Author Topic: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING  (Read 19896 times)

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jsaab2748

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This may be old news to some. I learned it here and thought it's worth mentioning. When installing the engine into a freshly
restored frame I found this to be very helpful. First lay the engine on it's side, using cardboard or an old throw rug as padding. Lift the (this is important) TOTALLY BARE frame over the motor, then carefully maneuver it around and onto the motor until all mounting points are lined up. Start as many bolts as you can reach, then turn the whole assy. upright on the padded surface. This proceedure will require a little creativity when building the rest of the bike, suspension, wheels, etc.,
including an extra set of hands, but makes for a flawless engine install when done properly. Doesn't hurt to protect the frame tubes with tape, thin foam etc. before you start too. Much easier to lift a light frame over a motor than a heavy motor onto a frame.

Hop on a Honda

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2006, 04:16:24 PM »
This may be old news to some. I learned it here and thought it's worth mentioning. When installing the engine into a freshly
restored frame I found this to be very helpful. First lay the engine on it's side, using cardboard or an old throw rug as padding. Lift the (this is important) TOTALLY BARE frame over the motor, then carefully maneuver it around and onto the motor until all mounting points are lined up. Start as many bolts as you can reach, then turn the whole assy. upright on the padded surface. This proceedure will require a little creativity when building the rest of the bike, suspension, wheels, etc.,
including an extra set of hands, but makes for a flawless engine install when done properly. Doesn't hurt to protect the frame tubes with tape, thin foam etc. before you start too. Much easier to lift a light frame over a motor than a heavy motor onto a frame.
I'll agree wholeheartedly with the above .
but if your in another situation, use  length of clear 1.1/2" inch plastic hose slice it down the middle and cut again to suite the fram section length.
Use Electrical ties to secure the tubes to the frame.
Works a treat.
Dave

Offline SteveD CB500F

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #2 on: November 15, 2006, 12:27:22 AM »
Is there a best side to lay the engine down?  ie does the frame go over more easily from one direction or the other?
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Offline spitfire

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #3 on: November 15, 2006, 04:10:27 AM »
Hi Steve,
           Am just about to do this, the engine can only go in on one side, if you are sitting on the bike it is the right side, unfortunately it will lay on the nice shiny chrome points cover. I intend to cut some timber to support the engine on the head/barrels and the clutch cover to keep the points cover off the ground. I have carpeted this area of the garage as well (dead posh here) and have an old dented points cover to fit to stop the points getting crunched. Will post some pics of the layout and the "operation", got to pick a day when the wife's out as she panics about my back and I don't want her to see me lift the engine from the bench and lower it on the floor !

Cheers

Den
Wirral UK
1976 CB750F1 bought new in 76
1977 CB750F2: Restoration started
1964 BSA A65R: Waiting restoration
My gallery is here: http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/spitfire/?g2_navId=x5a30f7b6

Offline SteveD CB500F

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2006, 10:15:58 AM »
Take lots of pictures!
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Offline Bob Wessner

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #5 on: November 15, 2006, 10:18:59 AM »
I second that. Actually, it would be great if someone were to video their efforts to get it back in the frame. ::) Asking a bit much, huh?
We'll all be someone else's PO some day.

Offline spitfire

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #6 on: November 15, 2006, 10:54:57 AM »
OK, was very lucky, the 12 year old grandson came around and we did the job in about 15 minutes without a scratch, used 2 house bricks and some pices of wood to support the engine on its side. As an extra precaution covered the one supporting the cylinder head with some carpet. Lifting the frame and aligning the bolt holes was very easy, did not need to protect the frame as it was easy to manoeuver. Highly recommended method, just have the engine bolts ready to go in. See pics.
Wirral UK
1976 CB750F1 bought new in 76
1977 CB750F2: Restoration started
1964 BSA A65R: Waiting restoration
My gallery is here: http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/spitfire/?g2_navId=x5a30f7b6

Offline spitfire

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #7 on: November 15, 2006, 10:56:29 AM »
More pics
Wirral UK
1976 CB750F1 bought new in 76
1977 CB750F2: Restoration started
1964 BSA A65R: Waiting restoration
My gallery is here: http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/spitfire/?g2_navId=x5a30f7b6

