Pulled the engine out today so soon the frame goes to the powdercoaters. Here's my question. When reinstalling the engine how do you keep from scratching up the frame?

Would it be easier to lay the frame on it's side to install the engine?

Want to keep it as easy as possible with minimal damage!

 

Read that some folks lay the frame on its side. Never have though. I tape the exposed portions that could get dinged when installing form the right side. I have a table lift. I pick up the motor and roll it into the frame.

Have a buddy that doesn't have one. Frame was almost on the ground. I picked it up and he guided it in, but again, we had all avaliable spots blue taped to avoid nicks.

 

I've never used tape or roll bar foam, is what you can use, I've just put it in there slowly, and never scratched the frame... Never heard of laying it down, that's a first for me...

 

The bike or what's left of it is on a table lift. Thanks for the tips, just didn't want to bang up a freshly coated frame.

Either I'm getting weaker with age or shovel engines weigh more than they did back in the 70's and early 80's! Last one I pulled seemed to come out of the frame easier than this one.

 

If it feels heavy for you get somebody to give you a hand... Don't want to see ya scratch you frame... or just put some tape on it...

 

Couple things, first be sure to remove all the powder coating from the motor mounts, secondly I wrap the area on the frame that could be hit or scuffed with shop towels and that blue masking tape, easy off and no mess.

And I hear you last time I stuck one I was wondering when they gained so damned much weight.

 

Two of us lifted it out. It's now on an engine stand getting detailed. Yesterday I pulled the fittings and plugged the holes for the oil lines that won't be needed. Lots to do but I'm hoping to have it back up and running for the Hollister rally July 4th weekend. Parts arriving daily and other parts headed off for painting, polishing and some chroming. I'm trying to find chrome items that look good but have some patina. The end result is to have a bike that looks like a well kept and preserved 72.

Drag bars, pullback risers and forward controls arrived yesterday, tins are out getting painted, have the new wiring harness almost done and on and on!

 

Maybe I have that one rare model where the cases, heads and barrels are made of cast iron!

Thanks for the rags and blue tape tips. Luckily have plenty of both. The thread chasing kit will definitely get well used on this one.

 

Just receive a 72' FX that was in my uncles basement for the past 30+ years. It seems most of the parts are there but still missing a few main components. We don't have a picture of the bike when it was in 1 piece and it was converted to a chopper, so not exactly sure what is all missing. If you could post a couple pics of your 72 FX that would be beneficial. Attempting to restore the bike over the next couple years and looking for a place to start.

 

On a complete teardown like you are doing, I lay the engine on it's side and wiggle the frame onto the motor. Run one bolt on the front and one on the back, moderately tight and tilt it back up. Having a helper is a good thing.