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Started by ScrapMetal at 07-15-2010 6:58 PM. Topic has 18 replies.

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   07-15-2010, 6:58 PM
ScrapMetal is not online. Last active: 7/21/2010 9:58:36 PM ScrapMetal



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Joined on 07-18-2009
NY/CT
Posts 104
Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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Hello knowledgable forum members, so here is the question of the week:

I am moving a working engine from a current bike into a new frame, do I need to disassemble the radiator, etc, or can I move the whole kit and kaboodle in one fell swoop?

I've read the clymer manual which shows to remove everything, just thinking maybe I cut short cut some steps.
1979 CX500C - blown engine
1980 CX500C - a work in progress
2003 Aprilia SL1000R "Falco"
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   07-15-2010, 7:19 PM
Ookie Wonderslug is not online. Last active: 7/23/2010 12:52:33 AM Ookie Wonderslug



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Joined on 05-04-2008
Unionville, NC
Posts 233
Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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When I did mine, all I had to do was unhook the electrics, the driveshaft and unbolt the engine.  Didn't really have to so much as drain the coolant.  I did, but didn't have to in order to take the engine out.  Left the radiator intact.  Very simple procedure actually.  First time did it in about 4 hours. That was taking the old engine out and putting the new one in.

1982 CX500C "Twisted"
1981 GL500 in pieces
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   07-15-2010, 7:20 PM
risingphoenix is not online. Last active: 7/20/2010 12:01:46 AM risingphoenix



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Joined on 07-06-2010
Hudson, NY
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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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You can swap the complete package without spilling a drop of antifreeze or oil. support the engine w/ a floor jack, unbolt the front engine hanger at the frame, remove the upper rear hangers, the coils, electical conections, and exaust. and last the drive shaft u joint and then the rear bottom through bolts. I would recomend unbolting the intake manifolds at the head and leaving the carbs were the are untill the engine has been swapped so they don't get damaged in the proccess. I unhook the clutch at the handlbar perch and the tach cable at the tachometer. it makes for a very tidy package. I have pulled my engine several times and doesn't take long. good luck
Jeff- Hudson, NY

81 CX500 Custom
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   07-15-2010, 7:22 PM
Blindstitch is not online. Last active: 7/22/2010 2:52:31 AM Blindstitch



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Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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If it's just an engine swap then you can take it all at once depending on how the exhaust is. You have to at least or should remove the mufflers.

http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/91575/ShowPost.aspx

1979 CX500 Supertanker
ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier.

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   07-15-2010, 7:30 PM
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Joined on 05-16-2009
Chantilly, VA
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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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Jeff,

Nice bike - post some larger pics than your avitar so we can see what you have done.

Jerry

90 PC 800 (commuting steed)
82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike)

66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP)
80 CX500C (Loved this bike)
74 CB360 (Fun; but too small)
79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years)
76 CB550 (step up from 200cc)
74 KZ200 (1st bike!)
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   07-16-2010, 2:32 AM
ScrapMetal is not online. Last active: 7/21/2010 9:58:36 PM ScrapMetal



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Joined on 07-18-2009
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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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Thanks folks. That was the answer I was hoping for. My shop buddy (who is much more mechanically inclined than me) was suggesting this but wanted to make sure.

Jeff, I might have to see if you want to take a road trip, for moral support. Is just over an hour too long for free beer?


1979 CX500C - blown engine
1980 CX500C - a work in progress
2003 Aprilia SL1000R "Falco"
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   07-16-2010, 8:31 AM
Abes_CW is not online. Last active: 7/23/2010 2:55:31 PM Abes_CW



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saskatoon
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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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I used a Nascar style wheeled floor jack. After it was unbolted, with a helper to steady it, it just wheeled right outta there.

and a big tip if you have them is to put the engine guards back on after unbolting, they make great lifting and support handles.
1983 GL650i
Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure!

age 38 (29 plus tax)

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   07-16-2010, 4:23 PM
ScrapMetal is not online. Last active: 7/21/2010 9:58:36 PM ScrapMetal



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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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Abes, now there is something I would not have thought of, thanks!
1979 CX500C - blown engine
1980 CX500C - a work in progress
2003 Aprilia SL1000R "Falco"
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   07-17-2010, 8:50 AM
risingphoenix is not online. Last active: 7/20/2010 12:01:46 AM risingphoenix



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Hudson, NY
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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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heck i'd ride 2 hrs for that. are you in West CT. I used to work in New Milford.
Jeff- Hudson, NY

81 CX500 Custom
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   07-17-2010, 8:58 AM
risingphoenix is not online. Last active: 7/20/2010 12:01:46 AM risingphoenix



