Topic: Engine Removal / Install with HF Motorcyle Lift

[chewbacca5000]

Engine Removal and Install with a Harbor Freight Motorcycle Lift

Today I removed a couple engines by combining Bill K Engine Install How to - with pics  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=71240.0 and blake255 C-Hook Engine Removal & Rotisserie Engine Stand http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=58210.0

After reading both of these excellent post I found the motivation to tackle removing a couple CB750 engines that are in need of repair.  I didn't have any metal fab tools to make the C-hook, or the nice engine removal hoist, but still wanted an easier way to remove an engine.  I was all ready to go with Bill Ks jack stand, crates, and bar technique till I got thinking to myself what if I used my motorcycle lift to hold the weight of the engine while I scooted it off the frame.

You will need the following:
1. Motorcyle lift
2. C clamps 5" or greater (Harbor Freight $5 a piece)
3. A 4 x 4 x 8 (Lowes $10 bucks)
4. Staps
5. Extra Motorcycle or Big Fat Friend for counter weight
6. Bike with center stand and stock forks works best
7. Big flat head screw driver

All you do is get your motorcycle lift to the correct height slide the 4 x 4 across the engine, and C clamp the 4 x 4 to the lift.  Next strap the engine to the 4 x 4 and raise lift slightly and remove remaining bolts.  Then you move the frame side to side off the engine.  If the engine binds you can use your big flat head to adjust the engine.  All in all it takes less than an hour and no sore back! This only works well for bikes with a center stand and stock forks.  I tired a bike with 8" over and no center stand what a PITA!  Stockers only sorry chopper guys.

Here's the pics

[chewbacca5000]

Last night I put my 1976 CB750 engine back into the frame and really didn't want to use another bike for counter weight so I used 5 70lb sandbags from home depot.  Everything went fairly smoothly with the exception of the engine getting caught up on the engine flange.  Should off ground the lower frame flange like Hondaman recommends.  The only other thing would have done differently is to remove the exhaust spigots prior to install.

Attached is a pic of the 5 sandbags. 2 to 3 will work, but 5 is rock solid.