Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: B.D.F. on September 04, 2011, 02:16:12 PM

Title: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: B.D.F. on September 04, 2011, 02:16:12 PM
I know the original thread was locked, and it really wasn't going anywhere but I would like to know how this turns out.

So if we can do this just a little bit more without any recriminations from anyone..... Steve, would you post here as to what you ended up doing with that motor mount?

Thanks,
Brian
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: lather on September 04, 2011, 03:04:49 PM
with pictures
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: Sofa King on September 05, 2011, 09:14:12 AM
and in lower case.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: B.D.F. on September 05, 2011, 06:40:32 PM
Yep, you guys are encouraging Steve to come back fer sure....

 ;D

I may have to e-mail him to find out how this ends (besides we never hear from Steve again....).  :-\

Brian

with pictures

and in lower case.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: lt1 on September 05, 2011, 08:42:05 PM
Yep, you guys are encouraging Steve to come back fer sure....

 ;D

I may have to e-mail him to find out how this ends (besides we never hear from Steve again....).  :-\

Brian
And the problem with that is??
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: B.D.F. on September 05, 2011, 09:38:16 PM
I believe Steve brings useful information to the <virtual> table here on the forum. He might have gotten a little bit exasperated but then again, so have quite a few other members, hey Clyde?  ;)  Still, I believe he has done a good job of finding out how the engine mount system works on the bike, determined that that is not what is causing his problem (nor will that cure it) and further done a good job IMO of explaining to the rest of us what the rear engine mount DOES do and why it is there. I would really like to know how this turned out, what he did about the mount, and how it went back together, all in the intereest of building knowledge about the bike itself.

I am just suggesting we cut the guy a bit of slack and see if we can glean any more info. as to what the underlying problem is / was and how much of a 'tweak' it is going to take to fix it. We can always go back to bashing and abusing him later but I am hoping this is the time '....when again touched, as surely we will be, by the better angels of our nature.'  Paraphrased, A.Lincoln.

Brian

And the problem with that is??
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: lather on September 05, 2011, 10:39:40 PM
FWIW I had no intentions of discouraging Steve's participation and would welcome his return as this is a subject of interest to me since I apparently rode my C14 for a bunch of miles without my engine fully connected to the frame.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: C1xRider on September 05, 2011, 10:50:18 PM
I believe Steve brings useful information to the <virtual> table here on the forum. He might have gotten a little bit exasperated but then again, so have quite a few other members, hey Clyde?  ;)  Still, I believe he has done a good job of finding out how the engine mount system works on the bike, determined that that is not what is causing his problem (nor will that cure it) and further done a good job IMO of explaining to the rest of us what the rear engine mount DOES do and why it is there. I would really like to know how this turned out, what he did about the mount, and how it went back together, all in the intereest of building knowledge about the bike itself.

I am just suggesting we cut the guy a bit of slack and see if we can glean any more info. as to what the underlying problem is / was and how much of a 'tweak' it is going to take to fix it. We can always go back to bashing and abusing him later but I am hoping this is the time '....when again touched, as surely we will be, by the better angels of our nature.'  Paraphrased, A.Lincoln.

Brian

From your statement, it sounds like you agree that loosening *both* rear mounts will have no effect on the ability to install the bolts in the front mount.  I asked if that had been tried, point blank, and did not get a clear "Yes, I tried it" as a reply.  From what I could tell, only one was loosened, and then re-tightened.

Until someone reproduces the alignment problem and actually tries the sequence as it is listed in the manual, and reports back here without any ambiguity that this was done and did not work, I doubt anyone will cut anyone else any slack.

