Valves

[Guy_b_g]

Well..now I see I misread your earlier post and you had already planned to swap the head with the earlier cams in it...so just ignore my last post!

By the way...I agree with others who have written it makes more sense to just swap out the whole engine!

[CarolynS]

Numbers

I really want to keep the numbers matched-frame and engine.
I will ask the mechanic if he wants to do a whole swap or just the head. I think he's going to say just the head. It will be the least of the evils I think.
The engine in the 79 will rev up suddenly-probably carbs-but what if it's not? Either way, I'm going to save what's left and have it all redone at a later date. Then again, the 80 has never run for me, and it could have the same issues. We'll see...
Thanks everyone for all the feedback. I really appreciate it. The hardest thing about this is not really knowing which way to go. You all help give me direction.
I'll let you know what ends up happening...If you see a thread that is titled 'IT RUNS!!' you'll know it's me!!!

[DiverRay]

Carolyn,
I REALLY think you should swap the complete engine! That is what I am doing at the moment with my "winter project". That way, you ride now, and fix the ORIGINAL engine slowly AND correctly, then just swap back. It WILL save a LOT of money and time. One year on a different engine won't hurt, and the mechanic can work on your engine when he isn't "busy", and will probably charge less for the work.
The "rev up" IS the carbs, both a vacuum leak, and out of sync.
Just my $0.02

[CarolynS]

I know...

I agree somewhat, but then I don't even need the mechanic-just buy a motorcycle jack to roll it from one to the other. I'd have to change that ignition if it doesn't match. I'm considering it, no really, I am.
I have time today to go down and start taking things apart. I will assess the situation then. I mean really take a look at it. Do you really think I can get this done in a day?
I'll try to tackle it myself, IF I decide to just swap them out. First off, I'll take those carbs off and see what they look like-I have to do it anyway no matter what I decide. Let me see what the 79 looks like and I'll get back to you.

[DiverRay]

just buy a motorcycle jack to roll it from one to the other

I just use my floor jack......
Do a search on pulling the engine, and you will find two or three different ideas on how to do it. One easy way is remove oil filter, cam cover, carbs and headers, loosen bolts and put wood blocks to slide engine out of frame.
The drive shaft can stay, just pull the dust boot back from the middle drive, and four 12mm bolts, you are done.

[Paintman]

Engine Removal

Hey as Ray said and floor jack works great i have a Transmission adapter on mine so when i slide engine over i can secure it on jack with straps JUst and idea ihave a few flat toes toes from and engine landing on then either way the swap would have ya riding in no time and then just do orig engine as you can.
John

[malber]

There are pictures on Bob Jones's site where he layed the bike on it's side to take the engine out and put it back in. That would seem like a very easy method.

[AlanB]

Hi Carolyn,

I do similar to Ray, but slide it across onto an upside-down bottle crate, with a board on top; The one I have works out at the same height as the frame so that there is no lifting involved, and I can't drop it!... just slide it over.

AlanB