Working in Engine compartment?

[Isaac-1]

I am looking for some thoughts on how to work on things in the engine compartment without standing on my head. I have a few minor projects to work on soon in my 99 Sportster 1800, I need to replace the carbon rings, remove and rebuild the carburetors, and would rather not dangle by my feet like a bungie jumper to do this. So far my best thought is to rig a towing strap into a sling seat (like on a kids playground swing) and suspend it over the engine compartment just above one of the engines (either side to side or front to back). This would effectively let me straddle and "sit on" one of the engines without putting any weight on it. I have access to a small walk behind fork lift in the shop building at the family farm, which I was thinking about using to suspect the sling.

Does anyone have any better thoughts?

Ike

 

[MLars]

Haha seems like a good idea! You could also just take the hatch off. But if you do go this route take pictures!

 

[racerxxx]

The only way to work on it is to pull the rear hatch. I only winterize, grease PTO's, and change spark plugs with the hatch on. Pretty much anything else, I pull it off.

 

[ocod]

Its not the easiest place but taking off hatch is not a one person diy.
Get inside and watch were you step is what I would/used to do.

 

[ialonso]

Follow up question... (I hope this is a productive highjack, sorry) I have learned some of my limits working with my head upside down...

What is the easiest/best way to take the hatch off (and then put it back on?)

Thanks!!