I too would like to know how this turns out, though if reaming out the bolt hole is the fix Steve uses, I would be concerned.  When Kawasaki uses the term "stressed member" in relation to the frame and engine mounting, I have to wonder if they are using the word "stressed" quite literally.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: Sofa King on September 06, 2011, 01:40:23 AM
I WAS JUST KIDDING AROUND.  :o
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 06, 2011, 04:04:48 AM
Guys, let's let this one simmer down for a bit as the tone is again changing for the worse.  I don't want to lock this thread as well.  If the OP of the other thread wants to let us know what happened he's welcome to post a solution here or in another thread.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: Sofa King on September 06, 2011, 06:45:15 AM
Sorry, I am not trying to start anything, just joking around.  I put it in all caps to be ironic, funny.  But appear to be just annoying...my bad.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: B.D.F. on September 06, 2011, 06:48:57 AM
Well, understanding that I do not know and have not seen Steve's bike, it does seem to me that he has studied the entire mounting situation very well, thought through the possibilities, and then responded here in a logical and reasonable manner why the engine cannot be re-aligned in the frame via the rear mount. So yes, I tend to believe him, especially since his findings make sense to me. Just as an example, to move the front of the engine, say, 1/16" down but on one side only, the engine would have to rotate about that same amount about the rear engine mount and that sounds like a LOT of clearance to me. A much more usual way to do this would be to capture some point on the engine with a fixed point on the frame and then allow some movement on the other end. This method at least anchors the critical point of the engine, the output drive point, to a known point in the frame.

But again, all of that said, I do not know exactly what Steve did or exactly what the results are. As he seems like an intelligent and articulate person, I would like to hear him finish the story and find out what he did to alleviate the problem on the left front mount. I look at this situation as a chance to gain knowledge about the bike rather than a case of what method may be better than another method.

There will be plenty of cases for us to 'straighten out' wrong thinking in tire, oil and <k-word> threads later on.... (yep, that was a joke).  ;D

Brian



From your statement, it sounds like you agree that loosening *both* rear mounts will have no effect on the ability to install the bolts in the front mount.  I asked if that had been tried, point blank, and did not get a clear "Yes, I tried it" as a reply.  From what I could tell, only one was loosened, and then re-tightened.

Until someone reproduces the alignment problem and actually tries the sequence as it is listed in the manual, and reports back here without any ambiguity that this was done and did not work, I doubt anyone will cut anyone else any slack.

I too would like to know how this turns out, though if reaming out the bolt hole is the fix Steve uses, I would be concerned.  When Kawasaki uses the term "stressed member" in relation to the frame and engine mounting, I have to wonder if they are using the word "stressed" quite literally.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: lather on September 06, 2011, 07:23:04 AM
I agree Steve seems intelligent and articulate but I am not convinced that he and now you are right about the possible relationships between the rear engine mounting bolts and adjustment collars and the front engine brackets. I was thinking that the whole frame (which if I recall correctly is an innovative partial monocoque type) is designed to be in some tension and that tension is pulling the frame out of alignment with the front engine mounts. Such that the front left bracket should only be R/Red with the tension relieved via the rear mounting bolts/collars. Why I did not have a problem similar to Steve's I have no idea.

Here is an interesting ZX14 recall (I think the ZX14 has a similar frame design)
http://www.bikeland.org/board/viewthread.php?TID=39449&FID=27 (http://www.bikeland.org/board/viewthread.php?TID=39449&FID=27)
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: C1xRider on June 03, 2012, 04:12:38 PM
Well, another old thread that needs some closure.

I pulled both front motor mounts off my 2010 to do the valve adjustment, and sure enough, when I reassembled everything the front motor mount bolts would not go back in.  The holes in the brackets would not line up with the holes in the frame.

I've been anticipating this since this thread and it's original (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3700.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3700.0)).  I've actually been looking forward to it.

I can now say that we were right!  I loosened the jam nuts on the right side of the rear mount bolts, then loosened the mount bolts themselves from the left side (beware, they have left hand threads - CW to loosen, CCW to tighten), and as I was loosening the second one, I heard a solid 'clunk'.  I looked at the front, and the bolt holes were all lined up.

I left the front brackets loose to get the best alignment of the main front engine bolts, then tightened up all the front bolts, then the rear bolts, and everything is back together with no grinding, no drilling, no machining of any kind, and virtually no fuss.

Just wanted everyone to know the procedure in the manual works great, and not to fret over removing those front bolts and brackets.  And by no means should you consider reaming out the holes in those front brackets to get the bolts back in!
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: wendel on June 03, 2012, 04:32:03 PM
I had the same problem when reassembling after the Rostra on the left side. I removed the MCE bar on the left. When I went to reinstall the bar the lower mount would not line up. A mechanic rethreaded it for me. The information about the rear motor mounts is useful info. I do not have a manual for the 2012.

