Topic: help removing stuck camshaft cover on cb550 (1977)

[somedumbjerk]

i removed all the screws, valve cover things (too frustrated to remember proper term, sorry), tach cable, breather cover, and loosened the cam chain tensioner. for the life of my i cannot get that camshaft cover to budge! it won't even wiggle. i had to drill out one of the factory screws because it stripped so badly. i also loosened all the valve adjustment screws until there was free play. any ideas how to get that sucker off?

thanks

[goldarrow]

Everyone will ask you for pics. So get them ready. 

Pics of your progress will help identify things where you stuck.  Two end covers will need to come off. Go easy on them as they will break.  Get impact driver and correct bits to remove screws.  You will need to download the shop manual, parts manual if you dont have them already.  Follow the manual carefully to the bolts to remove the cam cover. 

Good luck

[somedumbjerk]

pics are ready but my manual didn't say that the two end pieces needed to come off. came right off after that. i should have figured, but i let my manual override common sense. one thing i learned working on VW's is that the tools required most are manual + common sense. oh well. now i know! thanks for the quick input. now to get the cylinders apart!

[SohRon]

one thing i learned working on VW's is that the tools required most are manual + common sense.

Make that a "GOOD manual + common sense". Download or (better yet) buy the Honda Shop manual, which is equivalent to getting one of the Bentley books for your VW. Especially do not try to rely solely on the Clymer book as it lacks quite a bit of important info.

And, welcome to the club.

[somedumbjerk]

thanks! this site has been a huge inspiration and help for me. it's also nice having a huge pool of knowledge from people who are stoked to share it, instead of just being jerks for no reason. i'll start a projects thread and keep progress going. and pics... i'll DL that manual for now and buy it next time the eagle lands. thanks for the advice! 

[somedumbjerk]

projects thread started http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=108155.0 

[adamlwvdc36]

Hey one thing you didnt mention taking off (that is absolutely needed) is the breather cover.. under there there there are 4 more bolts... this may be the answer to your problem.  If you are POSITIVE all of these bolts AND screws have been removed the you may need to pry GENTLY WITH A SCREWDRIVER... Keyword: GENTLY!  too much force and you will have to buy another cover from me... lol.

edit: Just noticed you did take off the breather cover... pry away

btw, you dont have to loosen the tensioner yet to get get this cover off since the chain and gear stay on the head when you take this off.