well as I decided to end my problems with the engine by swapping it :dunno_black:
I tried to do so, following the advice i searched and found in here. So what I found very helpful is the tip (sorry i can't remember the original poster) to keep the engine looking straight at the opening of the motorcycle ("opening" as the right tube is removed) so it is standing vertically at the axis of the motorcycle. So you slide it in the opening, you lift it and you rotate it to the right (clockwise as you look it form above) to come to the right point.
And a tip of my own. If you are working alone and lonely, without some very helpful set of hands to lift a burden off your shoulders (of course this tip may be of help even if you have company as well ;) ), you can use a hoist (myself i bought a cheap chain hoist to use) to lift the engine up and keep it there while you manoeuvre it to the exact place. Using a hoist doesn't mean that you don't need to use a jack underneath (I used the hoist to keep the engine up and manoeuvred it with two hydraulic jacks underneath). Of course i'm very inexperienced and someone else could do it without the help of so many tools, at least without the second jack, which proved itself helpful just only a bit. But at least I did it! :thumb:
Hey, somebody actually listened to my advice.... that's a first! :laugh:
-Jessie
Yeah man, great tip! With the help of a friend, I had somehow put the engine in very close to the exact place, but however hard i tried could not get it properly there (to do that i would have to remove the left side crankcase cover, and that wasn't a good idea at the moment). So i took it down again and started all over following your advice. No friends now but with the help of the hoist, I finally succeeded! Thanks again :D
I like to use ratchet straps. Hook to upper frame, under engine, ratchet 'em up and go from there,...
I've never done it to a GS500 specifically, but I always lay the motor on its side (on top of a folded up moving blanket or something). Then just roll the frame over next to it and lay the frame around the motor. A hoist does help to maneuver everything into place though......
Oh ya: a cut up garden hose (or foam pipe insulation) zip tied around the frame will protect it from scratches.
also removing the stator cover helps alotttttttttttttt I spent like an hour trying to get it in with nothing but floor jacks and it wasn't until I removed the stator cover that it fit right in.