Can someone post the instructions for the rear motor mounts?
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: B.D.F. on June 03, 2012, 06:11:38 PM
Glad it worked out for you and thanks for posting. A couple of things-

You do not have to remove both front motor mounts to do a valve adjust. In fact, there is absolutely no advantage in removing the left / front bracket. I have done several valve checks / adjustments on different C-14s and never had the engine to frame relationship shift when only removing the right / front motor mount bracket.

Can you expand a bit on moving the rear mount adjustment(s), hearing a clunk and the front brackets coming back into alignment? It would seem that moving the rear motor mounts with the front brackets removed could only result in the engine shifting downward.... but how would the engine have shifted upward just by removing the front brackets in the first place? Did you have a jack under the engine at some point? Were both front brackets misaligned in the same direction (i.e. both up or both down relative to the engine)? I honestly do not remember the finer points of this discussion and am not picturing what went on with your procedure.

Thanks,
Brian


Well, another old thread that needs some closure.

I pulled both front motor mounts off my 2010 to do the valve adjustment, and sure enough, when I reassembled everything the front motor mount bolts would not go back in.  The holes in the brackets would not line up with the holes in the frame.

I've been anticipating this since this thread and it's original (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3700.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3700.0)).  I've actually been looking forward to it.

I can now say that we were right!  I loosened the jam nuts on the right side of the rear mount bolts, then loosened the mount bolts themselves from the left side (beware, they have left hand threads - CW to loosen, CCW to tighten), and as I was loosening the second one, I heard a solid 'clunk'.  I looked at the front, and the bolt holes were all lined up.

I left the front brackets loose to get the best alignment of the main front engine bolts, then tightened up all the front bolts, then the rear bolts, and everything is back together with no grinding, no drilling, no machining of any kind, and virtually no fuss.

Just wanted everyone to know the procedure in the manual works great, and not to fret over removing those front bolts and brackets.  And by no means should you consider reaming out the holes in those front brackets to get the bolts back in!
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: C1xRider on June 03, 2012, 07:42:28 PM
Glad it worked out for you and thanks for posting. A couple of things-

You do not have to remove both front motor mounts to do a valve adjust. In fact, there is absolutely no advantage in removing the left / front bracket. I have done several valve checks / adjustments on different C-14s and never had the engine to frame relationship shift when only removing the right / front motor mount bracket.

Can you expand a bit on moving the rear mount adjustment(s), hearing a clunk and the front brackets coming back into alignment? It would seem that moving the rear motor mounts with the front brackets removed could only result in the engine shifting downward.... but how would the engine have shifted upward just by removing the front brackets in the first place? Did you have a jack under the engine at some point? Were both front brackets misaligned in the same direction (i.e. both up or both down relative to the engine)? I honestly do not remember the finer points of this discussion and am not picturing what went on with your procedure.

Thanks,
Brian

Sure thing, happy to do it.

I have tip over bars that mount on the front engine mount bolts (bottom of the front engine mount brackets), using the bolts that thread into the engine case.  When I installed the bars, I did them one side at a time, never having both front bolts out at the same time.

When I pulled the bars to remove the fairings to do the valve inspection, both sides were now off at the same time, and the engine moved UP, relative to the holes in both brackets (still not sure why).  No jacking up of the engine was done, bike was just sitting on the center stand.  Maybe the C14 engine just defies the laws of gravity.

I had noticed when I originally installed the bars, the tops of the lower holes in both front aluminum engine brackets were scarred by the threads of the bolts.  It was difficult to get the bolts back in, because the threads were seriously rubbing the top of the holes in both brackets.

I didn't have a Allen head socket short enough to remove the bolts over the #1 exhaust with the left side bracket in the way.  It was just easier to remove the left side bracket completely to get the bolts out, to remove the cams.  Since the engine bolt was already out, and I could see the holes were no longer aligned, it mattered even less.  As I recall, that's the same reason vortex2 (Steve?) removed the left side bracket on his bike.

I'm not sure how the rear mounting bolts actually work.  There are 2 bolts that go all the way through the bike, connecting to the frame on each side, with the engine sandwiched in between.  There are no 'brackets' really, just bolts going through everything.

It would seem that just loosening these bolts would do nothing, but that is certainly not the case.  The heads of these bolts are on the right side (Allen heads), and I believe they thread into the engine case itself.  When you tighten the bolts, it pulls the engine up against the right side frame.  The nut on the left side is a jam nut, to keep the bolt from coming loose, and possibly pulls the left side frame tight against the engine (not sure about this either).

