Author Topic: Can the engine go in last? (Read 1291 times)

marccrabtreee · « **on:** October 15, 2020, 07:32:58 am »

Morning,

I just finished painting the frame and black parts for my 1977 CB550. I would love to start to reassemble the bike as the wheels are completed and i purchased most of the needed parts during disassembly.

The engine has remained untouched but I hope to soon start the process of rebuilding it. In the meantime i would love to go ahead and rebuild everything else but I know most builders (SohRon's awesome 550 assembly manual) start by installing the engine into the empty frame.

Is it too difficult to put the motor in last? I'm also wondering if using the original wiring harness would be a mistake? Would most people recommend getting a new aftermarket harness?

Thanks for any input.

Kelly E · « **Reply #1 on:** October 15, 2020, 07:59:58 am »

I just recently started assembly on my 74' CB550 K0 and you will scratch the fresh paint installing the motor last. It's really the only good way to do it. We didn't even use any masking tape or rags. My friend held the frame and I put in the bolts. The only thing I have on the frame is the center stand so we can put it on the table with a jack under the front of the motor. I install the oil filter housing after the frame bolts are in for someplace to put the chunk of 2x4 and the jack. You can put together sub assemblies like the forks and electrical panel bit I think it would be too hard to put the motor in last..

RAFster122s · « **Reply #2 on:** October 15, 2020, 08:15:37 am »

It will be much harder to put the motor in last than to lay it on its side and slip the frame over the motor. But, guys have built a motor picker that straps to the motor and it is winched into place and if fre is taped you can do it without scratching up the frame.
But, it is far easier and cleaner to assemble motor in frame first.

bryanj · « **Reply #3 on:** October 15, 2020, 08:36:11 am »

I disagree, you can get the bottom end onto the frame easily and build the top end in the frame

marccrabtreee · « **Reply #4 on:** October 15, 2020, 09:59:40 am »

Quote from: bryanj on October 15, 2020, 08:36:11 am

I disagree, you can get the bottom end onto the frame easily and build the top end in the frame

That's an interesting idea! I didn't even realize that you can re-build the top end in the frame. Very cool.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #5 on:** October 15, 2020, 10:11:59 am »

Quote from: bryanj on October 15, 2020, 08:36:11 am

I disagree, you can get the bottom end onto the frame easily and build the top end in the frame

Totally different question Bryan ... Yes on 550 or 500 you can assemble in the frame. Not able on 750.

PeWe · « **Reply #6 on:** October 15, 2020, 10:48:55 am »

On my CB 750's possible.
Both have Franks frame kit.

Last time I pulled the engine on my K6 I removed head, cylinder and pistons while still in frame. Swinged out the bottom end alone with a lift strap.
Engine totally apart, fixed what I needed and everything back in again in reverse order.

Switched head and cam a few weeks ago. No need to pull engine.

Frame kit good idea on a modified bike wirh more frequent re-work . Not on a pure stocker, museum quality. Especially K0-K1.

bryanj · « **Reply #7 on:** October 15, 2020, 12:30:38 pm »

But the original poster asked about a 550

jonda500 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 16, 2020, 01:24:29 am »

I always have and still do put the engine in last - I leave the sump and oil filter off. tape the bottom frame rails and slide it straight across into the frame from a stack of wood the same height,
John

dave500 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 16, 2020, 01:51:15 am »

like jonda i leave the sump and oil filter off,also the top breather cover,i make it light leave the starter motor and alternator and rotor off,i use the kick start as a handle,i drape a thick towel over the frame lower,goes in from right side,too easy.

PeWe · « **Reply #10 on:** October 16, 2020, 07:26:26 am »

Quote from: bryanj on October 15, 2020, 12:30:38 pm

But the original poster asked about a 550

Not possible with frame kit on those?

RAFster122s · « **Reply #11 on:** October 16, 2020, 08:10:13 am »

No frame cutting on a 550 needed, motor can be assembled without it in frame or fitted without issue assembled, without oil filter of course ...

bryanj · « **Reply #12 on:** October 16, 2020, 08:16:26 am »

Exactly what i was saying, fit the lower half into frame and fit top end after, in fact i find that way easier

PeWe · « **Reply #13 on:** October 16, 2020, 09:26:51 am »

Honda did it well on the 550 after the customer feedback of CB750?
Or feedback from shops fixing head gasket leaks?
Back then, they just tightened the head, no re-tighten the day after, right?

bryanj · « **Reply #14 on:** October 16, 2020, 09:29:43 am »

The book says tighten it once and recheck immediately thats it.
All i ever did in workshops and never had a problem

marccrabtreee · « **Reply #15 on:** October 16, 2020, 11:32:15 am »

Thanks so much for all of the input! I started assembly today. Center stand and swing arm installed. Steering bearings tomorrow. It's starting to look like a motorcycle, a very shiny motorcycle.

jakec · « **Reply #16 on:** October 16, 2020, 12:16:27 pm »

I built the entire bike, then installed engine like this, like people said already. This is easy

bryanj · « **Reply #17 on:** October 16, 2020, 02:29:55 pm »

Hope you put the rear brake pivot in before the swing arm or its comming out again!!

marccrabtreee · « **Reply #18 on:** October 17, 2020, 08:09:12 pm »

Quote from: bryanj on October 16, 2020, 02:29:55 pm

Hope you put the rear brake pivot in before the swing arm or its comming out again!!

Thanks for that bit of information! I can't imagine having to remove the swing arm after having just put it all back.

I owe you big time.

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Author Topic: Can the engine go in last? (Read 1291 times)