Hydrolock repair without removing engine - tips?

[1500Rider]

Well, after doing some searching on the board about hydrolock repair and reading many posts, I'm getting ready to replace the idler gear inside the rear case. From the posts if appears that the job can be done without removing the engine. I know it's going to be difficult and cramped to get in there but I'm going to give it a try.

So far I've removed the both exhaust pipes, the starter and alternator (all other body parts are already off the bike for other work). I'll be draining the clutch fluid and engine oil next in order to get ready to remove the clutch housing.  I've noticed in some pictures that the sub-frame under the engine has been unbolted from the main frame. I was curious as to if the engine mount points from the engine handers are strong enough to support the engine with the sub-frame removed? I plan on supporting the engine with my jack but didn't want to unbolt the sub-frame only to find out I couldn't line it up again when it comes to reassembly.

Lots of suggestions to take plenty of picture during the process but was wondering if anybody else that has done this job had any helpful tips or suggestions that might make the job go a bit easier.

[Bigun]

Yep they sure are. there is 4 mounting points above and funny but true even with the bolts out of them we had to beat the old block for about 10 min with a rubber hammer to drive it out of the upper mounts.

[TJ]

From someone who has done a couple of them, Save your self some time and trouble and just pull the motor... You'll be much happier in the long run...

[1500Rider]

Thanks Bigun, good to know about the mounts up top. I'll keep a jack under the block just in case but at least I can remove the sub-frame.

TJ – I hope it doesn't come to having to remove the entire engine but I'll keep in in mind. Looks to be a pretty tight squeeze between the frame, clutch housing and rear case. Going to have a look though my Honda shop manual this week and go through all the steps for removing the engine. Didn't really want to touch anything with the carbs or radiator but, since I'm doing a complete flush and coolant replacement, as well as a desmog, it might not be so bad after all. I'll keep everyone up to date on my progress.

[Bigun]

I'm in the process of replacing my motor due to a severe hydrolock, Block is hung but I figured I'd replace belts, polish chrome, de-smog, replace carb seals/intake o-rings etc while it was down. I really dont want to do anything else other than ride the rest of the year. Motor removal is ok as long as you have helpers and as far as re-hanging a motor it is definately not a 1 person project unless you have proper lifts and tools to do so. Good luck.

[1500Rider]

Thanks for the information everyone! Ended up deciding to drop the engine. Pulled it out today. Was a PITA but it's done. Should make the job of repairing the hydrolock damage much easier as well as a few other jobs. Did the shiny desmog on the engine and am going to take the opportunity to clean up the engine block and replace the intake o-rings over the next week while I wait for the parts and tools I need to arrive. Gotta love the Honda shop manual when it ways remove X number of bolts and remove part. Unfortunately they don't really give you any help on just how to remove the part. Starter and alternator were a real problem. Removed the alternator before dropping the engine. From what I understand it can be left in until the engine is dropped. Will put in back on before remounting the engine which should help.

[Bigun]

Thanks for the information everyone! Ended up deciding to drop the engine. Pulled it out today. Was a PITA but it's done. Should make the job of repairing the hydrolock damage much easier as well as a few other jobs. Did the shiny desmog on the engine and am going to take the opportunity to clean up the engine block and replace the intake o-rings over the next week while I wait for the parts and tools I need to arrive. Gotta love the Honda shop manual when it ways remove X number of bolts and remove part. Unfortunately they don't really give you any help on just how to remove the part. Starter and alternator were a real problem. Removed the alternator before dropping the engine. From what I understand it can be left in until the engine is dropped. Will put in back on before remounting the engine which should help.

LOL I got caught up in the moment while reassembling the motor and forgot to install the alternator it aint pretty.