Who has swapped an rc motor???

03rcsezure · 09-29-2009, 12:04 AM

Well, I installed a newer motor in my 2003 rc51 and I am noticing that the motor sits slightly crooked. This is no big deal, I noticed the old motor was not perfectly on center inside the frame.
Here is my uncertainty. With the new motor there are around three distance collars on the left side of the bike where the motor bolts/mounts connect to the frame. After following the Honda service manual to the letter, I notice that there is about a 1/8 inch gap or space between the frame and the distance collars. The manual very vague when it comes to the motor installation.

I have called Honda mechanics about this and most of them just say " wow, it's been a long time since I have even seen an rc51 come through the shop."-meaning, they have no idea.

Has anyone done a motor swap and run into this problem? It is an sp2 motor and sp2 frame. 03 motor and 03 bike. Any help is appreciated!

I have attached a picture showing the gap.

zerogara · 09-29-2009, 5:02 AM

I can't tell from the picture which one that is, but as I have my fairings off these days I can stick my finger in there and tell you how mine is. Is it the one behind the radiator or the rear one?
Are there distance collars to the right as well?

03rcsezure · 09-29-2009, 10:39 AM

Yes, it is the collar on the left side of the bike ( as you sit on it), at the top of the frame behind and towards the rear of the radiator. There are no collars on the right side. I think it is called the left center one. Thanks for the help! I will try to get another picture.

SubSailor · 09-30-2009, 4:11 PM

There should be no space between the distance collars and the engine.
They should be securely torqued.
It may have been caused by incorrect bolt tightening sequence, especially concerning the swingarm adjusting nuts.
The service manual is very specific on the removal and installation/torquing order for the bolts.

03rcsezure · 09-30-2009, 11:04 PM

Thanks for the info. You sound like you have some knowledge about this, are you a mechanic? I followed the engine installation directions to the letter. I may just have the dealer look at it.

SubSailor · 09-30-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03rcsezure

Thanks for the info. You sound like you have some knowledge about this, are you a mechanic? I followed the engine installation directions to the letter. I may just have the dealer look at it.

I've been a mechanic in the past, but I just work on my own bikes currently.
The only reason I mentioned the swingarm adjuster nuts was due they are the only parts I see that could possibly cause lateral misalignment.
And even then, I'm amazed at the amount of gap between the frame and distance collar. I'd think it would be a snug fit before tightening.
I would check with the service manual and loosen the bolts in proper order, then redo the sequence all over again to be sure.

03rcsezure · 09-30-2009, 11:54 PM

I am amazed about the gap also, the motor width measures the same as my old motor. I understand about the swingarm alignment bolts. What I dont understand is HOW there can be such a large gap. My only guess is that when the motor is aligned, the frame must compress somewhat?? Sounds fishy. Thanks for the info.