Topic: cb550 clutch cover removal?

[76four]

I am trying to break the seal on the aluminum clutch cover of my 76 cb550.  I have read all the posts on this topic and already tried all that was suggested.  I double checked that all screws were taken out, the kick start arm is removed, I hit the cover all the way around with a rubber mallet pretty hard.  I took out the oil dipstick to put my fingers in to help pry it.  I even put a wooden broom stick into the dipstick hole and then hit the broom stick away from the motor with a hammer to try and dislodge it. All I can think of now is to carefully cut the gasket with an exacto knife.  Anyone have any techniques they could share?

[DH]

remove the right footpeg as well. A 17 mm nut if I recall. A little more persuation and it will come straight off. There's 2 dowels underneath the cover that may be stuck also if memory serves me...

[Flying J]

Hit the edges with some heat and then BANG it with a rubber hammer. I use my propane torch and wife tamer (rubber hammer) for anything that wont budge.

[76four]

The foot peg is removed.  I read up before about the dowels, does anyone know exactly where they are located (where the two longest bolts are?)  I might try the torch technique.  Thanks guys.

[76four]

Still hitting a dead end with this cover.  Really frustrating. The motor is out of the frame so nothing is obstructing it from coming out. 

[nilsey]

sorry to be pedantic, but.. are you sure all the screws are out? count 10. take off the kickstarter and the foot peg. it should come off.

i just did this tonight myself, by teh way, mine wouldnt come off either and i noticed that one last screw way at teh bottom that was still holding teh cover on.

[the technological J]

i would double check that one of the bottom screws arent hidden under there

[76four]

Yes all the screws/nuts are off, I counted 10 screws plus the nut.

[Greggo]

Get something sharp into the gasket edges and pry.  Use a knife you don't care about.

[76four]

I was using an exacto knife but it is not working either.

[Greggo]

I was using an exacto knife but it is not working either.

Is That a Knife

[76four]

Okay just an update, I was able to finally pry it off.  If anyone else has a stubborn clutch side cover here is what I did.  I looked on ebay at similar clutch covers for my bike to see where the 2 little dowels were.  Then I took some liguid wrench or break cleaner might work too and sprayed where these two dowels are located.  I also sprayed along the gasket and where the kickstart shaft comes out.  Let it sit for about a few hours. Then screw off your oil dipstick and then find a skinny broomstick.  I used the broom stick to put in the dipstick hole and used that as leverage to break the seal.  I both hammered (with a rubber mallet) the stick and wiggled it back and forth.  I found it to be most hung up on the kick starter shaft.  What ever you do don't use a metal pole because it will mess up the threads where the dipstick screws in.  If your worried about it not coming off and getting pieces of wood in the engine case just wrap the end of the broomstick with a plastic sandwhick bag or something.  Hope this helps someone out.  Thanks for all the advice given as well.