Clearly when I loosened the last bolt, the engine dropped into place.  There was a loud 'clunk', loud enough that my buddy standing next to me heard it too (he's half deaf, and I forgot to ask him if he had his hearing aids in or not).

After that, I was able to start the front bolts, and turn them until they hit the red thread lock goo, with my fingers.  Something I could not do when I originally installed the tip over bars.  :)
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: basmntdweller on June 03, 2012, 08:08:09 PM
I am way late to this thread but if the engine moved up when the bolts were loosened, maybe it was under some leverage from the rear suspension/ shaft drive since it was on the center stand. Maybe if it was sitting on the wheels the engine would be free to drop when the bolts are loosened? Just a WAG that maybe someone could verify when it is their time to do the valve check. Mine is a long way off so hopefully someone else may verify this before I get to mine.

Matt
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: marku8a on June 03, 2012, 09:26:54 PM
Sure thing, happy to do it.

I have tip over bars that mount on the front engine mount bolts (bottom of the front engine mount brackets), using the bolts that thread into the engine case.  When I installed the bars, I did them one side at a time, never having both front bolts out at the same time.

When I pulled the bars to remove the fairings to do the valve inspection, both sides were now off at the same time, and the engine moved UP, relative to the holes in both brackets (still not sure why).  No jacking up of the engine was done, bike was just sitting on the center stand.  Maybe the C14 engine just defies the laws of gravity.

This is very interesting. When I installed my Top Block tip over protectors I had to remove the front engine mount bolts. I had difficulty with the removal that I attributed to the thread locker. I loosened both sides before removing the bolts then removed the bolts from both sides. Part of this installation requires the replacement of the upper rear engine mount bolt with the Top Block replacement bolt. Since my installation took place over a couple of days I don't recall if I had the rear bolt off/on at the same time as the front bolts. But at one point all were loose (not torque to the final value)

On re-assembly, the rear upper went in with the slight tap of a plastic mallet. The  right side upper was easy to get started but got difficult (higher than expected torque) about half way home. I think that this is still attributable to the old red thread locker. I used Blue Loctite thinking it would act as a lubricant on the way in. The left side upper mount has 2 bolts. They started but got difficult like the right side. The lower larger bolt required a ½ inch ratchet. I tightened them a bit at a time until they were both snug before the final torque.

All work was done on the centerstand. The left front lower bolt installation just didn’t feel right. Way too much torque needed only half way home.

I am about to start a Rostra installation and am concerned about snapping the front upper left engine mount bolts while loosing/tightening the bolts to move the brace for drilling the throttle arm.

Other experiences?

Mark


Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: B.D.F. on June 04, 2012, 06:30:24 AM
OK, that makes perfect sense as to why you would remove both mounts.

The engine moving 'up' when the front brackets were removed is odd for sure. I would think it would move down and require a jack to lift it back into alignment rather than just loosening the rear mounting bolts.

At any rate, glad to hear it went so easily. Thanks for the explanation.

Brian

Sure thing, happy to do it.

I have tip over bars that mount on the front engine mount bolts (bottom of the front engine mount brackets), using the bolts that thread into the engine case.  When I installed the bars, I did them one side at a time, never having both front bolts out at the same time.

<snip>

After that, I was able to start the front bolts, and turn them until they hit the red thread lock goo, with my fingers.  Something I could not do when I originally installed the tip over bars.  :)
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: JetJock on June 04, 2012, 12:08:43 PM
My two pesos' since I have not done any of this, but . . . RED Loctite? Is that actually spec'd in the manual? There are very few damn parts that ever require that, and it seems wrong that motor mounts would be one of them. You need either a massive amount of leverage or a propane torch to heat up parts that have red Loctite on them.

And you MUST clean the threads on any parts that have ever had any Loctite on them, whatever the color. This is probably why the one poster complained about how fast it got too tight. Old Loctite has to be removed or you won't just get bad torque readings but you risk damaging the threads, the part, the fastener itself.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: basmntdweller on June 04, 2012, 01:55:10 PM
My two pesos' since I have not done any of this, but . . . RED Loctite? Is that actually spec'd in the manual? There are very few damn parts that ever require that, and it seems wrong that motor mounts would be one of them. You need either a massive amount of leverage or a propane torch to heat up parts that have red Loctite on them.

