Topic: Valve Cover Instal

[kmart550]

So I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or just a stupid noob, but I am having no luck in getting my valve cover back onto my '77 550 engine.  The dowell (sp?) pins really don't line up.  I've tried turning the spedo gear, and also cranking the engine w/ the kick start but have gotten nowhere!!!  Do I need to do something w/ the valve tappets?  Any advice could be MUCH appreciated. 

Thanks,
Kyle

[TwoTired]

There is a specific caution in the Honda shop manual to back off the tappet adjusters to clear the valve stem tips.  Otherwise, the ones not properly on top of the valve stems bend the valves during cover installation.  If this interference is what is preventing your alignment issue, then you already have bent the valves.

[kmart550]

 

There is a specific caution in the Honda shop manual to back off the tappet adjusters to clear the valve stem tips.  Otherwise, the ones not properly on top of the valve stems bend the valves during cover installation.  If this interference is what is preventing your alignment issue, then you already have bent the valves.

Ok, but the cover is completely off the engine still.  I cannot even get it to sit flat on the head...so could I still have bent valves when turning it over?

[TwoTired]

I can't tell if you are joking or not.
With the cam and rockers in place, at least some of the valve springs have to be compressed before the valve cover will seat.

[kmart550]

I can't tell if you are joking or not.
With the cam and rockers in place, at least some of the valve springs have to be compressed before the valve cover will seat.

Not joking, just a bad explanation on my part I guess.  In my manual it says to put the valve cover on and torque accordingly. You say I need to compress the valve springs to get the valve cover on.  Exactly how do I do that??  Thanks. 

[TwoTired]

Because of the camshaft lobe grind, no mater how you position it, some of the lobes will be at a high point where the rocker rides it.  Even when you back off the adjusters completely (highly recommended), those rockers are going to compress the valve/spring as you tighten down screws on the rocker cover.  It is key, though, the no part of the rocker induces a side load onto the valve stem tip while you are tightening down the cover screws.  Apart from backing out the adjusters till they practically fall out, I also use rubber bands to hold them up near the adjuster inspection holes.

Good luck!

[crazypj]

As TwoTired says, back off all the adjusters until the bit that contacts valve is level with the rocker arm
If you have tried to force it down you may have already damaged valves, they bend a lot easier than most people would think
PJ

[kmart550]

Thanks for the info...got it on!!