Engine Swap

[Shuriken]

I have 3 XS11's. 2 are running. 1 is a parts bike.

How hard is it to swap an engine into another bike and what special tools/assistance would would I need?

I'm guessing the engines are around 220lbs. I swapped XS650 motors before by myself but I don't want to attempt lifting one of these.

I'm trying to decide if I should just leave the engine in its frame and restore the bike around it or swap it into the frame on the running bike I use now.

I think restoring the bike around the engine without a swap would be easiest, but that's why I'm asking opinions from those who have removed/installed the engines.

How long does it take and is it best to tip the bike over on the grass if I'm doing it myself?

Ben

[fredintoon]

To swap, or not to swap - - -

- - - that is the question. It all depends on
If you have a shop crane.
If you want to paint the frame.
If you have title to the frame the engine is going in.
Fred Hill, S'toon.

[Shuriken]

I have the titles to 2 of 3 bikes, including the one it would be going into. The current engine runs - both engines would trade places.

Is removing the engine very difficult? I guess that's a rhetorical question, but ....

I don't know if I want to mess with unbolting the driveshaft and stuff like that.

Ben

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Ben,

If you can get a friend to help heft it, it will be much easier to swap! I pulled mine when I did my topend job with just the help of my 18 y/o nephew and we were able to pull it and put it up on a 4 foot high bench for me to work on. The crank shaft bolts aren't that hard, fiddling with the rubber boot is a bit of a pain, but doable. Just put something like a jack and board under it to support it when you loosen and remove the engine mounts.

If your runner frame and accessories and such are in good shape, it would probably be easier to swap engines, providing they both take the same black box. You'll want to pull the carbs, and the oil filter and housing(drain it of course), also allows it to slide sideways over the frame easier, undo the headers(duh), but it should be straight forward, and you could do most of it before your lifting help arrived, so it would only take a few minutes for each swap. Good Luck.
T.C.

[John]

Here is my little trick...Rap the frame rails with an old inner tube, and secure the tubes to the frame with tie wraps, or duct tape. (handyman's secret weapon) Remove the obvious stuff... Header pipes, carbs, oil filter cup, valve cover,and any thing else that will make it lighter. The middle drive, starter alternator, ignition assembly. Use a floor jack and a piece of wood that pretty much fills the space between the frame rails. Slide the engine on this wood. Pull the engine out the right side, away from the driveshaft. Lift the front of the engine out of the lower mounts, and slide it to the right. Now here comes the big trick...remove the rubber engine mounts, and insert a broom handle, or reasonable facsimilie thereof, into the bosses where the rubber mounts were. The broom handle will allow you to get a good hand hold and to maneuver it where you want it. The inner tube will protect the frame rails as the engine slides over it. The steps may not be in proper sequece, but you'll be able to figure it out. They worked great for me, I hope it helps you.

[chevy45412001]

pulling motors

Its not as bad as it appears. I've got it down to an art form.Can pull out and install in 1/2 day or less.That includes hooking and unhooking all the gadgets.Like mentioned prev. post,You'll need a good helper.Just watch for finger pinching!

[Shuriken]

I'm strongly considering not doing a swap and restoring the crapper (yet to earn its new name). The 80g has blown rear shocks and leaky front fork seals....

Besides, I'm kind of growing fond of the looks of the gas tank on the special. I'm thinking now I don't like the sissy bar, king/queen look so much on my standard.

Another reason is to try and keep as many bikes as intact as possible. I have 3 and only want one.

Hmm..... Perhaps I could paint the 79sf (crapper) after the midnight special paint schemes. They were beautiful in all black. Besides, when polishing fails, there is always the paint option.

Ben