500 Engine Installation - with or without head on?

[philward]

I will have barrels fitted to the 500 by next weekend (awaiting piston clamps) and know from reading previous posts over the years that engine can go in without head, then fit head whilst engine in the frame. I'm not too bothered about the weight issue so what the pro's and cons of fitting head when engine in frame? - i.e. frame in the way making certain bolts, etc awkwards to fit.
Took the engine out complete and only used to fitting 750 engine - were you can only fit complete

[Johnwebley]

I believe you can fit the head.

But it  may help to leave the breather cover off.

Others with more experience will comment.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Charlie J]

I fitted my 500 engine last week. I did it with the head on by lowering the bare frame onto engine which was resting on its right hand side. I left the breather cover off and found the whole operation to be quite straightforward. I don't think it would have been too much of a problem lifting the engine into the frame in an upright position. The engine should go in from the left hand side.

[Charlie J]

PS

I also left the oil filter cover off

[Oddjob]

Head off, barrels either on or off, your choice. No filter, no oil pan or strainer, no points, no alternator. Helps avoid catching the frame especially if you’ve just had it painted. I prefer no barrels as well as it’s much lighter and you can easily lift it in solo.

Only fit the rear bolts and the under bolts, when the engine is complete you can remove all the bolts bar the step bar bolt, wrap the front frame with rags and you can pivot the engine forward and it makes getting the carbs on much much easier

[philward]

I'll go with your advice Ken but put the barrels on on the bench for ease of installing the rings - thanks everyone!