Is there a secret to getting the side covers/cam boxes off a CB350?

[Tugboat]

I'm replacing the head, after discovering some shoddy work to the stock one that I'd just replaced... so new gaskets on there. I got one off but the other doesn't seem to want to budge. Do you have to have the cam in a certain position or something?

 

[alzcbz]

Release the camchain tensioner. Make sure the valves are closed on the side you are trying to remove. This should relieve any pressure holding the cam carriers on.

 

[Mernster1030]

I think I am having a similar issue with my build... I am tearing apart a cb350T, and I can't get one of the head side covers off. I think it is because the advancer is stuck on the cam. My question is.. How is this attached? and maybe more importantly.... How is does it detach? From the diagram below (#11 is the problem child) it looks like its just a bolt (#12) that holds it in there. Well, I have the bolt off, but that thing is still locked in there tight. Tugboat, does this sound like your issue too?


Am I missing something? I tried to unscrew the advancer from the cam, then I banged on it for a little while with a rubber mallet hoping it would just kind of fall off.. I am wondering if heating it up with a torch might loosen it up. Any insight to this issue will be SUPER helpful, and hopefully help Tugboat too! Tugboat.. if you did happen to solve this, please shoot a post up. I am dying to get this cam out.

Below is a pic of the part on my 350

 

[Tugboat]

Yeah, my advance unit was kinda hard to get off too. Yes, there is only one bolt (#12) holding it onto the shaft. There is also a locating pin that would prevent it from rotating on the shaft, so that you can't turn the advancer without also turning the camshaft. Keep at it.. some penetrating oil (Kroil, PB Blaster) might help. It'll come off eventually.

And yes, there IS a secret to getting the end boxes off. As stated above, the tensioner must be removed and the valves closed on the side you're trying to remove and the tappet adjusters as loose as you can get them. I finally got it off this way.

 

[abacb_07]

I just rebuilt the top end on my CL350 a few weeks ago and ran into the same issue.

As far as the advancer mine showed a bit of rust, but just pulled off by hand. I would assume some penetrating oil would do some good here, unless the roll pin has become damaged and has lodged itself into the back of it.

As far as the other bits go, I cannot add much to what has already been stated about removing the cam chain tensioner, and ensuring you are on your compression stroke with all tappets loose.

What I had to do to get these things off, was to use a rubber mallet to drive them off. It took a bit of persuasion, but eventually they will move, mine was a slow process even with the mallet. Once the boxes had moved out slightly, I carefully used a flat head screwdriver to assist in removal.