alternator cover removal

I am doing a valve adjustment on my 85 vf500f, but cant get the alternator cover off. I dont want to smack it so hard as to crack it or scar the surface. Does anyone have suggestions? Are the mating edges smooth so that I could jam a putty knife through the old gasket? ~John

 

You might try some penetrating lubricant (PB blaster) and tapping along the edges with a rubber mallet. I don't think the Alt. cover has locating dowels like the clutch cover does but it may be different for a 500.

 

+1 with the love of a rubber mallet.

 

The aluminum is soft and the putty knife would stand a decent chance of gouging the case or cover mating surface which could end up being difficult to prevent leaking. Once off, a liquid or spray gasket remover rather than scraping the surfaces will ensure a leak free assembly.

 

Pop the tranny in 4th gear, up on the centerstand, and you can easily turn the engine by bumping the rear wheel around by hand. No need to remove cover.