CB550 / '78. Engine removal

[Derwood]

Hello,
I am trying to get my engine out of the frame so that I may replace all seals and service the valves etc. can anybody give a hint on how to get the engine out of the frame? I'm looking for dismount instructions specifically as i have already disconnected everything else and removed all hangar bolts.
Thanks in advance

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

Not sure about that particular bike, but many of the CB fours have a segment of frame on the right side that is removable. It bolts on just in front of the footpeg and at the front-right motormount.

 

[hillsy]

Easiest way I've found is to lay the bike on it's side and lift the frame / chassis off the motor. Done it with many bikes over the years and it's a one man job.


Obviously you need to remove most of the engine mounts (and loosen the remaining ones), and lay the engine on some foam or something to protect it. And removing as much as possible from the chassis will help when you go to lift it off the engine.

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

I'm too old for that shit. Tried doing it recently with a CB750. The frame was too heavy for me to lift without hurting myself. I used ratchet straps hung from an overhead comealong to pull the engine. No straining for me.

 

[dualitymike]

One of the less obvious things that tripped me up when removing my CB550 engine was the rear brake lever. Gotta get it off of the frame or it interferes with removal. Also, make sure the positive cable that runs from the starter solenoid to the starter motor is disconnected. Then as long as all the throttle and tach cables and the clutch cable mount are taken off the frame, you should be good to remove it from the right side of the bike. If you're going to lay the bike down and pull the frame off the engine, get a friend to help. It's heavy!

 

[Derwood]

Thanks for all the replies.
I have removed all parts from the frame, cables and shifter/brake arms and disconnected all electrical wiring necessary.
I actually have a factory service manual for the CB550 but I believe it's for any model up to '77 and of course mine is a '78.
In the manual it says; "Dismount engine from right side, lifting the rear slightly".
HA HA HA !
Lifting the rear slightly is not the trick.
I even tried removing the oil pan to relieve some clearance from the frame but this put me in danger of damaging the oil sump.
It's like one of those mountain puzzles with the horseshoes and the ring. It's frustrating but I will persevere. I don't want to lay it down on its side because I want to be able to put it back in the correct way later. :

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

It's definitely easier with the oil pan removed. You can remove the oil pickup so that it doesn't get damaged.

 

[Derwood]

Thanks dog! I will try that then.

It's definitely easier with the oil pan removed. You can remove the oil pickup so that it doesn't get damaged.

 

[hillsy]

I don't want to lay it down on its side because I want to be able to put it back in the correct way later. :

You put it back in the same way - on it's side.

If you can't lift the frame off the motor by hand, you can use a ratchet strap to help. Easier to do that than using a ratchet strap trying to lift the engine.

Just sayin what works for me 100% of the time