Splitting the crankcase and oil filter screen

[AussieKC]

Dear All, another question for the brains trust please. I've completely stripped my project 400/4 and the frame, tank and side covers are off for painting. I'm in the process off doing the mechanicals and there are a couple of road blocks if anyone can help.
Firstly , how does one remove the screen and funnel for the oil pump. How to remove it is not covered in the Clymer manual. (Quite frankly the Clymer manual is a waste of time, is the Haynes manual any better).
Secondly, I'm trying to split the crankcase to check the bearings, gear meshing, etc. All the bolts have been removed and the two halves are moving but they won't come apart. It has something to do with the cam chain tensioner but I can't see what and the manual is useless.

Any help greatly appreciated,
KC     

[Trigger]

The 400 oil screen doesn't need to come out to clean it 
Have you removed the primary shaft ?

[AussieKC]

Hi Trigger, yes primary shaft is out. I'm trying to remove the whole oil screen body and not just the screen. It appears that the oil screen is just located by friction from an o-ring, maybe I'm not giving it enough force. I see on Julie's thread (the nurse) that there is a spring on the oil screen body but I don't have one on mine. Confused!

After a closer examination today there is some pitting in the crankshaft bearing so new bearings are the order of the day.

KC
 

[Trigger]

These screen housings are a sod to get located with the spring, it is the plate in the sump pan that holds them in place. I have had some with no spring and have been glued in so, a little twist and pull.
As your primary shaft is out and all bolts are removed then, the cases should come apart 

[Nurse Julie]

Unless some previous Muppet has glued the screen housing on, it should pull off quite easily. There is only an O ring which may cause a bit of friction but it shouldn't hold it on there too tight. And yes, there should be a spring, which pushes the whole body downwards to fit snug on the oil separation plate in the sump pan.

[AussieKC]

Thx Nurse Julie, much appreciated. Yes, the previous owner was a total muppet! Some of the ridiculous things that i've found make me want to give him a kick up the ass.

Thanks again

KC