How to put engine back in without damaging paint?

[Spiff]

Hi, my frame has a fair amount of scrapes and nicks so I was thinking about painting it while the engine is out.
But how do you get the engine back in without destroying the new paint job?
I was thinking of putting some foam or taping rags around the frame, how have YOU done it?

[hampshirehog]

You've got the right idea. Corrugated cardboard taped on is my preference as you can cut / tear it off easily.

[Rob S.]

Engine on frame

I saw some pics in here, the engine was laid on it's side and the frame was lowered around onto it.

I'll try to remember the thread.

[Agemax]

cover as much of the frame as you can, also get a few mates round to help you lift it in.2 or 3 people can lift it in so carefully you wont scratch a thing.

[GateKeeper]

Something like this.....it's what I did

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1646674&postcount=994

however you will still get a few scratches, well I did...




the scrapes

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1646677&postcount=996

.

[loud et]

I was lucky as I had done a full top end engine rebuild so my engine was dry and I was able to leave the oil pan and valve cover off. That's a ton of extra play. 2-3 inches up and down. I just slid it in sideways off a low wood steps tool I had. Cardboard around the frame tubes is waaay better than rags.
Many guys have used a motorcycle jack to do the same thing ....sliding it in sideways. IMO if the engine is lowered in with the engine hoist it will make for a harder time lining up mounting holes. It surely can be done though.
Just protect that nice fresh paint and you will find a way

[Sci85]

Help! I've fallen and I can't get up

[Sci85]

Seriously though, I wrap the frame tubes with painters tape. You can also use pipe insulation in some areas. It's hard to get out from the lower frame tubes though without destroying it.

[Rob S.]

Bare frame

The method I mentioned below was with a bare-bones frame.

[BillGS550LZ]

I did my GS550 recently without much trouble. Helps having two people. Also, on my bike engine can only go in/out of right side as seen while sitting on the bike.

Bike on center stand.
Put floor jack under/between bottom frame tubes
Place piece if 2x6x6 on jack and raise it to point where it just clears the bottom right side frame tube/engine mount point.
I placed engine on a small wheeled dally which I built up using 4x4s to a hight just above the bottom right frame tube/engine mount point.
Roll/move engine close next to right side frame making sure it is centered so as to clear all frame tubes and engine mounts.
Carefully walk the engine into frame transferring it from dally to board on jack stand.

It doesn't take much to transfer weight of engine to jack stand. Once engine is partly on jack stand have a buddy hold it and keep it from tipping out. Then carefully continue pushing engine into frame while moving/raising/lowering jack stand to clear/center motor inside rear engine mounts. The rest is easy.

Some scrapping is inevitable, suggest taping hight points on frame. Watch out for front frame tubes around area at the level of the front valve cover.

Hope that helps. Good luck.

[Spiff]

Lots of good ideas here! Thanks alot

[allojohn]

Pipe insulation works great.



Using 3/8" steel rod to lift the lump in with help from herself.

[Mursell14]

Pipe insulation works great.



Using 3/8" steel rod to lift the lump in with help from herself.

i like your thinking John.

[Spiff]

I ended up using pipe insulation when installing the engine. Worked out great and no scratched paint

[allojohn]

I ended up using pipe insulation when installing the engine. Worked out great and no scratched paint

Magic! .