Head in hand or mounted?

RoadScholar · Mar 26, 2009

I will be installing the engine in the frame this weekend ('75 Mk III), the only item there now is the transmission, no coil, no front mount, no headsteady.

I am drawn to fully assembling the engine on the bench where I have the (outside) chance of getting the torques on speck and an easier shot at the fasteners.

I hear that it will be considerably easier if I leave the head off until the lower end is installed?

Your thoughts?

RS

BillT · Mar 26, 2009

I assembled mine on the bike. As it was just me in the garage, I felt installing the case, cylinders, and head separately would be easier, and it was pretty easy.

As to assembling completely on the bench to better ensure proper torque settings, you still have to re-torque the head during break-in, so you may as well get used to how to access the bolts while in the frame.

T.C. · Mar 26, 2009

Assemble in the frame....

I'm with Bill.

I didn't want to wrestle the whole lump into the frame by myself, so I left the barrels and head off until the case was installed. Gotta take a little better care of the back muscles anymore.

GrandPaul posted a photo of his nifty 'trick' pushrod installation somewhere on the forum. He stuffed rags into the pushrod tunnels in the head, to wedge the pushrods in place. I tried it and it works great - let me use both hands to hang on to the head, MUCH easier way to do it.
(Thanx GP!)

RoadScholar · Mar 26, 2009

Phone a freind...

Folks,
Would it change your mind if I told you my 21 year old son is 6' 4" 220 and can toss the lower end with cylinders up and down like a basketball?

The real question is can the complete engine be fitted into the frame, if you have a suitably accomplished assistant, without scunning up the freshly painted frame?

RS

BrianK · Mar 26, 2009

RS - only if you're renting him out for motor reinstallation work...!

RoadScholar · Mar 26, 2009

Time to meet??

BrianK,
Do you read your private messages? Riding season, is arguebly here. You visit the Moto Market in Acton, I swear I've seen you, do you run a single carb? I live in Stow.
Tell me someting I don't know...

RS

Ron L · Mar 27, 2009

With two people and reasonable care, it is not difficult to install the completed engine into the frame without scuffing the paint. Obviously protect the frame rails with thick padding. Blankets, towels, etc. will work as will wrapping pipe insulation around the rails.

Coco · Mar 27, 2009

I figure if I can get the motor out with the head on, I should be able to get it back in that way........ I hope.

debby · Mar 27, 2009

Coco said:
I figure if I can get the motor out with the head on, I should be able to get it back in that way........ I hope.

Doesn't really matter, you can do it either way. Yours is coming back from CNW fully assembled. I certainly wouldn't pull the head just to put the engine in the frame.

I do suggest heeding Ron's advice and padding those frame rails. You don't want that nice new powder coating getting all gouged up!

Debby

batrider · Mar 27, 2009

There was an earlier tip about laying the frame on its side and putting the engine in that way. One person could do it. Also I retorque head bolts / cylinder base nuts and do a valve adjustment (cold) 3-4 times over 500 miles after first firing it up as part of running in. Possibly that is a bit overly anal! But no leaks and she still runs like Jack the Bear!

Coco · Mar 27, 2009

debby said:
Coco said:

I figure if I can get the motor out with the head on, I should be able to get it back in that way........ I hope.

Click to expand...

Doesn't really matter, you can do it either way. Yours is coming back from CNW fully assembled. I certainly wouldn't pull the head just to put the engine in the frame.

I do suggest heeding Ron's advice and padding those frame rails. You don't want that nice new powder coating getting all gouged up!

Debby

I've got some foam pipe insulation that will work great for protecting the frame. I'll enlist a friend who knows his way around a Commando to help out as well, just to have an extra set of hands.

I think I'd absolutely lose it if I damaged something.

BrianK · Mar 28, 2009

RS, hi. I seldom check PMs, so forgive my delay in responding. I did just respond to your message. Yes, I was at MotoMarket today on the Norton - I run Keihin FCRs, so musta been someone else. Look for license plate "SNORT." Thanks - Brian

RoadScholar · Mar 28, 2009

We are there!

My son and me rehearsed the movements, we measured, with caliper, the clearances, we laid out the engine plate bolts, we accomplished!

The engine went in perfectly (#2 son is VERY strong), we bolted it up, we were surprised at how little clearance there was between the front mount and the bolts that secure it to the engine, never mind the clearance between the engine and the ISO bolt.

The hard work is over (lifting anyway) now onto wiring!

Thanks to all,

RS

Head in hand or mounted?

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