Engine reinstallation 72 FX
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 326
Likes: 98
From: Central Coast of CA
Engine reinstallation 72 FX
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!
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!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,490
Likes: 3,687
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
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.
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.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 326
Likes: 98
From: Central Coast of CA
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.
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.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,106
Likes: 51,387
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
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.
And I hear you last time I stuck one I was wondering when they gained so damned much weight.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 326
Likes: 98
From: Central Coast of CA
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!
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 326
Likes: 98
From: Central Coast of CA
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.
And I hear you last time I stuck one I was wondering when they gained so damned much weight.
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.
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Stage I
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
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.
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