Re: Engine install

[Bess]

Hi,
    I am going to put an A65 engine back into the frame. I usually have help but in this time of social isolating I'm on my own.

Has anyone built or cobbled up some method of lowering the engine in without dropping it or damaging the paintwork?

Thanks...

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi Bess,

I usually get the cases, with crank and cam, in and then assemble everything in the frame.  Much lighter and easier to locate.
Not much help if you have already built the complete engine. 
Section B17 in the workshop manual has instructions on how best to do it if that helps. 

Dave.

[Bess]

Hi Dave,
             Thanks for the reply.

The engine has the primary, clutch, head and barrels off but still a bit unwieldy for me. I have a nice paint job that I don't want to damage and the manual shows the engine being levered off the frame  . I was hoping someone figured a simple mechanical lifting arrangement in the past.

Best wishes...

[chaz]

man handling if Im on my own or Ive got a engine lift  Ive adapted.
to avoid paint damage its some shaped foam Ive picked up taped in place, or pipe lagging , the grey/black sort you split down one side and a piece of flat wood or plywood to lay on the bottom rails, depending if the bottom of the motor drops below the rails or not.

[Mike Farmer]

 

Where ever possible I lay the engine on the bench or on the ground and lower the frame on to it. I know that's fine if you only have the frame but far more difficult if its a rolling chassis. Then of course you might have to take the wheels out. The last one that I did still had the forks on but NOT the handle bars cos they get in the way.

Besta luck

Mike

[Bess]

Hi Mike,
             Thanks I never thought of that I'll give it a try, I knew there was someone clever out there 

Best wishes...

[Nanonevol]

I use ratchet straps and hang the engine from a hook on the ceiling.  Swing it in place.

[A10 JWO]

Did mine last year, like you new paint. I used split armourflex pipe lagging which I taped to salient points of the frame. You can also tie old socks around the frame. The engine fits in from the clutch side.
Fit the inner chain guard first otherwise it won't go on. The night before the fitting I mentioned my fitting dilemma to my late friend who was quite ill. He insisted on helping me fit it the next day.
I had the engine next to the bike on blocks and the bike was on the centre stand. I kid you not we had the engine bolts in within 90 seconds of lifting the engine. If you are in Essex I can help after the lock down. RIP John.

[Mike Farmer]

 

If you have trouble getting the very front mounting into place between the frame downtubes; wot I does is--- get a block of wood about 2" thick and wrap it well in a piece of towelling or something thick like that,  place it between the downtubes and then GENTLY hammer it UPWARD between the tubes. It will open them up just everso slightly. I think it is a better option than digging about with a screw driver. Just put a drop of oil on each tube so that it doesn't drag on the paint.

Bestaluk.

Mike

[Allan G]

These things are a kind to their own. In some instances I've had engines in and out of the frame
Complete in seconds. In others I've had the top end completely off and it's still a struggle. I've lowered a built up frame on to an engine before and this is probably the easiest way but not always practical.

Just make sure you have loosely fitted the engine plates before you start. It gets darn difficult very quickly if you haven't.

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

The illustration in the manual shows the complete engine being put in but at least you have got it as light as you can.   If you have your bike secure on a lift a small jack under the engine will give the necessary lift so avoiding levers.  It will allow slow increments and save holding the weight.  Definitely lots of rags on the frame.  The front lug seems to go in better if it is brought up in to place rather than down.  Make sure you have the small engine bolt at the rear in place before you tighten things up as it can be a pig to get in. If your bike had spacers between the frame and engine on the bottom bolt don't forget to put them back otherwise you will be pulling the frame in to get the bolt tight.

Dave. 

[Bess]

Hi,
    Thanks for the offers of help and ideas. As the frame is completly stripped down I will be trying Mikes method.

Best wishes...

[Mike Farmer]

 

May I suggest that you lay it clutch side down to fit it. I then usually stand it upside down to fit the oil pipes and centre stand if you have not already done so.

Have a good one.

Mike

[Bess]

Hi Mike,
            Thanks again....

[ChrisG]

How did they do it in the assembly shop at Armoury Rd?
I've been asking ex employees at every opportunity but no definitive answer yet.
Closest and most likely came from a former apprentice who wasn't sure but vaguely remembers seeing a thick rope looped around the barrel and it being lowered in from above and side. There were probably 2 people manoeuvring it into place. Of course they had all the kit, hoists, tackle etc. and I suppose if you are doing it all day every day you know just how far to tilt it forward and could probably do it with your eyes shut!