Topic: CB750F1 Engine install

[martin_uk]

Getting close to the completion of engine overhaul and am considering installing in frame without clutch, gear covers sump and oil pump and starter motor, to keep weight down.

I have a bike lift so not a problem getting bike at easy working height to fit them on once installed.

Interested in any views or reasons not to do this.

Thanks

[70CB750]

The easiest is to put engine down on side and install the frame around it but unpractical with wheels on and such.

I dont think the weight saving would be worth the trouble getting all the stuff back on. There are ways to install with engine hoist or even wooden beam if you search here.

[martin_uk]

My thinking is that I would have to fit the parts at some stage anyway, so why not after the engine is installed?

[70CB750]

It is easier to get to it when the engine is out of frame and also the covers protect the inards while you wrestle with the engine.   

My $0.02 only of course

[PeWe]

I mounted my engine with engine on its side on the bench mostly supported by a soft plastic 4L can and thick wooden plank. NOT all the weight resting on ign cover!
Wrapped the frame around it with help of my wife.
EDIT: Bolted most of the bolts so frame could be moved with engine NOT wiggling around in it.

Later my friend arrived and we both took it down on the floor on piles of wooden planks, jack stands. Then easy to mount fork, wheels etc.
I had to switch swingarm later when the chromed  one did not fit. Bike on jack and jack stand
Back in the days I pulled the engine and put it bacl again by wrapping it out of the frame, bike on its side. Important to protect frame and engine to avoid scratches.

I had thoughts about taking out then engine again. (I did the frame kit job so I could remove head without pulling the engine.)
Like this: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=102658.0
Bike on dollies, on for each wheel plus on dolly for side stand.
http://www.kotulas.com/deals/kotulas-favorites/less-than-50/snowmobile-dollies-set-of-3-1500lb.-capacity
Then easy to move the bike when engine is hagning on the metal beam supported by jack and jack stand.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

If you don't install with the sump cover be careful that you don't bang up the mating surfaces.

[madmtnmotors]

An engine hoist, with a homemade hook fashioned from scrap tube steel, makes it a one-man job. Hardest part is attaching the leg extensions to the hoist:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135918.msg1530614#msg1530614

I have since removed the load leveler portion of the lifting rig. Turned out to be overkill, level lift works fine without the need for tilting.

[martin99]

Martin you're over thinking it mate. Sit it on a beer crate or some blocks next to the bike -r/h side. Make sure you have a few blocks of wood under the frame for it to sit on once it's in there, and some pipe insulation along the bottom rails to avoid scratching anything. Grab a mate to help you wrestle it in, and hold it while you get a couple of long bolts in. Admittedly it's harder on your own, but with two it's really not that difficult.

[martin_uk]

Thanks for suggestions, much appreciated.

[Dunk]

Martin you're over thinking it mate. Sit it on a beer crate or some blocks next to the bike -r/h side. Make sure you have a few blocks of wood under the frame for it to sit on once it's in there, and some pipe insulation along the bottom rails to avoid scratching anything. Grab a mate to help you wrestle it in, and hold it while you get a couple of long bolts in. Admittedly it's harder on your own, but with two it's really not that difficult.

^ This. With two people it took longer thinking about it and debating where to hold/angle/etc. than actually slipping it in and getting some bolts through. Put some old towels over the frame rails as you'll scratch them while twisting and angling to get it right. Really though, it only takes a couple minutes.

[70CB750]

It is suggested to grind off flanges of the front right mount - makes it easier for the engine to go in.  I did it to my frame, some people dont mess with the frame. 

[Don R]

A nylon lifting strap under the motor, in front of the dyno back over the starter.
Pull the other end up between the point cover and clutch. Slip the end through the loop  (choke) above the oil pressure switch, center the balance point and lift it out with a cheap chain hoist. The engine will tilt slightly foreward. One man easy.

[martin_uk]

As I still needed to do some work on covers and wanted to make space in garage, I decided to fit the engine minus them.

I was a bit cautious as I damaged my shoulder a few months back and have also suffered back problems.

Looking at the various posts and advice, I decided to go with using a U section bar, located just below the cam chain adjuster and held in place using ratchet straps round the rotor and back of gearbox selector housing and on right through the clutch housing and round points housing, locating inboard of 2 of the main bearing bolts.

Used plenty of padding to protect frame and newly painted engine.

eng inst 110814006 by nitram2010, on Flickr

eng inst 110814016 by nitram2010, on Flickr

eng inst 110814019 by nitram2010, on Flickr

I also did not fit exhaust studs, engine breather top cover and carb overflow guide plate.

I had modified the right hand lower frame mounting, grinding off lip before powder coating.

Plenty of protection on frame and cut a plastic pipe to fit lower rail.

eng inst 110814012 by nitram2010, on Flickr

eng inst 110814011 by nitram2010, on Flickr

[martin_uk]

I had frame on centre stand, but for extra security used a bike jack and foil covered insulation board to protect bottom of engine.

With one helper moved engine using lifting bar, to box beside frame and lifted in at an angle, need to control tilt by holding head.

It went in quite easily.

Glad I did not fit exhaust studs and breather cover as looks quite tight!

eng inst 110814010 by nitram2010, on Flickr

eng inst 110814023 by nitram2010, on Flickr

eng inst 110814024 by nitram2010, on Flickr

eng inst 110814025 by nitram2010, on Flickr

eng inst 110814026 by nitram2010, on Flickr

[70CB750]

Congratulations!

And sweet looking engine too 

[martin99]

Yes, very nice job on the engine. Glad it all worked out