divingindaytona

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

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?

JamieDaugherty

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

superhawk22

Why? Just engine mod happy?

divingindaytona

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

Bump

JamieDaugherty

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

Loco

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.

superhawk22

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

AZZKIKER

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.

superbling

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.

RCVTR

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.

JamieDaugherty

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

divingindaytona

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.