85 vf500 engine install ?s

just got my engine rebiult it had bad head gaskets.
just was wondering if theres a easier way to install the engine?
can i leave the carbs on and not put the base plat on?
is it easier to put the back pipes on before the engine is put in?
any hints or info would be nice
thanks

 

When I swapped engines on my bike I put the headers and collector on before, left the carbs off, and removed the right side cover. I found that removing the cover gave me a little bit more room to maneuver the engine in the frame. You might have a difficult time getting the throttle cables hooked back up if you install the carbs before putting the engine in.

Note: DO NOT separate the carbs from the air box plate. There's no reason to and there's a good chance you'll break something if you do.

-Jake

 

i didnt remove the side covers when i removed the engine but i see where it would give you more room. i did remove the carbs from the base plate i thought thats what the book said. which i didnt break anything but theres a little spring and looks like a spacer that fell out which i would guess would go in between two of the carbs
please let me know if thats correct
thanks

 

The only thing that should go between the carbs and plate should be O-rings. There are C-washers (for lack of a better term) that go between the screws and plate. There are tabs that are meant to be bent over the screw heads. Presumably to deter you from removing them.

-Jake

 

The rear pipes must be on and the carbs must be off. It is snug and requires a bit of a wiggle but will go in....more than one person is needed .....one on each side of the bike and do not get mad at one another. Did a gen 1 last week and doing another this week...... not getting in a hurry may be the best advise. All down hill after it is in.

 

TC: how many beers is this opreation considering 2 peeps are involved and the time it takes ??

 

this is at least an 8 beer minimum

 

This is the way to do it! I've had mine out 2 or 3 times, and I wish I had removed the right side cover, I already had it on, and I was too stubborn to pull it back off! I did it by myself, using a floor jack to lift it up into the frame.

I forgot to tighten the rear header pipes all the way on mine, and it is mext to impossible to get to them with it all together. I managed to get them tight enough that they don't appear to be leaking.