HOW-TO: split your crankcase

volcomskater77

XS400 Chopophile
Top Contributor
Messages
1,198
Reaction score
4
Points
38
Location
tinley park, Illinois
Before you read this, know this this is for someone who wants to split the crankcase without dissasembling the entire engine. Example: A cracked kickstart shaft journal that is laying around and bouncing in the block, but the engine runs fine.

If i miss anything or provide false information, feel free to PM me and explain your point, i will gladly fix any mistakes.

TOOLS
To tackle this you will first need to gather your tools. You will need (1) 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch socket wrench (I suggest 3/8, it’s bigger and easier to break loose the tough bolts), metric sockets (deep well works best), (1) extension, allen wrenches, a sharpie and baggies, and a (2) flathead screwdrivers. Make sure they're thick enough to take some strain.
*When trying to remove really grimy and rusty bolts, ALWAYS use a 6-pt socket - less likely to round off your bolts.



DRAIN THE OIL FIRST. Common sense.After that is done, you will need to remove the side covers. Bag and Tag the bolts, makings sure to seperate what bolts are for what side.
DSC00286-1.jpg


After that is done, remove the chain tensioner for the starter and slide the cog off of the spline. Bag and tag the chain, tensioner and cog in one bag. Go to the top and remove your starter cover (marked blue in the picture), and as always, B&T the cover and bolts in with the chain. Then remove the bolts holding the cases together (these are marked in red) and B&T them labeled TOP OF CASE, or something similar.
DSC00249-1.jpg


Now to remove the starter, take out the bolts holding the starter to the block, not the screws. B&T the bolts with the rest of the starter stuff and wiggle out the starter. I took a piece of wood and lightly tapped it with a hammer while it was pressed against the spline on the starter. That worked pretty well.


There will be 3 bolts under the starter that need to be removed in order to crack the case open, if you forget these three and start to bust open your case after everything else is out, nothing happens. Again, ask me how I know. The ones in red need to be removed and the blue are the holes where the starter bolts went in.
DSC00252.jpg


Now flip the engine and remove all the bolts that are red and don’t forget to B&T.
DSC00253-1-1.jpg


After all of your bolts are out, make sure you didn’t forget any and put a block of wood next on the place I’m pointing out with my long screwdriver, and start tapping it with a hammer, gradually hitting it harder until it starts to give. DO NOT WAIL ON IT.
DSC00284-1.jpg

When it starts to come up, shove a screwdriver or something under there, NOT FAR, just enough to wiggle and keep it up while you move to the other side.

find this place on right hand side of the engine the start repeating the process.
DSC00285-1.jpg

Put a screw driver in that slot and just move them up and down. At the same time so it rocks the bottom of the case, which is now the top, until you can take it off. BEHOLD!!! You now have a split case!

once again, feel free to PM me and point out any flaws. hope this helps someone.

Thanks to travis for the editing and drewpy for the criticisim.
 
Last edited:
yeah. the reasoning behind it is because it took me forever before i realized i should look under the starter for more bolts. i figured preople may also have the same problem that i faced. lol
 
Don't worry, I will once I split this thing. I pulled out the service manual and located the last bolt, but its behind the oil pump which has a stuck/stripped screw which is currently being jb welded to a nut that i can apply more force too. So once that sets if I find the time I'll add the pictures.
 
Thanks for the write-up. I'm hoping to do this to my 1979 XS400F some day.

I do have to say though...that I am now curious to see what you are doing with your engine beyond just opening it up? Are you doing a full rebuild? Will you be polishing it or painting it up? Please tell us some more about your project.

Thanks.
 
check my build thread. i just rebuilt it to stock specs. no port no polish. just aluminum finish except for the side covers i did duplicolor engine enamel gloss black. its not gonna be a show stopper bike, just a reliable beat the piss out of extended wheel base bobber
 
Nice one this will help a lot of the do it your selfers:thumbsup: All we need now is a how to rebuild your carbs break down :D
 
I know, I would do it but I have not had mine out in a long time and have had no issues with them:bike:
 
Back
Top