And you MUST clean the threads on any parts that have ever had any Loctite on them, whatever the color. This is probably why the one poster complained about how fast it got too tight. Old Loctite has to be removed or you won't just get bad torque readings but you risk damaging the threads, the part, the fastener itself.

Very true for actual red loctite but may manufacturers use different colors for thread locking compounds. Red isn't always permanent variety in other brands. I have that red is for very small fasteners that will need to be removable and some green that is permanent where green is normally cylindrical bonding. Who knows what Kawi used and what it's red properties actually are.

Matt
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: Breaker19 on June 04, 2012, 02:00:04 PM
I HATE it when holes won't line up! I just grease 'em up and push harder...  8) :P :D
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on June 04, 2012, 03:54:10 PM
I HATE it when holes won't line up! I just grease 'em up and push harder...  8) :P :D

I have been married for 12 years and have never had good luck with that method!  Makes for a lonely remainder of the evening........ ;D
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: Conrad on June 05, 2012, 04:40:46 AM
I have been married for 12 years and have never had good luck with that method!  Makes for a lonely remainder of the evening........ ;D

+1

And possibly the next day too. 35 years for me.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: Caffeinated on June 26, 2012, 06:35:19 AM
Thank you for bringing this thread back to life. In the process of trying to install the Canyon Cages yesterday, the upper right side bold would not go in, due to the hole being slightly of.  The original one came out, but it was VERY tight, and it must have been binding on the bracket. the engine is slightly higher than the bracket hole.  Unfortunately I may have buggered up the threads in the engine, so I'll have to get a hold of a thread restorer to see if I can bring them back.  The original bolt went back in, but was tight again. Also the top rear mount that runs through the frame looks to be further forward than it should be. I would not go all the way in by its self with out using the nut on the other site to pull it.

I'll have to go through the complete engine mounting loosen and re-torqueing procedure to see if they will line up.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: C1xRider on June 26, 2012, 08:54:13 PM
Thank you for bringing this thread back to life. In the process of trying to install the Canyon Cages yesterday, the upper right side bold would not go in, due to the hole being slightly of.  The original one came out, but it was VERY tight, and it must have been binding on the bracket. the engine is slightly higher than the bracket hole.  Unfortunately I may have buggered up the threads in the engine, so I'll have to get a hold of a thread restorer to see if I can bring them back.  The original bolt went back in, but was tight again. Also the top rear mount that runs through the frame looks to be further forward than it should be. I would not go all the way in by its self with out using the nut on the other site to pull it.

I'll have to go through the complete engine mounting loosen and re-torqueing procedure to see if they will line up.

If it behaves like mine did, once you break loose the second rear bolt (after loosening both rear nuts), you should here a loud 'clunk' as the engine drops into place.

Let us know if it does, since so far I'm the only one to try this that's actually posted the results here.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: RBX QB on June 26, 2012, 09:29:06 PM
Thank you for bringing this thread back to life. In the process of trying to install the Canyon Cages yesterday, the upper right side bold would not go in, due to the hole being slightly of.  The original one came out, but it was VERY tight, and it must have been binding on the bracket. the engine is slightly higher than the bracket hole.  Unfortunately I may have buggered up the threads in the engine, so I'll have to get a hold of a thread restorer to see if I can bring them back.  The original bolt went back in, but was tight again. Also the top rear mount that runs through the frame looks to be further forward than it should be. I would not go all the way in by its self with out using the nut on the other site to pull it.

I'll have to go through the complete engine mounting loosen and re-torqueing procedure to see if they will line up.

Ditto for me... I could see all of the threads in the engine, but they were definitely getting close to the top edge of the bracket. Got the original bolt back in, but the MCE bolt is trashed and needs replacing. I'm going to try to find an appropriate tap to clean the rest of the locktite out, then replace the bolt with one (hopefully) just a little longer to compensate for the gummed threads. I can see the  back of the bolt location (from the other side of the bike), and the factory bolt does not extend all the way to the inboard edge of that engine casing, so I'm optimistic that a longer bolt will yield enough engaged threads to compensate for the ones I killed (and no moving parts back there in case the bolt peeks out)


If it behaves like mine did, once you break loose the second rear bolt (after loosening both rear nuts), you should here a loud 'clunk' as the engine drops into place.
.

