Engine change xj550 maxim.

I bought a second xj550 maxim cheap. This one someone started to make it bobber. They didn't cut up any part of the frame or fenders yet. This one is also a 1982, my first a 1981. I think they are the same. So my 81 engine makes a ticking noise, that I do not like, I havn't figured out what it is yet. The 82 engine is nice and quite, and runs very nice. So I wonder 1, about how much does the 550 engine weight ? And how hard is it to exchange the engine's between the bikes?
Marc

 

It's heavier than you might think, I would guess 8-10 stone or 60+kgs, are you a big strong guy or a 150lb weed like me? Either way you probably need another pair of hands to get it in/out. Once the carbs are off there's a few electrical bits to disconnect but not much really. Apart from the bulk it's an easy swap -assuming the mount bolts aren't seized to buggery that is. I would try freeing those up first before you do anything else.

 

These motors do tick when running, the valvetrain will make a ticking very similar to a sewing machine sound. If it does not tick, then the clearances are probably tight on the valves and will require maintenance. Can you describe the noise/post up a video?

 

Thanks for the help, I figured it would weigh more than my cb350 twin. 130lbs. Is about what I would think. I'll have to come up with a hoist to get it out.
As for the noise, I haven't figured out how to post videos yet. The noise is a tick starts after a few minutes after start up. Gets a bit noises after riding for 30 miles or so. Never gets really loud, but it's something I think about. It is louder than a normal valve noise. I only have my klr 250 and V-Strom 650 to compare them by. I have checked the valve clearance twice to make sure they are in the middle of the spec. I'm getting ready to check the second bikes valves to see where there at.

 

All of my video files are to large. Even if only a 7 second long file. But listening to the files. I really think the noise is coming from the bottom end. I think it might be the chain drive to the transmission. Could this be ?
Maybe if someone sends me a message in FB I can send the file to u.

 

This is what I made to lift the engine.

 

Just lay the bike on its side and lift the frame off the engine after it's unbolted.

Better yet, diagnose the ticking. Youre engine is probably fine.
The XJ550 has a hydraulic primary chain tensioner, and almost all of them tick. You can bump the idle up a tad to raise the oil pressure so the adjuster takes up a bit more slack.

 

Good idea on the hoist.
I have to look at my manual more, I believe it is the hydraulic tensioner that is making the noise. Raising the idle only makes the ticking faster, not quieter. Wish it did.

 

This could also be an exhaust leak .

 

Another maintenance that maybe addressed is adjusting the timing chain tensioner.

 

I've sprayed the exhaust for leaks, nothing there, cam chain tensioner has also been adjusted when the carbs where off for rebuild.

 

I've noticed a few things different between my 81 and 82 xj550 maxim, the fuses in the 82 are smaller than the 81.
The clamps on the carb to intake boots are different too, they have a tab on the topside facing the engine. The peacock is different too, 81 has prime aft on down and see up. 8w has on aft prime down and see up. Is this normal ?