Centre stand hooks

[dogshome]

I have the sump off to have a look and a clean up as it was weeping slightly and I knew the PO had nipped bolts up before to stop it before (he told me). All good apart from when having a pull out of the screen, the suction head had one bolt hanging out  The gasket was stuck tight and the other one was in fine. But there is some satisfaction that I'm not suddenly going to get a red light at speed now.

Looking at the greasy, manky centre stand springs and surrounding area I'd like to take the spring hangers out and give them a good seeing-to as well as the sump. They push up and should drop over the mushrooms in the frame but there isn't enough clearance. I don't mind loosening the lower engine bolts IF I know the frame will sprag a bit to encourage them out. SURELY one doesn't have to take the engine out to get these hooks off!?

[dogshome]

It seems one would have to take the engine out to get at these hooks. I can't see the frame bending enough - unless someone has actually done this?

[dogshome]

It should be possible by taking both engine bolts out, removing the spacers one side, then the other and shoving the motor left-right. Not worth it for a clean up!

The sump bolts feel weird with a new gasket. I set my smallest 3/8 torque wrench to 6NM (bottom of the scale) and was very cautious to feel for the click. Breathing on my 1/2" bar or ratchet set would probably have stripped them all out. I had previously nipped them up with a short 3/8 ratchet and as per Snowbums recommendations, that is probably the safest way. 1/4" ratchet would do it.