Offline spitfire

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #8 on: November 15, 2006, 10:58:12 AM »
More
Wirral UK
1976 CB750F1 bought new in 76
1977 CB750F2: Restoration started
1964 BSA A65R: Waiting restoration
My gallery is here: http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/spitfire/?g2_navId=x5a30f7b6

Offline spitfire

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #9 on: November 15, 2006, 10:59:39 AM »
in place
Wirral UK
1976 CB750F1 bought new in 76
1977 CB750F2: Restoration started
1964 BSA A65R: Waiting restoration
My gallery is here: http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/spitfire/?g2_navId=x5a30f7b6

Offline spitfire

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #10 on: November 15, 2006, 11:01:06 AM »
final touch, engine bolts
Wirral UK
1976 CB750F1 bought new in 76
1977 CB750F2: Restoration started
1964 BSA A65R: Waiting restoration
My gallery is here: http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/spitfire/?g2_navId=x5a30f7b6

Offline spitfire

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #11 on: November 15, 2006, 11:02:22 AM »
And finally, thanks to my grandson Dean !
Wirral UK
1976 CB750F1 bought new in 76
1977 CB750F2: Restoration started
1964 BSA A65R: Waiting restoration
My gallery is here: http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/spitfire/?g2_navId=x5a30f7b6

Offline mcpuffett

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #12 on: November 15, 2006, 11:08:18 AM »
nice pics Den  8), keep em coming , nice one to your grandson to ,   mick.
Honda CB750 KO 1970,   Honda VTX 1300 2006, Lancaster England.

Offline 78 k550

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #13 on: November 15, 2006, 11:03:13 PM »
I knew there was a trick. Thanks for the info. Always nice to have an extra set of hands. I bet he cant wait to ride it one day.

Paul
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Brunow

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #14 on: November 15, 2006, 11:40:18 PM »
Whow thanks! And thank your grandson to!  :)

Offline andy750

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #15 on: November 16, 2006, 05:32:38 AM »
Hey great pics and what a great looking engine you have! What did you use to paint it?
Thanks
Andy

Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline spitfire

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #16 on: November 16, 2006, 06:00:06 AM »
Hi Andy,
           The cylinder head and barrels were removed, soaked in a bath at a local engine shop for 2 days, this got rid of all the oil and dirt plus it softened up the old paint. Then was the long labourious job of removing the old paint and oxidation with a wire brush attached on my Dremel (stainless brush). The crankcases were degreased with kerosene and then treated to the Dremel and wire brush treatment. The head, barrels, oil pan (old one fitted in the photos) oil filter and camcover vent cover were then sprayed with US Automotive (VHT-SP127), and baked in the oven, unfortunately I misread the instruction and baked them for 1 hour at 200c instead of 200f, had to redo them as they went slightly yellow. The crankcases were than masked off and sprayed, did not even try and bake them but the paint was tough enough to withstand handling and oil spills while I put it together. There's another post of mine somewhere with more details and photos.

Cheers

Den
Wirral UK
1976 CB750F1 bought new in 76
1977 CB750F2: Restoration started
1964 BSA A65R: Waiting restoration
My gallery is here: http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/spitfire/?g2_navId=x5a30f7b6

Offline andy750

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #17 on: November 16, 2006, 06:25:01 AM »
Hey Den, thanks for the info and reply. BTW I just saw your gallery - very cool pics in there of your 70`s days! Very nice!
cheers
Andy

Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline crazypj

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #18 on: November 16, 2006, 08:18:44 AM »
Anybody else tried it with a complete rolling chassis?
I found its easier to lift engine if frame isn't bare.
Nice looking engine frame combo.

PJ
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Offline chung

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #19 on: December 03, 2006, 02:32:38 AM »
Gentlemen.... and Ladies:
If I had a dollar for every frame that I have seen sawed in half to remove the motor, I'd buy myself a night's worth of drinks. (and I ain't a cheap date lol)
It is a tight fit and does require some finesse but it really isn't Rocket Science to R&R a CB750 engine Assy.
DISCLAMER author has been drinking ::)

#A very little clearance, 1/4 inch or so.
#B no lift point that will give perfect balance for the engine on the jack.

