Removing Clutch Cover Casing...

[Athame57]

I'm in the process of taking the clutch cover casing of my CB400F2 for paint stripping and polishing thereafter, and to let me paint the other casing next to it. As you see in the image I've got as far as removing the bolts and obstructions. It obviously doesn't want to come off easily and I'm loath to start sticking a screwdriver or something between it and the crankcase cover. Is there an easy/proper way to do this. Also, when I put it back together is there anything this amatuer is going to find difficult. I've noticed it's a bit leaky around the kickstart shaft, new seal needed probably but from where?

[hairygit]

First of all, are you sure you have ALL of the securing screws out, there are 10 of them? If not, go find the remaining one(s) and remove them. Also there are 2 dowels fitted as well, these can be very tight holding the cover on. If you have all 10 screws out, use a hide mallet to gently tap down on the top of the casing to see in that helps to break the seal. DO NOT use a normal hammer under any circumstances! If the cover shows signs of having moved even a fraction, tap the opposite area to the first bit tapped to try and see if it will move again. Eventually it should loosen the hold and you will be able to pull the cover off. 

[Nurse Julie]

Exactly as Mr Hairy has said. A lot of people also 'stick' these covers on with gasket seal (Muppets !!!) so that may also be holding it on there tight.

[Athame57]

Thanks for this. Julie...I've got a new gasket, surely it needs a sealant though? I've got Loctite MR5922 handy...

[hairygit]

Honda gaskets do not need sealant of any kind! If anything, a thin smear of grease to help hold it in place and make it less likely to stick to the casings and tear if it needs removal in the future.

[Athame57]

Thanks...won't use any!

[Nurse Julie]

Thanks...won't use any!

Exactly as Mr Hairy has said 

[Bryanj]

BUT the gasket surfaces do need to be mirror clean

[Athame57]

BUT the gasket surfaces do need to be mirror clean

OK...I'll clean them until I can see my face in them! Still wondering about the leak from the kickstart though, is the seal one of those on David Silvers? https://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/CB400F-SUPER-SPORT-FOUR/part_28468/

[hairygit]

If you look at "kick starter oil seal"  in the 400/four listing on his site, he sells the genuine Honda one for less than £2, make sense to buy just what you need, and it's going to fit perfectly!

[Athame57]

If you look at "kick starter oil seal"  in the 400/four listing on his site, he sells the genuine Honda one for less than £2, make sense to buy just what you need, and it's going to fit perfectly!

Spotted it. Must have been having a senior moment on his site, or the cold is numbing my skull!