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One Man Engine Install - Is it possible?
- Thread starter Byookanun
- Start date
Yes. of course its possible. Is it a smart thing to do........no! Its a good way to cause back injuries, or bring back ones you forgot about. Most people don't normally lift 150 lbs into confined spaces. Always best to use 2 people.
Some guys like to lay the engine on its side and then lower the frame down over the engine. Wrap foam or other padding marterial around the frame to prevent scrathing.
Some guys like to lay the engine on its side and then lower the frame down over the engine. Wrap foam or other padding marterial around the frame to prevent scrathing.
OakBehringer
XS650 Guru
I've done this numerous times. I weigh 135 pounds dripping wet, it's not hard at all.
I watched a youtube video with someone doing that. Pretty slick. But my engine is full of oil. I've had the engine in and out a few times but have always had an extra hand in doing so. I actually took my completed bike apart last weekend to have the frame powder coated. It was just painted before that. I'm putting the bike back together today.
smokedyerstang
XS650 Addict
I've done it a few times by myself. I built a table for the bike that's about 4ft tall, so lifting the engine and sliding it in isn't bad at all. As mentioned protecting the frame rails is a good idea. Never done the laying the engine/frame down technique but lots of people have done that too.
Airwolfie
XS650 Guru
I laid mine on it's side, and dropped the frame over it. Not sure why, but it's suggested to lay it on it's right side.
Also as 5Twins said, drain the oil, install it, and put it back in. This way, you can also remove the right and left side covers, making it lighter still.
Also as 5Twins said, drain the oil, install it, and put it back in. This way, you can also remove the right and left side covers, making it lighter still.
Airwolfie
XS650 Guru
I would try to rock it forward, put a block of 2x4 under the back, raise the rear up and do the same, that should lift it enough to get under the engine. Or see if you can undo the little side cover if you can get a shallow but big tray under it. 2.5L goes a long way!!
Airwolfie
XS650 Guru
I used some thick threaded rod that fits through the engine bolt holes to lug mine about, one through the front top engine mount, and one at the top rear one. Might be easier and more balanced to try and get it up on something that way.
rbjenterprises
650B in SW Virginia
Easy or easy and clean?
Just block it up on 2x4 pieces until it fits over a drain pan. You can keep on blocking it up until it is the same level as the frame. Pad the frame and horse it in.
Just block it up on 2x4 pieces until it fits over a drain pan. You can keep on blocking it up until it is the same level as the frame. Pad the frame and horse it in.
EvenmoreXS
1981 XS650
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-chain-hoist-69338-8825.html
I have one of these that I use and its been invaluable. Used it to remove and replace the engine several times and its like haveing a very strong friend there with you. Its a good investment.
I have one of these that I use and its been invaluable. Used it to remove and replace the engine several times and its like haveing a very strong friend there with you. Its a good investment.
tonyc
XS650 Guru
I am 64 years old and have put my engines in on four occasions.
pago cruiser
XS650 Addict
Warning...hijack alert...
That is a sweet looking engine.
What did you use for the black?
And how did you polish the fins?
That is a sweet looking engine.
What did you use for the black?
And how did you polish the fins?
Airwolfie
XS650 Guru
Thanks!
VHT paint for the gloss black and GOLD. I painted the fin edges gold with some VHT pant.
mrriggs
XS650 Junkie
I've done the lay-it-on-its-side trick several times and have never drained the oil first. If the motor is assembled then the oil isn't going to run out anywhere.
Airwolfie
XS650 Guru
............................... hi i use a cheapish block and tackleratted at 1ton i paid $30in orbost australia,,, the best thing i,ve purchased so far,,,i,ve lifted commodore motors withh the transmission on as well i wrecked 3 early vk commodore cars and lifted the straight 6 motor and trans out alltogether regards oldbiker
2eightcustoms
XS650 Addict
yes, i take masking take and do the rails from the bottom motormount up them go over the masking tape a few times with gorilla tape (masking tape 1st so the gorilla tape doeant take the paint off) i put it in from the right side
