Engine Removal on a 74 250 Harescrambler

[Frosty]

Hi,Being new to Pentons,I have a question regarding engine removal from frame.The manual I own doesn't show the frame details.I was able to remove all of the bolts except for the rear one by the swingarm.I took off the nuts from each side but had no movement on what I thought was a stud running between.looked closer and saw what looks like a 12mm socket (that is offset) I need to purchase an 12mm allen wrench socket so I guess a trip to Sears is in order.My questions are: am I approaching this in a reasonable way?Does the stud go all the way through from side to side?Once I remove the piece that looks like a backwards 12mm socket will that allow the stud to clear the frame?Any advice would be much appreciated, Frosty

[tmc3c]

Frosty, I have a 76 250 GS with a 74 motor and I did a complete resto on it and I belive that I used a phillips screw driver and tapped it out this way,also I think I had to hold the motor up and it came out easier that way.Something else might help is to loosen the swing arm bolt so the back of the frame opens up a little.I belive I am right,but just in case go EASY!![]



Thomas Carmichael


1970 125 Six Day
1976 250 Hare Scrambler

[Frosty]

Bob,Thanks for the answer to my question about the Backwards 12mm socket next to the rear engine bolt.Although it has been 4 days I'm having troblem finding the right tool for the job.Sears didn't have a 12mm allen head socket available.Wanted to buy a good tool but I guess an import is what I'll get.Now to add to my question: Now that I have both nuts removed from the stud can I use the screwdriver idea and push it through.I was leary of tapping on this stud not knowing if it went all the way through.When I have removed other bolts I unscrewed the nut far enough to protect the threads on bolt before I gave it a tap.Worked well and nuts are easier to find than studs.Thanks again for the answers,Frosty

[rd400pi]

Another twist to this saga is that I always take out the little spacer that rides on the right rear stud.  I have found that you can remove/install all 3 engine mount bolts with no tension on them if you remove the spacer first and reinstall last.  I found this out the first time I removed the engine and (with the spacer still on) I still had enough tension on the 3 mount bolts that I had to use a punch and was concerned about boogering up the threads.  If you take off the rear spacer first then, the motor can be wiggled around by hand to align or ease tension on any particular mounting bolt.  Reinstall is reverse with bolts reinserted easily and then once they are all in and semi-snug, I reinstall the spacer.  Then I torque all to spec and we are good to go.  You might want to look in your maintenance book about the swingarm bolt.  Doesn't it say in there to loosen the pinch bolt (I think) during engine removal/reinstall and then torque back down when all is in place?  Can somebody verify this since I am not where my book is now and I would hate to put out some bad poop.

  Mike Husted

P.S.  I also remove and reinstall the motor from the right side of the bike (if you were on it).  My first one had some sort of pipe or coil bracket or something up there that was getting in the way of the head fins.  Seems to work fine in/out of that side of the bike, too.  Don't forget this is the perfect time to clean up the motor mounts for good ground contact!!;)

[tmc3c]

Frosty, I am Sorry that I told you wrong about the bolt,I could have sworn that it went all the way through the engine.You are in good hands now though.



Thomas Carmichael


1970 125 Six Day
1976 250 Hare Scrambler

[Frosty]

Thank You to all the POGGERS that left advice.I'm going to find the 12mm allen head socket and get the engine out of the frame.I will keep you updated on how it went.This message board rocks.Frosty

[Young Ted]

If you take the head off first, it is much simpler to take out and put back in.

[rd400pi]

Young Ted,
  I'm sure you have worked on more Penton's than I'll ever get the chance to.  Tried the "head off" thing that the book suggested once and didn't like losing the ability to grab the cylinder to maneuver the motor.  However, I didn't tighten down the cylinder with a couple of nuts like doing deck height.  That would keep it all snug whilst wrestling it!;)

  Mike H.