Topic: Removing timing cover

[Max Power]

It doesn't appear that my timing/points cover has been removed in years, and the screws appears to be stuck beyond belief.

Any suggestions on a humane way to remove them?

[ProTeal55]

PB Blaster / WD40 and a short/stubby screwdriver.
The shorter the driver - the more force/pressure it puts on the screw.
Heat always works as well for breaking stubborn bolts/screws loose...

[dave75]

Consider using a hand impact wrench with a bit on the end.  This is the kind that you smack with a hammer while holding in your hand.  It does an excellent job of breaking things free and the extra force in the phillips screw head doesn't allow it to slip.

[Klark Kent]

The block end of some straight ratchets is concave, (craftsman i believe) these work best, but anything about the size of the bolt head will work.  Put the end on the bolt so that the head is cupped (or covered) by the ratchet end.  Hammer the handle of the ratchet.  this will compress the head a little.  stick your screwdriver in the tighter slots and hammer its handle, this will sortof recast the bolt head to the shape of your screwdriver.  you now have a good slot for the screwdriver head and can try the stubby and WD40 method.  I think the hammering also loosens the thread hold, but its amazing how soft these old bolts are- making them easy to strip out, but also easy to tighten up using this method.  works for me.
-KK

[gasguzler]

The shorter the driver - the more force/pressure it puts on the screw.

  I kinda disagree

(sorry I know this isn't a very helpful comment)

[apormarkos]

i used an impact screwdriver set, they can be had for anywhere between 15-?. snap-on has a pretty pricey one if you do this often. 
if you want to try a method is used to use (before i got the impact driver), get a phillips drive bit (don't know what it's called, but it's a phillips head you put in your drill), and use it with a ratchet and appropriate socket (one that fits the phillips bit).  you can put a tremendous amount of pressure on the head of the ratchet (i almost tipped my bike over a few times) so as not to strip the bolt head, while turning gently on the ratchet to start unscrewing.  of course you should soak the area with your favorite nasty chemicals to make it even easier. 
hope this helps.
apor

[Dennis]

I wouldn't consider anything but a hand impact driver.
You still could apply your favorite checmcal before if desired.

[Max Power]

I tried an impact driver, although I dont think the bit was perfrct for the slot in the phillips head screw. It seemed to want to strip the head out. This could get ugly....

[apormarkos]

the correct bit should fit perfectly in the slot with no wiggle... that is unless the previous owner partially stripped them for you

[Klark Kent]

All of our bikes were previously owned by somebody who torqued everything too much and stripped all the bolts.  didn't you know that.  damn POs.
-KK