Stuck Tappet Cover

[iSack1L]

I absolutely cannot get the tappet covers off my bike. They don't look rusted, but it seems like they have never been off or the PO torqued them too far in. Whats the best method to get these off? Torch? Or some kind of liquid? Right now they won't budge and will continue to strip if I keep trying without any kind of help. Thanks guys!

Isaac

 

[dirtbag]

I'd use a torch. My favorite tool in the garage.

 

[rrredisk]

I'd use a torch. My favorite tool in the garage.

Agree. Try just the torch first, if that doesnt work then try to heat then freeze a few times by torching it and then spraying a Bolt freezing spray on it that you can find at an autoparts store. a lot of times if jsut the expansion of the heat deosnt do it, then the expansion and contraction of the heat then freeze cycle will do it.

 

[iSack1L]

I used wd 40 earlier and I have spilled fuel on the engine case before. Shoudl I just wipe it down with H2o first?

 

[Big R]

If you are taking a torch near the motor, i recommend removing the tank, carbs, fuel line, etc. Better safe than sorry.

Is it the intake or exhaust? Have you tried an impact driver?

 

[iSack1L]

Got them off with the torch. Did have the tank/lines, etc away just in case. It was all four that were just absolutely stuck on. But now I have another problem. My feeler gauge does not have small enough flanges (.004 inch and .002) to check the clearances. The lowest I have is .005. Awesome.

 

[Big R]

Well, if you are in a pinch (ie, i dont recommend this) you can use a ripped up soda can. The aluminum is .002" thick, but remember it's aluminum. If any part of it rips off you have to pull the motor and find it.

 

[rockcitycafe]

get a brass or lead hammer, hit it squarely and firmly, not like you were driving a framing nail, but like you were driving a finishing nail, then remove.