Stuck Left Side Engine Cover

Just like the title says, and there is no pertinent thread readily searchable on the sight.

45k and probably never been removed so the gasket is holding it on good and tight, my stator is done and I need to replace it.

There are some tabs but nothing good to really get leverage with. I have a puller I use on the ducati's that works great... but it's useless here..

So what do you do?

Also what do you do for a replacement gasket.. Do I have to use a Honda gasket, or can I simply use liquid gasket like modern motorcycle use?

 

Had the same on mine - the original was stuck down tight even when I had all the bolts out.

Eventually I spotted a tab where the lip of the cover extends beyond the housing providing a place to lever against. The trick is to use a second tool - I used a cranked spanner to rest against the casting - to provide a location which I could lever on the tab with a large screwdriver. Once you get a small gap started in the seal it will open very easily - just take time and make sure anything you lever against wont be damaged.

As for the gasket, I got a Honda one - they are not cheap but you are not planning on ever taking it off again are you. I am sure that once you have removed all traces of the old gasket then you could get by with liquid gasket.




SkiMad


PS you may want to edit your Profile to include your VFR year and a rough location - that way it is easier for people to offer appropriate advice in response to questions or have encountered problems like this, as other forum members may live nearby and be willing to swing by and help for a few beer tokens.:smile:

 

Or if you are cheap like me...cereal box

Put the removed cover on a cut out of a cereal box and draw a template around it...instant gasket!

 

Mine came off pretty easy but that is probably because it's the third stator for the old girl. I bought a Honda gasket from the dealer $10.

 

Like Skimad said, I used a big flat screw driver and a mallet to tap them off. It is hard at the beginning but if you tap around the outside eventually it will come off.

 

Thanks guys,

Got it off.

I was aware of the little pry tabs located around the edge, however there really isn't anything to pry against, I'm sure not sure how you guys did it, but what I did was stick a large persuasion rod I have for swingarm pivots, on the right side of the top tab, and leverage against the coolant return outlet coming off the vertical cylinders.. It took more pressure than what I was comfortable with, but I got it off..

Stator looked pretty bad, got a new one on the way.

Thanks again everyone. Hopefully this will help others in the future.

Also please chime in if you have specific instructions on how this thing is supposed to come off as well as the tools you used.

 

A couple healthy smacks with a soft face deadblow torquewrench works for me. Then you just have to fight the magnet to pull the cover off. No prying required.