Topic: Need help getting 550 engine of of the frame

[elquenada]

I have stripped my bike ('75 cb 550) stripped down to a rolling chassis and I want to get the engine out but Im having trouble.

I unbolted all the hanger bolts on the right side of the bike and layed the bike down on a soft mat. I started to unbolt the other side but the hanger bolts (i am referring to the ones on the top and back of the engine case) just spin in place.  They dont appear to be threaded every where so I guess I just need to tap them out with a rubber mallet? 

Can someone give me a little guidence before I destroy my engine?
thanks

[HawaiiMike]

There's a nut on the other side of that bolt.  You may need a wrench to hold the nut in place while you spin the bolt.

If the nut has already been removed, then you need to turn the bike over and tap that bolt out with a hammer. 

I just removed my motor mount bolts the other day.  After 30 years or so, they had some corrosion and were jammed in there good.  Use WD-40 or something similar to lubricate if the bolts are stuck.

[elquenada]

yeah well I guess I'll have to give it another go tomorrow maybe using some wd 40 and a little more brute force.  There was no nut on the other side of the bolt I was trying to get out; i had already removed everything on the side of the bike that was facing down (the right side of the bike).

[Bill Vaughan]

I just completed a frame-up restoration of the exact same bike (also from New York) earlier this year.  What are you doing with yours?

[elquenada]

I have limited space and resources so a complete overhaul would be difficult.  However, I have decided to at least open up the engine in order to change gaskets, hone the cylinders and possibly replace the rings.  Im also considering splitting the case to change the primary chain because it seemed a little noisy when the bike was running and I have 55000 miles on the engine so I think it may be due; im gonna open up the oil pan and check the slack today.

Other than that I think I'll just be cleaning up the bike.  I may replace the mufflers with a MAC 4 into 1 and do some touch up painting but I havent really decided yet.

Where are you in NY?

[Bill Vaughan]

Sounds good.

I'm in Bergen County, New Jersey (originally from NY), but I picked-up the bike in Brooklyn last summer.  It had been put aside by the original owner 20+ years ago after he logged 48,000 miles.  He wanted it to go to someone who would restore it.  I promised him that I would and nine months later it was complete, right down to last NOS Honda bolt or nut.  He actually rode out to NJ on his BMW last Sunday to take the Honda for a post-restoration ride.  Big smile on his face when he rolled back up the driveway.

There are people on this forum far more knowledgeable than me, but feel free to write if I can help you in any way. 

[elquenada]

sounds good Bill! nice to meet you. 

ps- I used to live in and around bergen county too. i love that area; i may move back one day.