Topic: Welcome to my nightmare.

[smccloud]

I had that happen to my '72.  Pulled the engine only to notice that I could have gotten it out with my finger through the tappet adjustement hole

[turboguzzi]

maybe i missed it but hasn't anybody thought about removing the bottom sump cover, maybe it's waiting in there?

TG

I think that's the first thing he did, remove the oil pan.

that's what happens when you answer to posts from work :-)

[MCRider]

thats a good point sam....i said that in the hopes that he doesn't start with some sort of flushing, but would be using that as a last option rather than pullin the motor.....didn't know you could get the cover off while in the bike (looks near impossible, but haven't tried yet, was wondering about it though cause my gasket needs replaced )....

Just FYI: You can't get the cover "off". Sam mentioned you can lift it up enough to go fishing. A new gasket can be dropped over the top of the cover and worked into position, if necessary.

[blake255]

Just FYI: You can't get the cover "off". Sam mentioned you can lift it up enough to go fishing. A new gasket can be dropped over the top of the cover and worked into position, if necessary.

If anyone has details on how to do this or can point me to a thread, I'm interested.  Like I said in an earlier post, it's the last 4 center screws, under the frame rails, that are giving me the problem.  I can't get an impact driver to them.  Thanks for the post MCRider!

Blake

[MCRider]

Just FYI: You can't get the cover "off". Sam mentioned you can lift it up enough to go fishing. A new gasket can be dropped over the top of the cover and worked into position, if necessary.

If anyone has details on how to do this or can point me to a thread, I'm interested.  Like I said in an earlier post, it's the last 4 center screws, under the frame rails, that are giving me the problem.  I can't get an impact driver to them.  Thanks for the post MCRider!

Blake

There are threads discussing this, but I bet they are hard to find. Its usually buried in another topic. A search on cam cover is likely to find it along with a ton of stuff.

Your 4 screws are the rub. Can you do the "tap it with a small chisel" trick to turn them? Or maybe put an extension on your impact bit to get the driver up clear of the tubes.  It'll still be at an angle, but possible doable. Once the screws are out, the cover will rise about an inch or so.

You need to be sure the gasket is oriented properly, as there is a left side and a right side, it is not symmetrical. I've heard you drop it over the front, then it comes under the cover far enough backwards that you can drop it over the rear of the cover. Shifting left to right as you wiggle it over.

I've never done it. I have an APE brand frame tube removal kit.

[tlbranth]

One thing to try is an angle screwdriver (like 2 'L's) and with a long piece of wood prying the driver into the screw head, give it a careful turn. Here's a good example of why it might be a good idea to upgrade to stainless cap-screws at the next opportunity.

[Head]

I would put PB Blaster, let it soak,then tap on the screw heads then try what
tlbranth says, It is good to have some one hold the wood while you try to turn the screws. Old hickory handle from my axe is one of my tools in the garage. If the Phillips head starts to deform I would use 1/4 or 3/8 Th's extension or what ever fits
to recompact the screw head deformation then re proceed. It may take some time
but should work!           Head

[blake255]

ELATION! Picked up a very small pen magnet for $2.13. Fished it to the left, nothing. Fished it to the right, Gold!  It was loged in the void in the head to the right of the spring. I can't believe this wasn't so much worse than it turned out to be.  I almost feel bad that this thread is so anticlimactic.

Thank you everyone for all your help.  I definitely learned a few things. My next project is to trade out those philips heads for some socket caps.

[Magpie]

happiness is.....................

[new2novas]

HAHAHA i was hoping that you were gonna say f-it and fire it up and have it destroy everything and you end up with a sweet new coffee table base

i'm glad you found it, i wish i could share that feeling of relief with you, it may be the best thing in the whole world.....the second that nut snaps to the magnet its like winning a million dollars

[blake255]

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to toss in an update on this tread just in case it helps someone out in the future.

I actually had this happen to me again a few months ago with the same adjusting nut.  This time it bent the adjusting rod 45 degrees, so I had to replace it.  I'm thinking the treads on the rod were the culprit, allowing the nut to loosen somehow.  Anyway, this time there was no luck with the magnet.  So I pulled the oil pan again.  Bingo.  The nut fell through the cam chain pathway and landed on the bottom of the pan.  The nut was dog-eared a little and I had to clean the slivers out of the pan, but no major damage.  So if you're out there searching for what to do because your adjusting nut is missing, as you’re curled up in the fetal position crying, just know, there is hope.

Blake

[boardwine62]

Have to share. My wife noticed that her diamond engagement solitaire had fallen out while we were having a few drinks on the deck. As panic set it in we traced her steps and it was not on the deck. We grabbed a flashlight and followed the gabs in the deck looking for something shiny 3 feet down into a crawl space only a toddler could of gotten in. BINGO found it. Used duct tape on the end of a coat hanger and got it. I road that hero wave for a month!

It was her only diamond the balance of my money goes to motorcycles

Congrats