Triumphrat

schuitz · 11-25-2012, 10:48 PM

So, not thinking ahead, I hoisted up my bike on the Craftsman lift, with some 2x4s to support the lower frame cradle and to protect my oil filter, which is a bit long. And then proceeded to strip everything off the bike for a list of work that is happening over the winter, including the forks, swing arm, carbs, airbox, everything. And now, I have basically a motor in a frame, on a lift. And I need to get the motor out.

If you have pulled the engine before, the oops is probably evident to you already. You either support the *engine* from underneath, pull the cradle off, undo everything, and roll it out, or you do a propforward, supporting the motor, undoing everything, and pulling the frame off the top. This is a lot more appealing. Actually, it's the only option since the wheels are off.

But it's sitting on the lower cradle. This would be grand if there was an engine attachment point at the rear of the cradle, but there ain't. The rear lower bolt is from the main frame.

Looks like I'm going to have to rig something up with a triple tree stand and maybe some axle stands at the back, since I don't see any way of doing this with the lift supporting the lower cradle.

Any wise ideas? Wise cracks?

mcfcinusa · 11-25-2012, 11:48 PM

Posting a picture would help, then we can see exactly how it's positioned.

schuitz · 11-26-2012, 12:23 AM

Is true. Please excuse the shenanigans of my buddy. He is like that sometimes:

It looks like it's hoisted on the headers but it isn't. I arrange the 2x4s in a V to clear the oil filter that I'm not supposed to be using. It is hoisted by the lower cradle.

However, you just solved my problem. In studying this picture I realized I'm being an idiot. I'll lower it down on the centre stand and prop up the triple tree with a safe arrangement of scrap lumber (as clearly seen I have plenty kicking around my safe work area), and use the opportunity to get the engine properly supported.

Thanks!

In our next episode, we ponder the general insanity and various possible procedures for humping a 200lb engine down a flight of stairs. A custom crate, a dolly, and a few lads is my claim.

schuitz · 11-26-2012, 12:29 AM

I will pre-empt any comments about the dangling calipers by saying the lines are being retired also. 11 years and 98,500km of safe stops, they are well overdue.

mikeinva · 11-26-2012, 12:02 PM

Or you could just get a motor hoist pick the bike up by the frame get it off the jack .Remove headers and oil filter and frame rails.set motor down on some blocks of wood .unbolt everything then pick the frame up off the motor.

schuitz · 11-26-2012, 12:19 PM

It's not a bad idea, since it would let me drop the motor straight onto the crate bottom, solving my next foreseeable problem. Having a chain hoist when it reaches it's winter destination may also be useful for managing it.