valve check
 

This last weekend I started in on my 16K service for the shawk.

After checking out my valves and seeing that they are still in spec, (as expected) I ran into a little problem.

The cam cover/valve cover on the rear cyl head has 4 bolts in it.

I cant figure out for the life of me how to get the back right hand side bolt back on - specificaly torqued to spec.

I checked the valves at 500 miles as recommended and didnt have a problem getting the bolts back in then :oops:

There isnt a lot of room there, its right next to the frame and weddged under there.

Anyone else run ito this problem? How did you address it?

I use a universal joint adaptor on my torque wrench. If you do that you need to understand that the actual torque value will not be correct. Because of this I sometimes don't even bother with the torque wrench and just use judegement (even more inaccurate). Mine haven't had any trouble yet, but I seem to take my cam covers off a lot. They have been off at least once a year for the last 5, sometimes more.

Jamie Daugherty
http://members.iquest.net/~daugherj

Why? Just engine mod happy?

Re: valve check
 

I was hoping that someone would have a good answer to this queston.

Bump

Not really. I had a broken set of cases from crash damage (I bought the bike as a salvage, it was wadded bad). It's then just been one thing or another. I think it's pretty well sorted now, I hope to ride the crap out of it this year without digging into it. I've got 9 other bikes that need my attention too!

Jamie Daugherty
http://members.iquest.net/~daugherj

What do you mean by can't get the bolt back on? Does it not grab at all or will it not maintain the torque? Please be specific.

Re-read it he says torqued to spec. I've never had it off so I can't help, sorry.

Guys be carefull. These bolts are super fragile and I broke one when I changed my CCTs. I think the torque specs are too much. They are aluminum and they are not cheap, all you need them to be is just a little tight. Do not push them.

I painted the valve covers last summer and for the life of me I don't recall any issues getting it back on. I probably used a ratchet wrench (everyone should have these). I don't worry about torque on non-critical items like these. I spec' em to gudntite. :-) No leaks. YMMV.

I agree. On the ones that are difficult to access I use a 10mm box wrench. Just snug them up. They have a flat that contacts the head to prevent oversquishing the gaskets.

I've used the torque spec without any problems. I have popped bolts like these on older Honda's, so it's always a good idea to be careful.

Jamie Daugherty
http://members.iquest.net/~daugherj

Re: valve check
 

I have rachets and open ended box wrenches, I have wobbles etc.

To clarify I have been having a problem with trying to tighten the right rear bolt because its under part of the frame and the 1 1/2 inches that a torque wrench and socket take up hits the frame.

I was looking for a way to torque these bolts down to spec. Using a wobble (as mentioned earlier) doesnt give a reliable torque reading.