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removing the engine

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by zigzagzack, Feb 22, 2009.

  1. zigzagzack

    zigzagzack Member

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    Ok, i may regret this but i am trying to clean up my bike as much as possible.
    My 85 750 maxim-x has over 60000K on it and i drove it all last year (got it last year) the way i bought it. I bike was somewhat abused, it was used for racing; did quite well; but i want to give everything some paint and a good cleaning. I pretty much have everything off except the front tire, forks and engine.
    I also wanted to remove the cyclinder head and paint that ... started removing it and noticed it was starting to lift (springs i assume) so screwed it back down for now.
    so wondering what would be the best way to take the engine out? I am one man so may have to do it in 2 parts ... if possible.

    Z
     
  2. Desinger_Mike

    Desinger_Mike Member

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    Your X has a removable section of frame on the right side. There are (4) bolts holding it in place. Two right behind the radiator and two right next to the rear brake arm.

    In my opinion, it's safest to hang the engine with a comealong (or similar) opposed to trying to block it up and using jacks.
    Of course you will still have to remove a bunch of other parts (like the carbs, radiator hoses), but the engine will easily come out in one piece.
    Slip the drive shaft boot back to get at the u-joint and remove those four bolts.

    Make sure it's SECURELY on the center stand, and start to lift the engine with some of the mounts in place. While you loosen the remaining mounts, you should be able to tell how well you have it balanced and secured. Adjust the attachment points so it seems to hang nicely. I'd also suggest to still use some blocks under it (just in case)....and it's better to have a second person there even if they are just observing or moving blocks around while you grunt to keep everything from falling over.

    The engine itself is not terribly heavy...probably about 150 pounds but there isn't any nice lifting hooks to attach to and there aren't any well placed handles either.

    When you have it suspended and balanced, you should be able to remove the mounting bolts with your fingers (no pressure) and simply swing it out the side of the frame.
    Notice how you have it hanging because putting it back in is more tricky and you don't want to chip that nice new paint.

    More importantly....if you want to remove the head and it sounds like you might have passed the point of no return, you will need to replace the gaskets with new ones, and need to adjust all the valve clearances since once you break the head loose, the clearances will change. On the X that's not a 10 minute job!

    Hopefully you have a manual to torque the head properly and get the valves back in spec.
     
  3. zigzagzack

    zigzagzack Member

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    Well got the engine loose, it is somewhat suspended, i can move it a bit, tomorrow gonna take the side of the frame off and see what happens
     

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