Topic: installing new motor

[carl550k]

 anyone out there have any ideas/tricks on swapping motors on a 76 550k? the easiest way possible. i can recrute a few friends, but most of the job will be done alone. also the new/used motor i am putting in needs to be cleaned up. whats the best stuff/way to do this? besides paint. thanx carl

[zzcoopzz]

Get a bucket and a wire net that attaches to the top.  fill the bucket half full with good cleaning solution, then just start scrubbing everything down.

Then strip all the paint off of it using a hand drill and a wire brush attachment, re-paint preferred color or powder coat, and it will look like a brand new engine.

Cooper

[Gordon]

You should be able to switch out the engine by yourself.  The 550 is fairly heavy, but not that bad.  Just grab the stator cover with your left hand, the points cover with your right, and lift!  Then have a beer.

[seaweb11]

Removal/: unbolt exhaust bolts from front of engine to make room, or at least tape them for reassembly so no scratches on newly painted frame.
I've read where laying the frame on its side and lifting it off leaving the engine on the floor works. Although I read that bit of wisdom after my project.

As for engine cleaning....
* sand paper, tooth brushes with varsol, and as said before above wire brush discs on drill for fins. You can get different size discs at hardware store, you will need quite a few little ones for small spaces/ I painted the main engine with "Dupli Color" Engine Enamel with great results, (Aluminum Color). Even with a few gas spills lately still looking good!  The front, sides and fins of engine I cleaned as described and left them alone. No clear coat as it will just come off again anyways.

Then comes the polishing

[DammitDan]

I installed my '82 650 motor by myself, fully assembled (everything except the carbs, that is...)

Took about 9 hours total.  Why did it take so long?  Well, I spent about 2 hours fixing the things that UPS had broken, about 2 hours working it into position and installing it (it didn't want to go into with the head and valves attached, but I made it , and an hour trying to fit 4 carbs into 4 brand new rubber intake boots (I have the bruises on my palms to prove it!).

Wait, that's only 5 hours...  Hrmm, I guess the rest of the time was spent cursing and screaming in frustration.

And I even had a motorcycle lift to help me out...  Good luck, buddy!

[kghost]

Quick hint......

Soak those carb boots in hot water. Makes it so much easier......

[DammitDan]

Now they tell me... 

[oldbiker]

Carl, you should manage to lift your motor out by yourself. I'm 77 and I did mine alone but I suggest you put a jack under the motor to take the weight while you remove the mounting bolts to stop it dropping onto the frame as it becomes free.

[dusterdude]

another idea on the carb boots is to use a blow dryer,worked like a charm.bad thing is my triumph riding buddy had to tell me that trick.

[dpen]

I'd heard that Triumph riders had an affinity for hairdryers.

[dusterdude]

dpen,im not sure i want to find out

[bryanj]

Easier if you remove the breather cover at the top and sump pan at the bottom also the oilf filter has to come off.

[chippyfive50]

Removing the breather cover definately helps keep the frame banging down on the way back in. needless to say, 2 guys makes it MUCH easier. Don't forget to put your spacers back in on the rear bolts pre- torque. whoops....
I progressively wet sanded form 6-800 up to 1200, then polish  and the aluminium glows.

[DammitDan]

I just painted my engine black with thermal spraypaint... doesn't look quite professional, but I did a good job with it.  Now all that's aluminum shiny on it are the valve covers and the points/rotor covers.  I'll post a pic when I find a digital camera.

[hymodyne]

I bought a block and tackle set designed for use by hunters to suspent their kills... cost about 15 dollars.

looped a rope around the lower case and connected it to the rope/pulley system...after I had all bolts out and exaust bolts taped to protect the frame, I lifted the engine free from its frame mounts. once suspended, I could wiggle the engine free from the frame, while the majority of the weight was being supported by the pulley system. then I pull the frame away from the suspended engine and lower the engine onto a movers dolly

I've used this system probably 5 times in the last 7months to remove/install this engine.

[jotor]

I'd heard that Triumph riders had an affinity for hairdryers.

Her's is a hair dryer, mine is a HEAT GUN!

[Gordon]

I've used this system probably 5 times in the last 7months to remove/install this engine.

Jeez!  What's been going on that you've had to pull the engine that often? 

[grumburg]

You have removed and installed the same engine 5 times in 7 months???

[chippyfive50]

what the hell is going on here??  what is your best time on the change out .....

[Gordon]

hymodyne,

come on now, we're all curious.  Don't leave us hanging here!