installing COMMANDO ENGINE

Status
Not open for further replies.
Gibby

Gibby

Joined
Jan 4, 2011
Messages
26
After 10 years, rebuilding 74 Commando. Powder coated frame, Herb Becker built engine. What is the best way to install the engine without scratching the shit out of the frame? Does the tranny mount, with the tranny included, get bolted to the engine first? Is laying it on its side the best option? Did it 25 years ago, probably did it wrong. Any advice? Thanks.
 
Gibby said:
After 10 years, rebuilding 74 Commando. Powder coated frame, Herb Becker built engine. What is the best way to install the engine without scratching the shit out of the frame? Does the tranny mount, with the tranny included, get bolted to the engine first? Is laying it on its side the best option? Did it 25 years ago, probably did it wrong. Any advice? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Get help. :)

combat-proddy-build-t4186-45.html#p56957
 
Your custom 75 project gave me some help and ideas, GrandPaul. Thanks
 
Although as carefull as you may be, have a good touch up paint.
Although I prefer have the head on, it would be easier with it off. Foam pipe insulation is cheap along with masking tape. A good working height will allow for ergonomic support. Have the cradle in place, all bolts ready and pre greased and a support for the front of the motor at the iso. The cradle will shift so you want be aware of this when setting it in there. Once you get a bolt through the cradle (middle preferably) you be over the hump. Gearbox after motor.
 
pvisseriii said:
Although as carefull as you may be, have a good touch up paint.
Although I prefer have the head on, it would be easier with it off. Foam pipe insulation is cheap along with masking tape. A good working height will allow for ergonomic support. Have the cradle in place, all bolts ready and pre greased and a support for the front of the motor at the iso. The cradle will shift so you want be aware of this when setting it in there. Once you get a bolt through the cradle (middle) you be over the hump. Gearbox after motor.
Click to expand...

I definitely used the pipe insulation. Powdercoat helps too for those light bumps. Lots of painter's tape couldn't hurt either.
 
Sorry if this is wrong. My first photo post. My photo site, Flikr, says I insert the BBCode of the photo? Hope its right.
Anyways, assembly begins. It is washed out in the photo, but there is 2 feet of snow outside the window, for special effect

installing COMMANDO ENGINE
 
Gibby said:
Sorry if this is wrong. My first photo post. My photo site, Flikr, says I insert the BBCode of the photo? Hope its right.
Anyways, assembly begins. It is washed out in the photo, but there is 2 feet of snow outside the window, for special effect

installing COMMANDO ENGINE
Click to expand...

How that? Better?

Try using just the image code for posts. HTML for your avitar, i think.

Get the swing arm in cradle, swing arm cradle assembly in frame, motor in cradle. That is what i have done and would do again.
Again, when you are ready for the motor, have all ducks in a row.

There's nothing like standing on a Persion rug while working on a Norton Commando! :)
 
THe persian rug is my wifes idea. She says it absorbs tranny oil better than most rugs.
 
I used the method of bolting the trans into the cradle then bolting the motor onto the cradle and then laying the assembly on its side on the floor and lowering the frame over the motor and then bolting the the frame and front iso onto it. This works very well if you don't have another person or just the wife. Just be sure to have some wood blocks to get the assembly level, Also be sure to have all the tubes covered with something in case you do bump something lowering it. I was able to do it without causing a single chip. I also used a rug to lay everything on, then you can just lift the frame upright with everything in place. At this point I put the frame and motor onto my lift and installed the swingarm. Good luck, Just take your time. Chuck.
 
Gibby said:
Sorry if this is wrong. My first photo post.
Click to expand...

Shoot, you're almost finished!

REMEMBER TO INSERT THE LOWER ENGINE MOUNTING BOLTS BEFORE YOU INSTALL THE FRONT ISOLASTIC THROUGH-BOLT!!!

(frame lower rails will block access otherwise)
 
Hey Gibby
I'm with SwooshDave
Get Help, or if you’re on your own then Pipe insulation and zip ties are cheep insurance. My method was to place the completed engine on a pallet where the shaft passed between the wood sections and installed the rear engine mount with the gearbox already installed (mine was a 72 Combat) as an assembly. I then placed the frame over the assembled unit and carefully aligned the bolt holes. Once everything was bolted up I tilted the bike assembly upright. From there all other components can be attached.
Cheers,
CNN
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top