 I'll try to outline it in short fashion, please correct me where needed, I have probably done this at least a hundred times or more but I haven't done it in 4 years now :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(:
#1Remove the Ex studs (duh) and the Oilpan and pump.... The balance point for the complete Engine Assy is somewhere between the front of the Pan and the Oilfilter Boss
#2 Put the bike on the center stand and place the engine on a milkcase next to the bike, lay the padding on the frame.
#3 position the engine as close to the bike as is practical (2X4s are handy for height adj)
#4 lift the engine on a floorjack with the jack being perpendicular to the frame. Lift point will be at or near the alternator.
#5 Someone will need to manually lift the farside of the engine to match the lift from the jack.
#5 Roll the jack Across the bike, Drop the motor and reposition the jack
#6 repeat until you have the engine in position and then lower it into the cradle
#7 and most important PLUMB, LEVEL and TRUE on all axis or you WILL NOT get the motor back into it's home
#8 Add all the stuff that was removed and do a huge smokey burnout to break-in the engine. This happens quickly and if it's gonna break. do it now. Pussyfooting around will not add to the life of the engine, it will only lower the compression and increase the blowby

It's 4:20AM, I have to go outside to take a short "break" now

late

CHUNG 8)
PS.. practice a few times BEFORE you paint everything
Member#2815
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Offline pablo78cb550

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #20 on: December 09, 2006, 01:39:57 AM »
that exactly how i got my 550k motor in. worked perfectly. i thought i'd sound foolish if i post that install.
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Offline seebee750

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #21 on: December 12, 2006, 03:56:39 AM »
I did it my way
They are not all the same!

Nothing is of great value until it is finished.

Offline seebee750

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #22 on: December 12, 2006, 03:58:29 AM »
more
They are not all the same!

Nothing is of great value until it is finished.

Offline seebee750

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #23 on: December 12, 2006, 03:58:52 AM »
1 more
They are not all the same!

Nothing is of great value until it is finished.

Offline seebee750

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #24 on: December 12, 2006, 04:07:24 AM »
(Paint engine and frame first)

Slap the wood to it ,roll it on its side, stand over the engine with the frame and lower the frame. Install all engine bolts, roll it up right.
 Reverse order for engine removal.
They are not all the same!

Nothing is of great value until it is finished.

Offline seebee750

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #25 on: December 12, 2006, 04:15:03 AM »
a few more pix
They are not all the same!

Nothing is of great value until it is finished.

Offline seebee750

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #26 on: December 12, 2006, 04:16:41 AM »
last one
They are not all the same!

Nothing is of great value until it is finished.

Offline spitfire

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #27 on: December 12, 2006, 04:55:29 AM »
Wow, great bit of woodworking there, may not be cabinet making but will sure protect the engine, have to copy it !

Cheers

Den
Wirral UK
1976 CB750F1 bought new in 76
1977 CB750F2: Restoration started
1964 BSA A65R: Waiting restoration
My gallery is here: http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/spitfire/?g2_navId=x5a30f7b6

Offline seebee750

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #28 on: December 12, 2006, 05:18:50 AM »
It took me a day to think about it and with no tools for wood working  I was able to scab this together.
It also doubles as an engine stand for my spare engine.
They are not all the same!

Nothing is of great value until it is finished.

Offline greenjeans

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #29 on: March 08, 2007, 10:16:40 AM »
Was just about to lay the frame on the side when I realized that I have an engine hoist....
Took the oil pan off,  ran some good line through the upper mounting holes and used the lift.
My back has never felt better.
Yep, I'm the kid that figured out how to put things back together...eventually.

Offline grumburg

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #30 on: March 08, 2007, 11:22:17 AM »
I always make sure I have at least 2 fingers between bottom of engine and frame for a cushion it I drop it.
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Offline CrisPDuk

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #31 on: March 20, 2007, 12:20:13 AM »
I always make sure I have at least 2 fingers between bottom of engine and frame for a cushion it I drop it.

I used to use that method when doing engine swaps in my cars ::) Trouble is it's only good for 4 jobs :(


These days I use my stepson's fingers, I find there's way less pain that way ;D  Until he goes and tells his mother of course :o
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Offline Ricky_Racer

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Re: CB 750 engine installation on freshly painted frame/ WITHOUT SCRATCHING
« Reply #32 on: March 21, 2007, 05:15:46 PM »
That seriously SICK!  Very funny, but SICK!   ;D  RR

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