Street fighter/ Bobber build 2.0

[jwhughes3]

Dilemma...... would you use a known running engine that has 35,000 miles with badly worn transmission and suspect abuse. Or an unknown engine with pristine
trans almost no where on any dogs and the inside of the engine is a pretty golden oil color no signs of excessive heat or abuse don't know mileage???? Gut says use unknown motor.. but head says go with what you know works anyone want to express their opinion???

I would use the engine with good tranny. If tranny is nice the engine was likely not abused.

My old bike has 72k miles and still runs good. Doubt your unknown has anywhere close.

John

[Fearthepack]

Got new valve seals installed, re-lapped the valves and painted the engine cases Aluminum. I guess its time to re-install it back into the bike while some of the weight is still off the motor.

Question: Head and clutch are not yet installed is the weight savings at this point a big plus to get the motor re-installed.... or complete reassemble would be better because installing the head, cams ect is a pain in the ass while engine is in bike? I will be alone so no extra help to lift.

[Schming]

Search for threads on engine installs. A lot of folks have set the engine on its side, on a proctective carpet,foam or mat, and set the frame over the engine - get a few bolts in and stand the bike up to complete install.

I know when I do mine that's the route I'll take.

[IanDMacDonald]

Got new valve seals installed, re-lapped the valves and painted the engine cases Aluminum. I guess its time to re-install it back into the bike while some of the weight is still off the motor.

Question: Head and clutch are not yet installed is the weight savings at this point a big plus to get the motor re-installed.... or complete reassemble would be better because installing the head, cams ect is a pain in the ass while engine is in bike? I will be alone so no extra help to lift.

Everyone has their preference. Working on an engine outside of the bike is nice. However, installing the engine is only done one of two ways: through the right side, or on it's side. Weight of the head and clutch is not substantial, nor is it your biggest obstacle. The middle drive is the demon of XS engine install/removal. Damn yoke and drive boot hate you. Do what you're comfortable doing. Installing the head while engine is in or out is the same.

[Fearthepack]

Thanks will check install threads.

[Fearthepack]

Thought I would and this tread got rid of a lot of frustration when working on the tranny.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43665

[DiverRay]

I just installed an engine into the frame a month ago. I did the engine on it's side, lower the frame over the engine trick. I didn't want to scratch anything, and was by myself. One thing that helps is a come along in the rafters. I used it to lift the assembly upright, and then up so I could install the swingarm and forks.

[Fearthepack]

Got the engine back in just walked it in from the right side. I think not having the head installed made it very easy to get in.....

[Fearthepack]

Opinions please... how long would wire wheeled head bolts stay this way or return to old rusty nuts?

[DiverRay]

I would paint the nuts. They WILL rust quickly if you are in a "wet" area, or ride in the rain. Factory has them coated with something that kept them clean for a few years.. I painted the head nuts with the top end. I did NOT pull the head, so I just cleaned and used engine paint on everything.

[Fearthepack]

and we don't know what that treatment was right?

[bikerphil]

They were probably zinc plated.

[jetmechmarty]

They were probably zinc plated.

I think due to the vintage of the bike, they may be cadmium plated. Zinc plating is an option now.

[Fearthepack]

I'll do a little science project and soak them in evapo-rust then install them and see how long before rust comes back. I painted the head black so touching up the head bolts in black wont be a big deal.

[Fearthepack]

Anyone use the Evapo-rust with success need to do my tank as well?