Topic: Valve cover question

[ganandorf]

I Posted earlier about my cam breaking. I've gotten the head and cam replaced and bolted back on but my valve cover will not go back on. It's hanging up on something in the middle and I cannot figure out why. Has this ever happened to anyone? Cb350f

[dave500]

have you got the tappet adjusters backed right off?

[ganandorf]

Do they need to be? I thought it might be that so i tried the old valve cover with all the adjusters out and I had the same problem. Still wouldnt go on... Im having trouble getting the adjusters on the new cover off. the 12 pt wrench is just chewing it up. Going to get a 6 pt tomorrow.

[Lars]

Pictures?

[Stev-o]

Im having trouble getting the adjusters on the new cover off.

I don't understand this?

[ganandorf]

[Vinhead1957]

The valves that are open normally in that position are restricting the cover from sitting flat.   You need to back off the adjusters, install the cover and then adjust the valves.   

[ganandorf]

Thanks! Out of curiosity, what would happen if I just bolted the cover down? It sounds like it would just open the valves.

[Vinhead1957]

You do need to replace the gasket too.  Appears to be leaking in the section that looks rusty.   

[dave500]

you risk warping or cracking the cover if you dont back the adjusters off.

[Vinhead1957]

If you screwed it down it would force the valves open which is okay but you could not torque the cover down properly.

The cover would leak worse case.   You need to loosen the adjusters so the cover fits flat with no restriction and torque the cover on according to the proper sequence. Also tighten in increments just like cylinder bolts.  This ensures even pressure throughout the cover and prevents warping.   

    You need to re-adjust the valves as the final procedure.  Leave the spark plugs out. It makes it easier to turn the engine while moving the crank to the proper timing marks for the different cylinders.

[ganandorf]

Thanks alot Dave and Vinhead.