Engine Rebuild Part V - Engine Installation

Getting the power unit back in the frame was a milestone I was looking forward to achieving. The chassis was built up, the engine cases were together, and this was the next step in turning my parts pile back into a functioning motorcycle. I was a bit apprehensive about this step as I did not want to mess up my paint in the process.

Taking the engine out was pretty easy...no worries about scratching paint.

The RE engine and transmission is rather large and difficult to manage as an assembly. I wanted to minimize its weight and simplify the installation process.  I elected to leave off the primary, timing side, and top end to make it more manageable. It seemed like a common sense approach.

Setting up the engine to roll into place....attempt one...this alignment won't work....

Being a stressed member of the frame the Interceptor's engine could be loaded from the bottom or so I thought. This line of thinking ended quickly as I surveyed the parts in the way for this approach. I ended up putting it on a rolling RV jack with the trans end tilted up and positioned it between the mounts.  This seemed to be the best way to get a clear shot into the frame. The lower frame rails were spread slightly with a reversed wood clamp to facilitate entry of the rear transmission bracket. This meant the swing-arm had to be loosened and side stand had to come off to allow movement.

Opening up the frame slightly to facilitate installation of the rear mount. 

I chocked the front wheel in a "Pingle" mount, took off the side stand, slackened the swing-arm nuts and put in my clamp to open up the frame. Once the rear trans mount was installed the front bracket was put on to secure the engine. From there it was a matter of affixing all of the components. I was finally able to mount my new skid plate and oil cooler. Overall the approach worked well.

The engine front mounted and ready to fit all of the components. 

Engine installed...time to finish its assembly. 

Another sidetrack....replacing the steering arm on my F150. Ironically I drive an old truck so I can afford to work on old motorcycles. I am not overly excited about working on four wheeled vehicles these days.....