Stuck Tachometer cable

[Greg65]

Hi all,

I have a noisy cam chain so need to take the engine out. The tacho cable is prooving reluctant to leave its current location. I have removed the screw in the engine but can not remove the cable, I have tried some heat from a hot air gun and have left it covered in WD40. If this fails and I disconnect the tacho from the instrument and then remove the engine followed by the cover, is there any risk of damage to the drive? Failing that any other hints.

Thanks for all advice.

Greg

[mike the bike]

It normally just pulls out, like the speedo cable.  It's obviously corroded in place.   Heat, oil and pliers should shift it.

[Chris400F]

Agreed, corrosion is most likely your problem as once the screw is removed there is nothing else holding the cable in place.
I wonder if gripping the metal part on the cable end and trying to rotate it might help free it.
The cable end is round, in a round hole, so it should be able to be turned when not fixed in place.

[Clem2112]

Steel in Al alloy....cable in place for years and years plus hundreds of hot/cold cycles !
Plus Gas then gentle turning with pliers.
They often weep oil past the drive seal which can help prevent them sticking.

[Greg65]

Thanks for that. Finish work late Saturday so will give it another spray with WD40 and see what I can achieve Sunday.

Greg

[Greg65]

Quick up date. Soaked in WD40, a bit of twisting with leather padded mole grips and its released. Engine removed.

Quick question. What fluid can you recommend for washing the oily internal parts once I break the engine down?

Cheers

[Clem2112]

Jizer is good

[Nurse Julie]

Quick up date. Soaked in WD40, a bit of twisting with leather padded mole grips and its released. Engine removed.

Quick question. What fluid can you recommend for washing the oily internal parts once I break the engine down?

Cheers

Diesel does the job just fine and it's cheap, red diesel is even cheaper  A few old tooth brushes, a scrubbing brush and an old paint brush and some very chemical resistant gloves and your on your way.

[mike the bike]

There's a quicker way of replacing camchains without stripping the engine if you're interested.   Summer is the time for riding not fettling.

[Bryanj]

True but the usual 400 problem is the horseshoe which does mean a case split

[Greg65]

There is also a metallic clicking noise, may or may not be cam related. Either way I feel uncomfortable riding it. Yes I would rather be on the road, so am looking for something cheap and ready to roll.