Topic: Cylinder Head Cover Questions

[Soorajh]

Recently I've decided to replace gaskets and seals in the cylinder head cover, but I've ran into some problems. First, the rocker arm seems to be pushed to a highpoint and when trying to seat the cylinder head cover back on, the rocker arm hits the valve and will not let it seat properly, so my question is; is that something that will be pushed down as I tighten the bolts or do I need to adjust the tappets  to their loosest setting in order to seat that well? Any help is greatly appreciated. (I have loosened a few of the tappets, which seems to let it seat a little better, still not ideal though, I've also played with the timing and turning the engine over to get the lowest possible seating.)
Secondly, after pulling the bolts I've realized that most of them vary in length and am curious if that is normal or my bike's previous owner took some short cuts.
Thank you to everyone who has advice!

[OldSchool_IsCool]

First, what bike are you working on?  Model and year.

Second, DO NOT FORCE IT!  You’ll end up bending expensive things.

Yes, back out the tappets all the way.  Tie back the rockers with rubber bands.  Loop the band over the intake rocker, out the round adjustment/access hole, over the cover and into the exhaust adjusting hole and finally, loop the band over the exhaust rocker.  The band should be tight and holding BOTH rockers up as high as possible.

[tlbranth]

If you look at the parts fiche at Western Honda, you'll see all the bolts/screws with their sizes listed.

[Soorajh]

I am working on my 1981 Honda CB650 Custom, thank you guys for the advice, I will be working on it later tonight and I'll keep you updated!
Thanks again

[754]

Easy way to find if bolts are right length.
 Slip them all in the holes, dont tighten....if correct  they will all stick up aboutvtge same.. simple..