts. Lay down some padding on the floor. Kick the s.o.b over on to the pads. work the frame off the motor

No..Lay it over carefully.
Make SURE the oil filter is off and the top breather cover on top of the engine. That small cover held on with three screws.
Before laying it over.


THEN pull the bolts out of the engine.

Now stand over the top and look at how the engine is still in the mounts.
Turn the frame just a little until you see the mounts clear the frame lugs and gently lift up the frame.

[DJ_AX]

...Turn the frame just a little...

clockwise

[Sdsbassist]

Then can you do the same putting it back in?

[Pecantree]

First time I ever pulled the engine on the 750 I used the pole thru the frame method.
It's been posted several times previously.
It was easy and did it solo.
At the end landed the engine on a 4 wheeler with a plywood platform screwed to it.
Still had a rolling chassis too!


Seems like it would be easier than laying the bike over.
Good luck however you go!
Steve
PS. Like Hondaman say's, grind that little tab  off the bottom right rail.

[HondaMan]

Where DO you guys find all these nice milk crates? 

[72 yellow]

Where DO you guys find all these nice milk crates? 

It helps if you live near a grocery store 

[DJ_AX]

Where DO you guys find all these nice milk crates? 

It helps if you live near a grocery store 

We use 'em for stacking

[fang]

We use 'em for stacking

OMG I LOVE those pics!
I used to be a climbing guide, mostly all over Texas.  I've worked in most of the gyms in Texas as a out setter and lead instructor....
But I rarely seen anything as cool/silly/crazy/fun as that!
Kudos to you.


As far a s removing the motor, I really like seeing pics of the pole method, as demonstrated by Pecantree.  I have never tried that way, and it looks like a good one.

In light of everyone saying how easy it is to remove a motor, remember that it still is pretty hard -- and people can get hurt easily!
Also, if you're not very careful, it is very easy to scratch up your frame.  I usually will tape up some cardboard to the frame tubes to protect the finish of the frame AND the motor.

Peace and grease,
steve

[kerryb]

look Ma!...one hand!

Cable goes to a harbor freight hoist in the rafters.

[lucky]

Then can you do the same putting it back in?

YES.

[Sdsbassist]

First time I ever pulled the engine on the 750 I used the pole thru the frame method.
It's been posted several times previously.
It was easy and did it solo.
At the end landed the engine on a 4 wheeler with a plywood platform screwed to it.
Still had a rolling chassis too!


Seems like it would be easier than laying the bike over.
Good luck however you go!

Steve
PS. Like Hondaman say's, grind that little tab  off the bottom right rail.

This is the way im going to do it. Awesome idea!

[Don R]

if you have something to hang a cheap chain hoist from, that and a small nylon strap will pop one right out.