Help - Can't get cylinder head cover off

[Dresnewtoy]

Removed the six bolts but the head cover won't come off. I don't want to pry it with a screwdriver and damage the gasket. Don't want to slam it with a hammer and damage it.

Any ideas?

Thanks
Dre

[J_Walker]

because your taking it off in the frame..

#1 did you remember to take off that bolt in the front? also, unattach your carbs from the boots

#2 take off the breather cap, the thing ontop with 4 bolts you won't be able to remove the valve cover with it on inside the frame..

#3 use a mallet if its still stuck on after you did everything above. Rubber one.

[Dresnewtoy]

#1 Yup, all six bolts are out. I shouldn't need to touch the carbs, i don't think.
#2 Manual specifically says do not remove breather cover when removing head.
#3 tomorrow i'll go to the hardware store and pick up a mallet. That's a good idea.

[bombsquad83]

You have to remove the breather cover to get the cover out of the frame.  Check your manual again.  Maybe the manual is saying not to remove the membrane that is underneath the metal cover.  You need to remove the metal cover.

[BaltimoreGS]

You will have to take that breather cap off the top to get enough clearance to get the head cover out.  Prying with a screwdriver is ok, do it in the corner with my horrible highlight.

-Jessie

[XealotX]

If the cover is this hard to get off you might want to invest in a replacement gasket anyway. Even using a rubber mallet there is a chance the original will be damaged enough to let oil leak through.

Good time to order replacement rings for the four larger bolts as well.

[Dresnewtoy]

Thanks for the info bros.

I will get a mallet tomorrow.

I will order a head gasket just in case.

Checked the rings on the 4 larger bolts and they look good but i'll order a set anyway.

I read the manual again and it clearly says 'When removing the cylinder head cover, do not remove the
breather cover.' (Engine 3-10). I'm guessing since you guys have removed it and didn't have any issues i can follow suit.

[XealotX]

I read the manual again and it clearly says 'When removing the cylinder head cover, do not remove the
breather cover.' I'm guessing since you guys have removed it and didn't have any issues i can follow suit.

I hope somebody has an answer for this. I've read that warning as well but have always removed the breather cover and didn't see what the issue was.

[Dresnewtoy]

 I did look back on Kerry's video for adjusting the valves and he removes the breather cover too. Sounds like the general consensus is that it isn't an issue. I'll go ahead and remove it since it will make getting the head cover out easier.

[BaltimoreGS]

If you tear that breather gasket you will need to replace it.  That would be one gasket I think you could make out of cardboard and get away with it if you are a cheap skate.

-Jessie

[gsJack]

Removed the six bolts but the head cover won't come off. I don't want to pry it with a screwdriver and damage the gasket. Don't want to slam it with a hammer and damage it.

Any ideas?

Thanks
Dre

I just take a short length of wood (1x2, 2x4, or whatever you have handy) and place it angled upward under edge of one of the corners of the valve cover by the gasket and hit it with a hammer and it pops loose.  I wouldn't pry it with a screwdriver.  And I always remove the breather cover and tube before trying to work the valve cover up and back between the control cables.

[Paulcet]

Someone used too much RTV on the valve cover gasket.  And +1 more for removing the breather cover.  I also saw that in the manual, and it only makes sense when.... Well, it doesn't make sense.