Engine Overhaul

[digitalsam]

I am following the manual to overhaul the engine on my 80 XS11 Special. The going is slow, but well. I drained the front, middle and rear oil, Removed the tank, seat, horns and battery. I am getting ready to remove the exhaust, but the first step involves removing the "through bolt" that hold the foot pegs on.

I have a vague memory that removing the through bolt will drop the engine. Is that true and how do I avoid hurting the engine.

Dang this is fun.

[John]

There is no need to remove any of the engine mounting bolts to remove the exhaust system. The only place, other than at the head, where it attaches to the bike is at the rear of the foot peg/muffler mounting bracket.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey John,

Have that second cup of coffee! He is going to be OVERHAULING the engine, and so eventually, he'll be pulling the engine IF he is going to be splitting the cases.

However, SAM, if you are going to be just doing a top end upgrade, like a big bore kit, you may not need to actually remove the engine or split the cases!? Depends on how far you into it you are going to be going.

You can use a jack and a good piece of wood to prop up the engine when you pull that bolt out.
T.C.

[John]

Don't need the coffee, TC. I was just replying to the exhaust system question. Like you said, if it is just the top end, then the two lowest engine mounts will still be installed, so no problem with the engine dropping. He never said if was pulling the engine or not.

[digitalsam]

A jack and a block of wood it is

Thanks guys, You answered my question. I am finding a good bit of chipped paint on the frame, so I think I will tear this thing down to bare bones and repaint. After your first comment, John, I looked at the bike and I am not sure why they want me to remove that front bolt? I can see how the exhaust comes off now. Thanks.