cam cover end caps

[650cafe]

Hello,
I'm trying to figure out how to remove the chrome covers on the ends of the cam towers on my GS650GL. They do have slots along the lower 1/3 of the edge of the cover, and i can see screws up in there, but there is no possible way I can see to get to those screws. Thanks.

[tom203]

......"but there is no possible way I can see to get to those screws. Thanks. "

They're on tight - that's why they didn't fall off and litter the countryside (like mine). are they socket head screws?? put tool thru slot, engage head, etc.

[650cafe]

......"but there is no possible way I can see to get to those screws. Thanks. "

They're on tight - that's why they didn't fall off and litter the countryside (like mine). are they socket head screws?? put tool thru slot, engage head, etc.

No, they are Phillips head screws, but they are at such an angle that you cant get a screwdriver on them. They are up inside the covers.

[JTGS850GL]

I believe that you must remove the cam cover first in order to get to those screws on a 650. Good opportunity to check your valve clearances.

[UK-GT]

I believe that you must remove the cam cover first in order to get to those screws on a 650. Good opportunity to check your valve clearances.

What he said. Once you take the cam cover off you can get to the screws. And while the cover is off check the shims etc.

[Seaking]

I went through the same thing with my GS650G.. once the valve ccover is removed, these are a breeze to remove.. there was no other way to do it.. While the cover is removed, it's a good time to check valve clearances.. (its like gospel often strongly recommended here, with good reason)

Cheers

[650cafe]

I was afraid of that. Thing is, it just had the cam cover off, and I'm fairly certain the valve adjustment checked. Oh well...I guess I'll live with them for now. Thanks guys!

[GSJim]

Don't forget to Loctite the screws when you put the end caps on. If you don't the screws will vibrate loose and the end cap will disappear. Don't ask me how I know this.

Jim

[Seaking]

Don't forget to Loctite the screws when you put the end caps on. If you don't the screws will vibrate loose and the end cap will disappear. Don't ask me how I know this.Jim

Thanks for this.. Learning from other's mistakes when you're sick and tired of making your own mistakes I have the valve cover on the engine right now as well but it's not tightened down yet (more of a dust cover while working on the engine) I have a note attached to the valve cover to install those side covers before torquing it down lol.. just added "Loctite" to the note

Cheers!

[JTGS850GL]

Thing is, it just had the cam cover off, and I'm fairly certain the valve adjustment checked.

If you're "fairly certain" the valves adjustment has been checked, then you don't know for sure and I would do it again just to make sure it's all OK.

[650cafe]

Well this thread is about removing the cam cover caps, not adjusting the valves

[chuck hahn]

1/4 inch ratchet wrench with a screw driver bit in it.

[Seaking]

1/4 inch ratchet wrench with a screw driver bit in it.

Might work on a bigger bike, but didn't work on my little wee GS650G.. flex drive, articulated bit, midnight dances around the fire.. nothing.. well the last one got the cops out in a hurry.. go figure..

[650cafe]

Might work on a bigger bike, but didn't work on my little wee GS650G.. flex drive, articulated bit, midnight dances around the fire.. nothing.. well the last one got the cops out in a hurry.. go figure..

Yes, I tried this too. They are at a riduculous angle. Its not that important...I was just curious if there was something going on there that I wasnt seeing.

As for the valves, I'll get them them when I get to them....the question in this thread has nothing to do with the valves, their adjustment, or inspection of them. Thank you to everyone who has provided relevant information.

[chuck hahn]

Did you try blowing some torch heat up there to soften the loctite? Confirm they are metal covers though. Ive seen plastic after market replacements before. Guy on Ebay recently had replacement plastic chrome VM 26 tops too.

EDIT...Maybe this wouldnt be a good idea..I forgot the rubber cam end caps are right there.....