To be completely clear, the rear lower is the nut hiding behind the shifter linkage, correct? I wish the diagram in the manual was about 4 times larger so it was clearer to me. But, I'll still wait for Caffeinated to respond, since it seems he's at least 24 hours ahead of me on this.

Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: C1xRider on June 26, 2012, 11:22:52 PM
To be completely clear, the rear lower is the nut hiding behind the shifter linkage, correct? I wish the diagram in the manual was about 4 times larger so it was clearer to me. But, I'll still wait for Caffeinated to respond, since it seems he's at least 24 hours ahead of me on this.

Correct, the rear lower nut is hiding behind the shifter.  You need to loosen both rear nuts, then break loose the bolts from the right side (using a 6mm Allen wrench, as I recall) .
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: Caffeinated on June 27, 2012, 06:18:40 AM
I may be ahead but I'm real slow...I'm heading over to a buddy's house this weekend that has every tool know to man to run a thread restorer though the engine case.  I was able to get the stock bolt back in so I could continue to ride
I can see the  back of the bolt location (from the other side of the bike), and the factory bolt does not extend all the way to the inboard edge of that engine casing, so I'm optimistic that a longer bolt will yield enough engaged threads to compensate for the ones I killed (and no moving parts back there in case the bolt peeks out)

That's the same for me as well. wondering if on some bikes the threads do not extend all the way through. When I pulled out the MCE 60MM bolt after putting WAY to much torque on it, there was metal (aluminum?) filling 3-4 threads on the end of the bolt. This is a 12.9 hardened bolt, so it should be able to cut right through aluminum I would think. I'm thinking now that maybe the treads did not get messed up, but that it was cutting threads at the other end of the hole?

Correct, the rear lower nut is hiding behind the shifter.  You need to loosen both rear nuts, then break loose the bolts from the right side (using a 6mm Allen wrench, as I recall) .
For clarification C1xRider, were all the engine mount bolts loosened before you loosened the bottom rear bolt?
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: The Pope on June 27, 2012, 08:49:04 AM
This "might" help.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: C1xRider on June 30, 2012, 09:44:55 AM
For clarification C1xRider, were all the engine mount bolts loosened before you loosened the bottom rear bolt?

Yes they were.  The 2 front bolts were completely removed (even the front bracket bolts were loose), and then loosen both rear bolts.

Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: Caffeinated on July 05, 2012, 05:30:36 AM
Finally got back to the Canyon install and my bolt issue.  I went through the procedures above, and loosened the front brackets as well. Never heard a clunk or actually saw the engine move, except with a jack under it.  I was able to move the brackets enough to find a better alignment, but I thing the real issues was that the front tire was turned to the side.  When the tire is turned the center stand twists and the bike moves. the center stand is directly attached to the frame and engine right below the lower engine mount. That twisting must cause the engine to raise a small amount causing the front mounting bolts to bind and not align correctly. Once the the front was pointing forward, and I jiggled the front brackets everything lined up so there was not binding of the bolts.

On a side note, I ran a tap through the threads on the right side mount to hopefully restore them, since I managed to strip some of the end threads. Thought it worked ok...guess I was wrong. Can't get the right side torqued too 44 ft-lbs without it popping over.  I'll have to see about putting a thread healer core in there to fix it.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: C1xRider on July 05, 2012, 10:23:23 AM
Finally got back to the Canyon install and my bolt issue.  I went through the procedures above, and loosened the front brackets as well. Never heard a clunk or actually saw the engine move, except with a jack under it.  I was able to move the brackets enough to find a better alignment, but I thing the real issues was that the front tire was turned to the side.  When the tire is turned the center stand twists and the bike moves. the center stand is directly attached to the frame and engine right below the lower engine mount. That twisting must cause the engine to raise a small amount causing the front mounting bolts to bind and not align correctly. Once the the front was pointing forward, and I jiggled the front brackets everything lined up so there was not binding of the bolts.

On a side note, I ran a tap through the threads on the right side mount to hopefully restore them, since I managed to strip some of the end threads. Thought it worked ok...guess I was wrong. Can't get the right side torqued too 44 ft-lbs without it popping over.  I'll have to see about putting a thread healer core in there to fix it.

