UPDATE: It's Out!! Can I Pull my Engine by Myself?

I am getting ready to replace the starter clutch in my KZ650. I know I can go in through the bottom, but my engine looks a little ratty. I was thinking of pulling it out to clean & detail it up as well as replace the parts. My manual tells me to remove the head, clutch, alternator and a bunch of other parts before pulling the engine. Can I just pull the carbs, left side cover, & pipes, then take it out? Can one person do this or is it too heavy?

Post edited by: TLH101, at: 2006/02/20 18:20

pull the exhuast studs while youre at it ,put floorjack under motor to take weight off and pull it out,use your legs!

I've done it myself many a time. It makes it easier if you make a makeshift table basically the same height as the engine is sitting in the bike. Use cynder blocks and a piece of wood to make this "table". Have your table sitting right next to your bike. Lift the engine out and right onto the table. Now it's out in the open where you can gather your strength and get a better grip on it to move it to your workbench. Same way to install, get it to the table, then figure out what placement you need to have your hands to heft it the last foot into the frame. Of course wrap rags ect, around all frame area if you don't want the frame scratched up.

It's possible. Kinda heavy with all parts on it but not impossible.

It's so much easier if you have someone help. Entice a local hobo with a 40. Put him opposite the side you're taking it out on. Both lift onto bottom tube and YOU balance it. Have hobo run around to your side and both lift off tube and put it where you want it.

Suitable hobo:


-Duck

Post edited by: Duck, at: 2006/02/17 21:15

You know your physical capabilities better than anyone, so figure the motor with carbs removed weighs 180-190 lbs and take it from there

Yes you can but be careful. I did my 1000 by myself but it was not easy. I put the BC together on a table last weekend. I got it all back together, wheels and all. I picked the whole bike up off the table and onto the ground. That was about my limit. I am only 190lbs and that bike is about 350 lbs as is. It is all about balance and muscle managment, not about how "strong" you are. Good luck

I changed the engine in my 550 this week With the help of another ,, One on one side and me on the other , I am sure the 550 does not have the weight of a 650 ,, But getting it all lined back up to start the bolt ,, It helped to have help ,, :whistle:

TLH, Your engine weighs nominally 225 lbs. You don't need to remove the engine exhaust studs. Get a transmission jack to be able to maneuver the engine and just lift it a hair. I use a furniture moving dolly and can remove and install a complete engine by myself using these tools. It is far easier to remove the top end as the engine weight is concentrated there.

If I can do it to my 900's engine without dropping my intestines onto the floor, you should be able to do it!!!

A KZ 650 engine with the oil drained, valve cover, engine covers, clutch assy and carbs removed weighs app. 135 lbs. (60 some kg) according to my bathroom scale.

Post edited by: onkelb, at: 2006/02/20 10:36

Duck wrote:

It's so much easier if you have someone help. Entice a local hobo with a 40. Put him opposite the side you're taking it out on. Both lift onto bottom tube and YOU balance it. Have hobo run around to your side and both lift off tube and put it where you want it.

Suitable hobo:

-Duck<br><br>Post edited by: Duck, at: 2006/02/17 21:15

entice a suitable hobo with a 40....funny!