Dropping an engine

[TomGT]

Hi guys,

in a few weeks or so I'm gonna need to drop the engine out of the CBR to sort the gearbox out, I intend to do it solo. My question is is there an easier way to lower it? I don't like the idea of trying to balance it on the tiny point of a trolley jack, could I use something like this, to support the engine so I can remove the mounts, then lower it down in a controlled way to the floor?

It seems like a simple thing but someone must have had the same thought before

Cheers
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1992 ZXR 400

[mentalboy]

I don't know if that type of scissor lift would drop low enough for your purposes. It may seem a bit daunting dropping a engine on a trolley jack but I've always found it a suitable method, don't forget that this is a 400 engine you're dropping and it doesn't weigh very much (relatively speaking).
It's the type of job where a second pair of hands is always useful to have around.
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Make mine a Corona.

[andym]

When I took the zxr engine out I just used a trolley jack and bit of rope. I took the pressure off the engine, loosened the bolts, tied the rope in a kind of pulley fashion, removed the jack and lowered it to the floor gently.

With the GPz I used the trolley jack, a mock up skateboard and a ratchet strap on the main beam in the garage. I lowered it enough to be just touching the skateboard, then lifted the whole frame over it.

There's always a way without expensive tools (either that or I'm just too cheap to buy them)

[stinkwheel]

Could you turn the whole bike upside down? (seen it done).

Otherwise, stick a big wooden block under the sump, drop the forks through the yokes until the engine is resting on the block, remove the engine mounting bolts then lift the frame back off the top of the engine.

This only works on a non-cradle type frame, like your bike has. The frame and running gear weighs fuck-all.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[steady eddie]

if you don't have an air gun or clutch holding tool, undo the flywheel and clutch basket nuts before you take the engine out. It's a lot easier to put the bike in gear and use the brakes
A second pair of hands is a good idea though even if it's only ya judy
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Fz50>Ts185>Rd125Lc>Cb250n Superdream "Deluxe" (!)>Kmx200>Tdr250>Yzf600 Thundercat>
Current bikes: 1997 Fireblade RRV & 1989 KMX200

[Carl_steveo]

I was bit worried the first time I had to do it. I took the fairings and tank off mine leaving the wheels and engine in etc. I then lifted the bike a tiny amount and kicked a cardboard box full of crap (old blankets, newspaper etc) under the engine. I then lowered the bike back down, undone the bolts and lifted the frame off the engine. I would like to point out however mine is a 125 so easily lifted on your own.
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Current: Honda Nsr 125
Live: Sunderland
Luke "cant be arsed to read your post, but suck my balls anyway."

[Paddy Blake]

What's wrong with the gearbox.?

On some bikes you can change the selectors and drum with out taking the engine out.

[CarlosCBR]

Could you use the rear mount as a hinge? Undo the rest of the mounts, put a block of wood under the engine, pull the other mounts out and lower the front of the engine onto the wood. Then undo the last mount and slide the engine out.

How ive always done it on my old 125 when doing it solo without lifts etc.
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