How do I remove the engine without dropping/smashing it?

[hardlyrock]

I have searched this forum I cannot find any how to tips on safely removing the engine. I don't see any Youtube videos either. The Honda service manual is useless as they just say "after disconnecting everything remove the engine". I have a motorcycle jack under it but it looks like the engine is going to fall frontwards or tip sideways. Someone must have designed a cradle to support the engine while lowering it. I can visualize the engine falling off of the jack and smashing fins and other parts. I am sure someone must know the safest way?

[CopperCollar]

There are ways and my way works for me but maybe not for anyone else.

Get all your cables wiring etc disconnected.

I use a flat board under the oil pan and a floor jack. Then I remove the front engine hangers. I then lower the engine as low as it will go on the jack and proceed to pull the rear engine bolt. From there I jockey the engine out.

I now have a two-fold (similar to a come-along) in the ceiling. I run a cable around the engine and pull it snug with the two-fold then I pull the front hangers and lower the front of the engine to the floor, use a piece of wood on the floor to protect the engine. leave some tension on the cable then pull the rear motor bolt and slide the engine out.

This way can be precarious but I have never lost an engine.

I am sure Dave or one of the others with far more engine removals than me will be here shortly to answer your question with their methods which may be safer.

[steve murdoch icoa #5322]

Some good ideas in this thread.
viewtopic.php?f=27&t=3361&p=20202&hilit ... val#p20202

[bikeymikey748]

Well, this worked for me
Additionally, it gives you the option to wheel the 'lump' around your work area. Makes dropping it out and installing it a breeze.
You can pick these jacks up for $60.00 CDN, on sale. Or, source a used one.

[kbart1]

Ditto on Mikey jack. AND a couple buddy's on either side to steady it. I then move it to an engine stand for working on and I also made a plywood dolly on Castors to store and move around motor when off the bike.

The
Kent

[mike209]

I fabricated some brackets and installed them to the bottom of the motor so it doesn't flip off the lift, it makes it one man job and takes me about 15 minutes to install or remove motor from the frame.





Mike

[daves79x]

Excellent, Mike!

Dave

[hardlyrock]

Thanks for all the quick responses. I have an ATV jack similar to bikemikey's so will develop my work method based around that. When I have the deed accomplished I will post photos.
All the best in 2015 everyone

[hardlyrock]

I made this bracket from a piece of 3 inch channel iron. It will mount to my ATV jack. It seems like it should do the trick. I will use tie down straps as well

[hardlyrock]

These jacks are very generic so this idea should work on most jacks of this design

[hardlyrock]

Set in place and bolted to the engine

[hardlyrock]

Now to unbolt the engine and disconnect every thing and give this a try.

[NobleHops]

I bet if you made 20 of those they'd sell. Very elegant. Failing that, would you mind posting your drawings?

Nice job!

N.

[hardlyrock]

Additionally I made a bracket that would solidly fox the rear of the engine to the other jack pad.

[hardlyrock]

This is how it looks in place. Fastened to the sprocket shaft and the jack pad.