Help me free my engine from the clutches of the evil frame!

Trying to pull the engine. Managed to remove all the engine mount bolts, wiring is separated, and the flange of the driveshaft is separated. But I can't get this behemoth free of the frame. The amount of space available, weight of the engine, and numerous protrusions on the frame make this process rediculously difficult. I'm following the Haynes manual for the step-by-step.

Anybody have any suggestions? I have a couple more days above freezing this year, and I'd like to have a solid plan leading into those days.

Thanks guys!

 

I just had the same problem, until I removed the oil filter, that gave me enough room to pull the engine free, in SPITE of the (#)(@#&*$ airbox.

:grin:

 

Well that's a problem I don't have. No airbox, but I'd already removed the oil filter. Is it really just a matter of trying, trying, and trying again? Gawd, I wish I'd done this a month ago, when it was above 20º.

 

Welllllllll....to be honest. My brother inlaw had to leave before I got my engine out. So in frustration I went and got an old heister tire (they are solid rubber) and carefully laid the bike on its right side with the engine centered on the tire.

And honestly, the frame lifted right off...and was a LOT lighter. I then set the engine upright and have been praying since then to the bike gods that I didnt do something stupid.

 

You can also use a floor jack with a piece of wood to lift the engine from the frame. The last time I did it I made a table out of some cinder blocks and 2x6. it was the same height as the bottom of the bike frame. Lifted the engine with a jack and slid it onto the makeshift table. It will also help to have some extra hands around.

 

Sounds like leaning the bike on the side is the easiest, followed by the sliding. I've drained the oil, is there any reason I couldn't lean the bike over and slide the frame off? If so: I've got a wooden pallet; would that be a good surface to lean onto, or would an old tire work better?

 

I used the heister tire because it was solid and supported just the engine and I had access to old discarded ones from where my brother inlaw works at a local tire shop.

 

I would be carefull if you turn the bike on its side. Might be dammaging to things like turn signals and gas tank.

 

Fuel tank was the first thing to come off. Tank, battery, ecu, all that fun stuff is off. Just need to remove the engine and wheels (though the signals are still on it, thanks for the heads-up).

 

Re: Help me free my engine from the clutches of the evil fra

Have you taken out the exhaust studs?
I get a milk crate, or solid box the same height as the bottom members of the frame, get 2 strips of metal or hardwood, about 2" wide, jack up the motor & slide the strips over the frame & under the motor, lower the motor onto the strips & slide out, (to the right)

 

The threaded studs? No. Two or three have broken, so I have to take it to a machine shop. Part of the reason I'm removing the engine. Haven't removed the others. Heard that welding the nut to the stud is an easy way to remove it, but I don't have the means to do that right now.

 

Re: Help me free my engine from the clutches of the evil fra

I just put my engine back in and it was a dream compared to taking it out. When I took it out I laid it down, but when I put it back in I did it on an upright frame. The two things I did differently:

- Not only ensure you remove the oil filter, but there is also a 3cm plate that attached between that and my crankcase (I have an XJ900 so this might not be the case for you)

- I returned the engine without the cam cover on. It gave maybe only 2cm's difference at the top but it was a very useful 2cm. Just cover it with a thick towel and be very careful not to bang it around up there.

Otherwise I followed the same guide as the others. Table next to the bike and lift and shift.

 

Well, I triumphed over the weekend. Used a couple 300lb ratcheting straps I got from Target, strapped the front and back to the frame above, and freed both clear of the mounts. Sliding it out from that point was relatively simple, though I was probably a little rougher than I should have been. Plan to repaint anyway.

Anyway, thanks for the advice and help, guys. I'll have plenty more questions once the case's torn open..