Id like to paint my frame and do it the right way with engine out and forks removed. realistically; how difficult is this to do? and tools required? sockets, jacks etc, etc. I have no acess to an engine hoist, so that is out of the question. I do have front and rear stands to jack it up.

 

it just takes basic tools(wrenches/sockets), a floorjack will help a ton when it comes to lowering it. But its really not all that difficult, just make sure you get everything unplugged from the engine. Also helps to have a friend help when it comes to dropping it out of the frame.

 

Having the engine out with give me a chance to get all of the paint the previous owner caked on all over it and maybe get the engine polished up.

I figured a jack would definitely come in use, cant seem to find anyone that has done a write up with pics or a video, I have the clymer manual which explains the process pretty simply. As far as dropping and it helping to have a friend around to get it out, why is that? just to make sure it doesnt tip over? Also, is it pretty difficult to get the engine back in? Would that also help to have someone around for a hand? Ive seen quite a few engines out with carbs and air box still attached? I would like to keep most of everything together if I can. It would certainly make my life easier. Unplug the rad hoses, the harness off the carbs, and whatever else from the main harness?


I apologize for the 1,000,000 questions, but I like to be informed before I decide to start yanking her apart. I do have another bike so I wont be crunched for time to get her back together. And i truly appreciate your help , forgot to mention that.

 

From my experience, it's nice to have a helper for a few reasons. 1. 4 hands are better than 2. 2. While engines aren't super heavy, getting one out and clear of the frame without touching the frame can be tricky. that is especially important on re-assembly. You don't want to scratch that fresh pain. 3. Unless you have your bike on a lift or the like, you will be lifting with your back somewhat. Taking as much strain off of that is nice. Having said all that, a male with average strength can do it alone, it's just better not to, if you don't have to.

 

cool. thanks for the details and recommendations. so follow the procedures in the clymer manual and I should be good to go?

 

I've not pulled/installed F2/F3 engine but on a web site somewhere I saw pics of a guy who, when pulling the engine, he removed the swingarm and forks, set the engine and frame on the ground, unbolted it and lifted the frame off the engine. Did the install in the reverse order. Set the engine on the ground then dropped frame down over the engine, bolted it in, then hoisted that assembly up, using the rafters in his garage. I believe it was that "musclecross F234i" site, that I cant seem to find any more. It was a cool *** build.

 

I don't have a Clymer's manual so I can't say specifically "yes". But I can't imagine it being far off from being accurate. If it were, you'd hear about it on this forum.

 

There has to be one around here somewhere. You may find "how to" threads on different procedures that are pieces of the entire job.

Take some pictures and do your own write up to help the next guy needing some guidance.

 

having another person help isnt completely necessary while dropping the engine, but installing it helps to have another set of hands, or even two, to jack it up, keep it balance, and get everything aligned.
But if you dont have anyone to help, then dropping the frame onto the engine would be a great way to do it, assuming you're going to strip everything off the frame(forks/swingarm)

 

I do plan on doing a write up of sorts. Never put one together before but I like detail so that may work well in my favor for others to get a very detailed write up.

Thanks to all for the great info.

I'm somewhat scared to remove the swing arm. Does it require removing the shock? And does the shock need to be compressed to be installed back on the bike? Just kind of nervous about the pivot bolt and such I also don't have rafters or anything to lift the bike so that I can get the forks back in. I don't have a torque wrench or impact just sockets, wrenches and such. I'm sure I could get it back right. Just don't want it to fall apart a week after I get it back on the road. I'm sure I can do it. Anyone got good advice of swingarm /fork removal and install?