Topic: CB550 camshaft cover

[mazingerzeca]

Hello all. Is this possible to disassemble the CB550 camshaft cover without removing the engine from the frame? I have an oil leak between that cover and the cylinder head.
Thank you.

[Bailgang]

Yes but if it still has the factory phillips head screws it may be a challenge breaking them loose but if you can manage to break all of them loose there is plenty of clearance to remove the cover with the engine still in the frame.

[Frostyboy]

Do be careful on reassembly, there's a caution in the shop manual to prevent bending valves when refitting the cover.
Be sure to read this thread or others like it. 

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=82508.msg928683#msg928683

 

[jamesb]

Do be careful on reassembly, there's a caution in the shop manual to prevent bending valves when refitting the cover.
Be sure to read this thread or others like it. 

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=82508.msg928683#msg928683

 

definitely listen to frostboy i had just got one of my cb550s it was about 6yrs ago and thought it would be like the 350f it;s not.i bent vavles puttingit back on  got on here and found out your supossed to rubber band them to keep them held up is what i was told.

[mazingerzeca]

Thanks for the tip. I had reassembled this engine before. I didn't bend any valves, but I made the tachometer gear mistake. I installed it on the cover before fitting it over the cylinder head, and I smashed the gear a bit, but fortunatelly it still works. I had almost forgotten it.

[Fritz]

if it still has the factory phillips head screws it may be a challenge breaking them loose

Buy an impact driver with correct size bits and you will never again have any problems with those screws...

[Bailgang]

if it still has the factory phillips head screws it may be a challenge breaking them loose

Buy an impact driver with correct size bits and you will never again have any problems with those screws...

I was assuming the frame might get in the way of getting a straight shot with an impact driver on some of them but taking a quick look at mine and it doesn't seem like it would be a problem. I wouldn't know because I pitched the original rusted and chewed up screws away when I first took the engine apart and replaced them with SS allens.