Topic: adjusing valves-cant get the valve covers off...

[cb500-1972]

i was going to adjust the valves today, but i couldnt get the covers you have to open to adjust eatch valve open. i tried with the tools i had available.

do you have any pointers on how to do this when they are stuck?

will the seals on theese valvecovers need replacing after opening?

[OldSchool_IsCool]

The tappet covers need a 17mm wrench.  Best to try a 6-point box end wrench or a 6-point socket.  A 12-point is more likely to round off the soft metal.  A little heat wouldn't hurt.  You want the engine cold to measure/adjust the tappets, but maybe run the engine for a few minutes just to loosen the covers.  Plan to work the tappets in the morning.

If these tricks don't work, you can always move them with a pipe wrench.  This is typically a desperation move as it will very likely mar the cover.

[Roach]

agreed there are little round gasket on the tappet cover that i have found at least tent to melt a little bit and if they haven't been messed with in a while can get hard a little heat should work might need to order some new gaskets after

[cookindaddy]

Usually the covers are overtightened when the PO was too cheap to buy new O-rings. If the O-rings are all flat when you get them off, you need new ones. They seal wonderfully without being over tightened, when they are new.

[Popwood]

These covers are often and easily overtightened. And when they are it's easy to break them while trying to loosen. Replacements can be had without too much trouble but they aren't cheap. As for gaskets I've had good luck using stock o-rings from local hardware store. When you put them back on, just go finger tight then a quarter turn. If you then find a bit of a leak, just snug them up a bit more. Don't over tighten!!

[Shenanigans]

I have used needle nose vise grips in the past and have had good luck. (When all else has failed) Regular vise grips might mark them a bit but it usually works. Clamp that sucker on hard.

[crazypj]

flat 6 point out of Honda 50 toolkit works well (rear axle nut)
You can smack it with a hammer to jarr them loose