Frame protection during engine installation

What is recommended to put on frame to keep from scratching it while installing my motor. My frame has been powder coated and I made a motor install tool like 5twins did out of 2 pieces of pipe. It would make me sick to scratch up my frame

One hint is to put the acorn nuts on the exhaust port studs before setting it in.
I always lay the motor on the right side (if the cover is on) and set the frame over the motor, but that works best with a bare frame before swing arm, wheels etc.

I wrap the frame rails with old cut up inner tubes. Some use that foam pipe insulation. Still, you'll want to be careful. That's like a 150 lb. "lump" you're wrestling in there, lol .....

lakeview said:

One hint is to put the acorn nuts on the exhaust port studs before setting it in.

Click to expand...

Snug fitting rubber hose on the studs work good there too

I’ve had good luck with foam pipe insulation. It’s cheap, easy to cut/ fit and readily available any hardware store.

I like the inner tube idea, But I have used about 6 layers of newspaper, wrapped in masking tape. It is tough, resilient and it gives maximum clearance to the engine going in. And if the engine rubs against it, it alows the engine to move, whereas rubber would produce more friction or resistance. And it is cheap and available. My neighbor saves all her newspapers for me.

An additional benefit is that occasionally I will see a news article that interests me.
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How far along is your frame?? If it`s a bare frame just lay the motor on the right side and set the frame down over it and install the bottom and rear case bolt and sit the frame upright. If it`s a rolling chassis better ask the experts. I use plastic thread protectors on the exh studs.

Well being the Mailman, I used Priority Mail bubble wrap envelopes that I had saved from shipments I’ve received.
First Class all the way!

All very brilliant ideas! Love the tube trick there 5Twins but also love the laying the frame down trick if possible!
I shall use the tube trick this coming week after I finish my motor rebuild. Unless the fella's have something up their sleeve. I will share if something comes up different! By the way does anyone recommend a good company/person that paints frames. Not doing mine now but that is next on the list! I am in Victoria Australia mates!!!

I got my engine in my rolling chassis, used the newspaper trick along with the pipes like 5twins.
I had 4 others over and 4 of us carried the motor while the one with the best eyes guided us and stabbed the lower and back lower mounting bolts. Went great!

Well gentz my motor is back in and I did it with the help of two blokes. I had the one side holding the kick starter and cylinders while another had the left side of the motor by the shift/ gear selector and casing. Set it on the frame (right side) half way and then worked it in slowly. Helps to have the proper stand securing the bike from moving side to side. Was bummed to not try and use all of your clever tricks posted on here but man power was the main method. I ended up painting my frame as well so got that out the way. New swing arm bushings, tapered headset bearings, rubbers for bars fenders, battery box and foot pegs. Full motor rebuild. New crank, and 447 cam shaft. the list goes on and on! my to do list has shrunken. Having a crank pressure issue. Getting oil out the over flow tubes from the back of the head. just pulled the crank breather box off ( not sure what to call it) to inspect proper installment, if it had one plug blocked with a rubber fitting etc or how many breathing plates I have etc... not sure what to say. Going to drain oil and put back in 2000 ML this time and see how she goes. Thanks for reading
lewi

Sadly when my motor had to come back out, ( valve stick, toasted head) i only took off what i could get away with, and though i took all precautions to get the motor back in i still ended up with a couple of scratches. if it comes out again i will make a trolley lift specifically to do the job.