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GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2018 9:24 am
by jabcb
Another question for the ’72 GT550 cafe build.

Am wondering what is the best/easiest way to install the GT550 motor in the frame.
We did a completely disassembly/rebuild for the GT250 cafe project. That motor wasn’t particularly heavy.
For an old guy like me, the T500 motor is heavy but still doable with a helper, but the GT550 motor is f*** heavy.

Am working on turning the GT550 into a rolling chassis while waiting for the crank rebuild.
Am now wondering about the best assembly procedure. Should we install the motor in the frame before or after we assembled the rolling chassis?

Any suggestions?

Re: GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2018 11:51 am
by GTandcbr
I just put bottom half of motor in first and then put barrels on after. Did it myself used foam pipe insulation to protect frame and trolley jack underneath to raise motor for mounting bolts.

Re: GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2018 12:48 pm
by Alan H
I swung mine in (less barrels, head, carbs) on a pulley block fastened to the garage roof.
Did that on two different 550s.

Or lay the engine on its side and lift the frame over the engine.
Use a friend to help!

Re: GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2018 3:17 pm
by jabcb
The foam pipe insulation is a good suggestion.

How did you attach the motor to the pulley?

Re: GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2018 3:49 pm
by Alan H
Rope through bottom rear engine mounts and bottom front engine mounts in a loop. Lift engine slightly front low.
Lift point above top frame tube, not central. Push engine into frame and lower until front top engine bolt will go in. You can then put a jack under the engine (or a piece of wood between engine and frame bottom rails) and remove the rope. Lower the back of the engine and fit the other bolts. Fit the side plate last.

Sounds complicated, but I did it on my own with both rebuilds and it was easy!

Re: GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2018 4:09 pm
by Alan H
I've a couple of pics of the lift, but they're 2000 miles away on the laptop!
I can post 'em in a week or so, unless you're in a rush!!!

Re: GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2018 6:12 pm
by jabcb
Thanks.

There is no rush. Probably will be another month before we’re ready to start assembling the GT550 motor. And I haven’t even started on polishing + clear coating the motor covers.

Re: GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 3:01 am
by Alan H
Clear coat tends to 'yellow' with engine heat.

Re: GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 2:09 pm
by dollydog
i presume you have the bank of 3 carbs?
to pop them all on together easily i use this method:
[1] light smear of grease around carb and rubber joints.
[2] small plank of wood fore and aft of a scissor jack.
[3] wind scissor jack open and pop all 3 carbs on at once.
[4] use hardwood. planks protect carbs and frame :D
[5] put engine in first, as per your original post :D :D :D
cheers, dd

Re: GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 5:47 pm
by jabcb
I have individual carbs & new boots. So the carbs will be easy to install.
But those tips are useful for future reference incase I need to remove the carbs from my 75 GT550 or red 75 GT750.

Re: GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 7:06 pm
by Alan H
jabcb wrote:I have individual carbs & new boots. So the carbs will be easy to install.
:lol: :lol: :lol:

You think? :roll:

Re: GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 5:22 am
by jabcb
Have individual carbs & new stock boots on the GT380 project that we finished last year. The carbs installed easily one at a time without the use of any grease/lube.
The individual carbs can be a PITA to adjust & keep adjusted but they install much easier.

Re: GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 6:58 am
by Alan H
New rubber adaptors really do make a difference. I didn't have any.
It really does wonders for tbe vocabulary. Fortunately I can swear in several languages - one of the benefits of working around the world as an Engineer I suppose......

Re: GT550 motor / frame assembly order question

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 1:50 pm
by sportston
Alan H wrote:New rubber adaptors really do make a difference. I didn't have any.
It really does wonders for tbe vocabulary. Fortunately I can swear in several languages - one of the benefits of working around the world as an Engineer I suppose......
Hahaha. Sometimes there are not enough expletives to convey one's emotions when doing mechanical work. Maybe I should be like you and learn a few languages.