Engine: To remove, or not to remove? That is the question.

So, I've got the carbs de-gunked and refurbed. Getting ready for some more frame surgery and need to give the engine a once over and address any issues that I may find.

The bike is stripped down save for the engine/drivetrain and I'm very tempted to just pull the damn thing to go through it. However, this being my first bike project, I'm unsure if this is the best route.

Odds are that there will be issues to address as the bike has been sitting for an indeterminate length of time. Well, long enough to be out of the CA DMV system...

I need to check valve clearances, overall compression, probably clutch and associated bits and bobs. That having been said, will removal be the best route to take? I'm very tempted just for the fact that the bike is a good 45 minutes from my house and as such, it would make the entire process much more expedient.

My hesitance involves things like checking compression and such. Granted, it wouldn't be much of a deal to make a solid stand for it, and I'm hoping I could perhaps turn the crank with an impact wrench? I still just don't know.

So, what is the best avenue for this situation? My gut tells me to rip 'er out and be done with it, but my inexperience has me at a second guess.

As always, your input is greatly appreciated.

~Rev

 

Re: Engine: To remove, or not to remove? That is the questio

Check/set valve clearance, replace clutch and check compression can be done just as easily in frame as they can out. Pulling the engine for routine checks/service/maintenance would be a huge waste of effort.

 

That is a very, very, very, very bad idea.

 

Thanks much for the tips.

I'm not thinking of doing this on a regular basis. Just to get it goin' and whatnot.

I also want to do some paint/detail work which will require the removal. I just wasn't sure if I could do everything else out-of-frame.

And as for the impact wrench. 'Twas something I've seen before and wouldn't have tried without more research/coming here. Just a thought, so thanks for setting me straight ahead of time!

Thanks again!

 

micarl has steered you the right way, i'd leave it in the bike unless you planned on doing an astehtetic overhaul of the engine, which would easiest be done with the engine out.

 

and to reiterate as well, DO NOT USE AN IMPACT WRENCH to turn the engine over. terrible idea.

 

Unless you have all the wiring disconnected why not put a good battery in the bike and test the compression before you pull the motor.
Battery, compression tester , plug wrench, done.
One thing off the "to do" list.
Oh, don't forget the keys! :wink: :wink:

 

How do you remove the engine? How do you get the air cleaner out of the way? It just loose in the frame. I want the engine out of the frame. Period. I searched and just get ever thing but what I am searching for.