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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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Jerry,
Thanks for the compliment. I say the same for yours. I've added a Deluxe tank to the custom,Bates hard bags, Kawi rear fender, Yamaha dirt bike bars and hand gaurds, Emgo windscreen , Harley rear air shocks and Cub Cadet Yellow! I'm @ 57K and it's still as much fun to work on it as it is to ride. As far as posting pics... I find trouble shooting the bike easier than downloading and uploading stuff! I will try though.
jeff
Jeff- Hudson, NY

81 CX500 Custom
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   07-17-2010, 9:38 AM
Shep is online. Last active: 7/25/2010 2:40:38 AM Shep



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UK.2x1980CX500A
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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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 risingphoenix wrote:
Jerry, Thanks for the compliment. I say the same for yours. I've added a Deluxe tank to the custom,Bates hard bags, Kawi rear fender, Yamaha dirt bike bars and hand gaurds, Emgo windscreen , Harley rear air shocks and Cub Cadet Yellow! I'm @ 57K and it's still as much fun to work on it as it is to ride. As far as posting pics... I find trouble shooting the bike easier than downloading and uploading stuff! I will try though. jeff


If you don't mind me asking does a,"Delux" tank go straight onto the frame of a Custom.I'm asking on behalf of a friend.


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   07-17-2010, 10:05 AM
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Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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Shep. Yes/No. Here's how to do it.
http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=538

1979 CX500 Supertanker
ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier.

Quick Reference
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   07-17-2010, 11:06 AM
Shep is online. Last active: 7/25/2010 2:40:38 AM Shep



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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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Thanks

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   07-18-2010, 9:20 AM
risingphoenix is not online. Last active: 7/20/2010 12:01:46 AM risingphoenix



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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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I followed the link that Blindstitch posted to do mine. the actual modification to the deluxe tank was quite easy and quick. you will need to modify the steering stops on the Custom though,as the turn signals will hit the new tank. I drilled and tapped the existing stops and added a bolt to make an adjustable stop. it only changed the stop point by a few degrees.
Jeff- Hudson, NY

81 CX500 Custom
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   07-18-2010, 11:27 AM
Shep is online. Last active: 7/25/2010 2:40:38 AM Shep



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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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 risingphoenix wrote:
I followed the link that Blindstitch posted to do mine. the actual modification to the deluxe tank was quite easy and quick. you will need to modify the steering stops on the Custom though,as the turn signals will hit the new tank. I drilled and tapped the existing stops and added a bolt to make an adjustable stop. it only changed the stop point by a few degrees.


Once again.Thanks.It's for a guy who has a Custom and may want to have a bigger tank for longer hauls.


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   07-18-2010, 4:17 PM
ScrapMetal is not online. Last active: 7/21/2010 9:58:36 PM ScrapMetal



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Joined on 07-18-2009
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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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Jeff,

Should you make it down for the engine transplant I may have you explain that stop procedure with me as I'm the proud owner of a very old Deluxe tank. That's right people, yet ANOTHER cafe racer project on the way!
1979 CX500C - blown engine
1980 CX500C - a work in progress
2003 Aprilia SL1000R "Falco"
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   07-19-2010, 5:03 PM
risingphoenix is not online. Last active: 7/20/2010 12:01:46 AM risingphoenix



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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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Sure. It's easier to do than explain.
Jeff- Hudson, NY

81 CX500 Custom
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   07-21-2010, 7:17 AM
ScrapMetal is not online. Last active: 7/21/2010 9:58:36 PM ScrapMetal



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Joined on 07-18-2009
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Posts 104
Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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Many thanks forum members. The job is done!

With the help of my cheap mechanic and his apprentice (2-3 beers each) and about 1 hour prep time and 3 hours of wise cracking the swap has been completed.

The good news:
The engine started right up. The "new" carbs run both cylinders. All lights appear in good working order.

The bad news:
Still work to be done.

So, I'll now be starting my official "project" thread, and you have the opportunity to answer many, many more questions (and probably spend some of my money too).

Thanks for the help.
1979 CX500C - blown engine
1980 CX500C - a work in progress
2003 Aprilia SL1000R "Falco"
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   07-21-2010, 7:42 AM
need4steed is not online. Last active: 7/14/2010 8:04:41 PM need4steed



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Joliet IL
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Re: Engine Swap: Does everything need to come apart?
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<BLOCKQUOTE><table width="85%"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/cs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>Blindstitch wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4">If it's just an engine swap then you can take it all at once depending on how the exhaust is. You have to at least or should remove the mufflers. <br><br><a HREF="/cs/forums/91575/ShowPost.aspx">http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/91575/ShowPost.aspx</a><br></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey, i know that bike and that goofy looking kid.....oh wait thats me.
What dont kill you makes you more strong...metallica
1980 CX500 (sold)
1982 GL500 (cafe) AKA black bomber (473 Miles since finished build)
1980 xs850 yamaha (sold)
1979 CX500 (Track Bike)
72 cl350 (cafe project #2) AKA Ol Goat
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