Drop the engine?

theboxrules

theboxrules

Been Around the Block
Ok, so I figured it couldn't get worse. I am taking off the head on my CB400TII due to low compression and a blow head gasket. I figure I'd try to just replace the gasket first and recheck compression since both cylinders are even but below spec by about 15 PSI. As I am taking the head bolts off, I back my socket drive out through the frame hole and the socket gets caught inside the hole and I hear a clunk. It appears it rolled down inside the back of the frame and stopped against the engine case. I'm beginning to think the only way to retrieve it is to drop the engine. Not a huge deal I suppose given that design is pretty friendly, but shoot...it's always gotta be difficult with this type of stuff!

Does anyone see another way to get at it?
 
That's a great idea Rev. I have a rigid one but the flex version might work. If not, maybe I can just pivot it out on the front bracket instead per your suggestion!
 
If you were planning on replacing the cylinder base gasket I would suggest that you might as well take the motor out so you can work at a comfortable height. Cleaning off the 30 year old baked on gasket on my 450 was not fun.

If you're just replacing the head gasket then I second the magnet pick-up idea. If you have a spare tire or heavy blanket, you can also lay the bike on it's side without scratching anything if that will help get to the socket.
 
If you get a strong enough magnet, you could set it against the frame where the socket is and slide it out.
 
Guys, all great suggestions! I will be happy to inform you that I tried a long piece of wire and poked it around inside the frame between the engine case and swing arm. Lo and behold it fell out onto the ground! So, thankfully I don't need to drop the engine this time.

Now regarding the head gasket, the residue is one big son of a bitch to remove! Sheesh! That will take me a few weeks to get it off both surfaces.
 
they make scotch brite pads that will fit in a power drill, as long as you are gentle, they will take the gasket and not hurt the metal.

I use a little spray brake cleaner and those scotch-brite pads and it comes off really quickly.

YRMV...
 
Thanks Bozz. I'll give that a shot. I have those pads for my drill for stripping paint. I just have to make sure I don't flat spot some areas by dwelling on them too long with the pad.

Would you recommend the same method to clean the combustion chamber area and piston heads of the carbon buildup?
 
I wire brush those, as the carbon generally comes off pretty easily.

Just go really easy around the valve seats and the edge of the top of the piston.

You really dont want to scratch the side of the piston at all.

Keep a cool head and take it slow, but if you are careful the power tools will really help the elbow grease factor.

Also, be aware that there are several choices in scotch-brite pads.

They are colored and have grits like sand paper.

You want the fine stuff (green or blue iirc) for gasket stripping, not the course brown ones as they will scour the metal in a milisecond.

Cheers!
 
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