Removing valve cover (i.e. top half of head)

[Dave_A]

Ok...

As noted in my previous post, I have cam chain problems...

To see exactly what's wrong, I need to pull the valve cover (this will also be usefull in getting the head, and later (if needed) cylinders off)... I managed to do it without breaking more than one bolt (hopefully with enough above the threads to allow me to vise-grips it out)...

I have all the bolts on the top off, I also have that small 'H-shaped' piece off on top... There are 2 screws under it, but that's the only fasteners that could possibly be holding it down...

Now...

It won't budge... I mean will-not-come-off...

How do I get it loose from the head (I assume it's just that stupid paper gasket holding it in place, and that since it's never been removed, it's just sticky...)???

I have just soaked it in liquid wrench, but I don't know how much good that will do...

[Anonymous]

On the 850 there are like 16 bolts that hold down the valve cover, the manual stated to even remove the horns, they were right. I did have to pry mine off with a screwdriver. It was really on there with the original gasket. I know nothing about the cam chains, but I have replace the valve cover gasket. Remember to take care when removing the remnants of the gaskets not to drop all that paper into the engine, and if it is like my bike to not cut the half moon end caps. I am hoping that is why mine is leaking so much oil.

Good luck

[Dave_A]

On the 850 there are like 16 bolts that hold down the valve cover, the manual stated to even remove the horns, they were right. I did have to pry mine off with a screwdriver. It was really on there with the original gasket. I know nothing about the cam chains, but I have replace the valve cover gasket. Remember to take care when removing the remnants of the gaskets not to drop all that paper into the engine, and if it is like my bike to not cut the half moon end caps. I am hoping that is why mine is leaking so much oil.

Good luck

Well, I had to remove the horn (450s have only 1 horn) to get at one of the bolts...

All bolts are off, and I remeber Clymers saying 'do not pry things that have gaskets, as this will damage the seal-surface', so I'm wondering if there's a pry-free way???

[Dave_A]

Got it...

With liberal applications of liquid wrench, and some prying on the outside of the cover (I stuck a hammer under the part above the spark-plug fins, and pulled back), it came off..


To my suprise, there was a perfectly intact cam chain still present on the sprockets...

So now I have a new problem (to be posted in a new thread): I don't know what's wrong with my bike!