I have a 97 F3 with 20K and I am in the process of replacing some damaged gears. I've been following a Clymer Manual and part of the process they describe involves removing the cylinder head cover, cam shafts, cylinder head, oil cooler, water pump all long before even dropping the motor out of the frame. I am just wondering in anyone with some experience know if pulling the head and cam is necessary or best to do BEFORE the whole motor come out of the frame. Any insight is GREATLY appreciated.

 

No. Just disconnect all wires, drain all fluids, and disconnect all hoses. From there Its simply a matter of removing a total of I believe 4, maybe 5 bolts and the entire assembly will drop from the frame. (I'm assuming you've already removed bodywork. You may also want to remove your front fender, just to ensure it doesn't get scratched or cracked as the engine has a tendency to rock forward a bit if you're not careful with removal.

 

Yeah...you can split the cases without taking the head off. All the side covers need to come off, as they bridge the case halves. I think you need to take the clutch basket off though to remove the drive chain to the starter/oil pump though.....?

If you don't have the right tools or air tools, you might want to do that while its in the bike yet.

Clymer probably has you do it that way so you can set the "upper half" on the lower half. That way is easier to get the shift forks in the place they need to be. Some patience, and extra pair of hands and long small wire hooks can help with doing it the opposite way.

Good luck,
JB