Interesting note about front wheel position affecting engine position.  I never considered that, as mine was on the center stand with the wheel pointed straight ahead, and I had no reason to move it.

Also, I did not have a jack under mine.  If you had a jack under the engine when you loosened the rear bolts, then obviously you would not hear it drop.

Bummer about the stripped treads, but as you already know, a Heli-coil should take care of it.

I am curious about one thing, when you were able to jiggle the front brackets and see the holes line up, did you have a jack under the engine supporting it?  Mine did not, and the holes were dead center in the brackets.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: Caffeinated on July 05, 2012, 10:47:01 AM
Interesting note about front wheel position affecting engine position.  I never considered that, as mine was on the center stand with the wheel pointed straight ahead, and I had no reason to move it.

Also, I did not have a jack under mine.  If you had a jack under the engine when you loosened the rear bolts, then obviously you would not hear it drop.

Bummer about the stripped treads, but as you already know, a Heli-coil should take care of it.

I am curious about one thing, when you were able to jiggle the front brackets and see the holes line up, did you have a jack under the engine supporting it?  Mine did not, and the holes were dead center in the brackets.
No jack under there until I had the front bolts out, and had already messed with the rear bolts.  Just seeing what it would do, and how the engine would move. even after moving the brackets and keeping the wheel straight, the hole are not dead center, but at least now there is enough room so the bolt wont bind on the bracket/

I've got not experience with the Heli-Coils, or Keenserts.  Any recommendation on which is better/easier to install, and will allow it to be torqued to 44ft-lbs?  Wondering if It could be installed with the bracket in place, or would I have to remove it to get direct access to the threads?
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: C1xRider on July 05, 2012, 10:52:04 AM
No jack under there until I had the front bolts out, and had already messed with the rear bolts.  Just seeing what it would do, and how the engine would move. even after moving the brackets and keeping the wheel straight, the hole are not dead center, but at least now there is enough room so the bolt wont bind on the bracket/

I've got not experience with the Heli-Coils, or Keenserts.  Any recommendation on which is better/easier to install, and will allow it to be torqued to 44ft-lbs?  Wondering if It could be installed with the bracket in place, or would I have to remove it to get direct access to the threads?

I've never used "Keenserts", so can't comment on them.  I have used a few Heli-coils in the past, and they've always worked great.  I've even put a tiny amount of Loctite Red on the outside of the Heli-coil threads, to help insure they stay put.

As for the bracket, I would remove it.  I'm sure it will be much easier to install a thread repair product, that is likely larger than the bracket hole, if the bracket is out of the way.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: Caffeinated on July 05, 2012, 11:11:49 AM
I've never used "Keenserts", so can't comment on them.  I have used a few Heli-coils in the past, and they've always worked great.  I've even put a tiny amount of Loctite Red on the outside of the Heli-coil threads, to help insure they stay put.

As for the bracket, I would remove it.  I'm sure it will be much easier to install a thread repair product, that is likely larger than the bracket hole, if the bracket is out of the way.

Ok, thanks.  Can't seem to find any info about Heli-Coils and how much torque is allowed. Keenserts are marketed as easy, and no extra tools needed. They are also solid inserts, vs the sping coil.
I'll keep searching.
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: basmntdweller on July 05, 2012, 02:05:06 PM
Ok, thanks.  Can't seem to find any info about Heli-Coils and how much torque is allowed. Keenserts are marketed as easy, and no extra tools needed. They are also solid inserts, vs the sping coil.
I'll keep searching.

Heli-Coils are far stronger than the original aluminum threads in the engine casing. Generally speaking, even on steel parts, the Heli-coil insert will be stronger than the original threads plus they are much more resistant to damage and wear from repeated assembly/disassembly. I have never been a fan of Keenserts except in a few very specific applications.

Matt
Title: Re: Front engine mount bracket doesn't like up.... part duex
Post by: Caffeinated on July 06, 2012, 08:53:52 AM
Heli-Coils are far stronger than the original aluminum threads in the engine casing. Generally speaking, even on steel parts, the Heli-coil insert will be stronger than the original threads plus they are much more resistant to damage and wear from repeated assembly/disassembly. I have never been a fan of Keenserts except in a few very specific applications.

Matt
Good to know. Thanks.