How to: Rotate your engine : With Pics!

[wally]

I'm planning on replacing rocker cover gaskets this weekend with the James gasket set. I'm sure I will get it waxed with this thread! ��

[tazwolf]

I have the service manual and hence my confusion as the rotation description in this thread seems a lot easier but there is no mention of loosening the rear engine mount/isolator center bolt as there is in the service manual.

[Chicknstripn]

The service manual is your Buell bible.
Write ups aren't sacrament but are good Buell life guides.

[tazwolf]

Ok, Chicknstripn thanks for explaining. Loosen but not remove center bolt, will do.

[wally]

Did it over the weekend and it was easy as pie!

Thanx to the great step by step pics!

Installing the engine was a mission, but fully because of silly mistakes on my part!
Like forgetting to fit front breather tube after I had torqued v-bar and isolator in place and once again after realising the coil wasn't in the correct spot.

Won't be making those mistakes again!

James gaskets fitted, plugs changed - although they were only due after another 5000kms.

All ready for next weekend's trip.

[tazwolf]

Hi all
just wanted to thank the OP, chinkstripn and everyone else who has contributed. I rotated the engine, changed the exhaust gaskets (used James copper ones) and replaces the rear tiebar. Unlike some others i thought it was quite a harrowing experience with the engine creaking plus the fact that i was so concentrated on making sure nothing got trapped that I did not notice that my scissor jack became misaligned with the bottom of the engine, lucky I was wearing dark coloured trousers but it was easier for me to use two scissor jacks, alternating between them.
I did loosen the rear isolator bolt.
I had to loosen the strap securing the gearbox vent tube on the frame as i was afraid it might become disconnected due to stretching.
otherwise, it went ok, I will do it again without hesitation if I have to, but I would not say it is easy, for me at least with no experience of wrenching.

thanks!

[njloco]

Well, you now have experience ! Feels good, right ?

[tazwolf]

Well, you now have experience ! Feels good, right ?

Yes it does feels very, quite proud of being able to do an engine rotation.Before this i had a Triumph Thunderbird sport 10 years ago and managed to change the oil and brake fluid and thought that was pretty advanced at the time ha ha.

In addition, i changed all the other tiebars, the rear wheel bearings, changed the idler pulley to a free spirits with new bearings, fitted muller power clutch, new grips, new brake and clutch levers, new clutch cable, new spark plugs + cables. Feels like I know the bike now (with the exception of the engine internals).

Could not have done it without BuellXB and UKBeg websites.

Thanks!

[TPEHAK]

Unlike some others i thought it was quite a harrowing experience with the engine creaking plus the fact that i was so concentrated on making sure nothing got trapped that I did not notice that my scissor jack became misaligned with the bottom of the engine, lucky I was wearing dark coloured trousers but it was easier for me to use two scissor jacks, alternating between them.

I used a piece of wood to support the engine and to realign the scissors jack on the way down

[tazwolf]

I used a piece of wood to support the engine and to realign the scissors jack on the way down

Thats a good idea with the piece of wood but i had misalignment several times during the rotation down, at one point the scissor jack was at a 45 degree angle.