Removing Engine Side Cover

[ssquires]

Hey all,

My stator is done for on my '81 450t. I've been trying with all my strength to pull the engine cover so I can swap in the new one (bought the Caltric unit,) but can't for the life of me pry that thing off. Any good tips/tricks to help?

Maybe I should just invest in a gym membership...

[jwhelan65]

Its magnetic, you should be able to pry with a screwdriver from the bottom. Keep trying it will come off.

[tkent02]

Be careful about the prying, it will leak later if it gets warped or gouged.

Don't know the 450 engine, but is there another bolt hidden under the clutch actuator cover or something?

Got a picture?

Usually the magnet gripping the stator is a problem, but not that big of a problem.

[BigD_83]

If you still have not removed it, the gasket could be fired/dried and tightly bound to both the cover and engine case. A little judicious use of a rubber mallet (no heavy handedness required) around the perimeter might free it up enough that you can get a grip and pull it straight out without prying.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. ssquires,

You can use a very thin putty knife to start loosening the cover. Before I had a rubber mallet I used a piece of 2x4 against the cover and tapped it with a hammer. Be firm but gentle. It's the rotor magnet that's holding it on as much as any stuck gasket.

Here are a few of my notes on the subject: Stator Replacement (PDF file).

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Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", "Top 15 Tips For GS Happiness", the Carb Cleanup Series, and the Stator Papers. All of these tasks must be addressed in order to have a safe, reliable machine. This is what NOT to do: Top 10 Newbie Mistakes. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...



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More links to helpful threads in the forum:
Help! Your Bike Won't Start
DON'T DO THESE THINGS
Help! Your Bike Won't Run Well
Oh God! Pods!


Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[JEEPRUSTY]

My cover has a flange that you can tap with a mallet

[chuck hahn]

Magnetic pull holds it on a bit but so does the fact that it sits on a dowel in the front and the starter connector gears shaft act like a rear dowel.

You have to get it started and muse TWO flat tips opposite each other and get it far enough out that your finger tips can get a grip and then pull it off. Like was said earlier..do this with even wiggling so as not to gouge any surfaces.