Author Topic: Tappet covers  (Read 1475 times)

Online Bryanj

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Re: Tappet covers
« Reply #15 on: August 02, 2020, 08:40:27 PM »
NOT crap design or material just people tightening them up too much on old O rings

Offline bobv7

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Re: Tappet covers
« Reply #16 on: August 02, 2020, 09:04:36 PM »
Probably done up by the same twats who tighten spark plugs like they're anchoring a aircraft carrier. >:(

Offline matthewmosse

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Re: Tappet covers
« Reply #17 on: August 02, 2020, 10:12:23 PM »
Definitely a part where it pays to use a 6 point socket and I have bought engines or rocker covers where they were ludicrously tight either gorilla tightening or corrosion. An open jaw spanner or 12 pointer is more likely to round them off. By the time your wrenching them off with a pipe wrench and the top looks like it's been chewed by a large dog, I geuss silvers will be getting a call for new ones- though I have seen them put back in that condition.....
Got a 500/4 with rust and a sidecar and loadsa bits. nice and original and been round the clock

Offline Zoltan

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Re: Tappet covers
« Reply #18 on: October 03, 2020, 05:27:45 PM »
I have my original engine and a spare engine. All 16 tappet covers are a slightly loose fit on a selection of 17mm spanners/sockets. They will turn the tappet covers but I am very careful and gentle with them. None of my 16mm spanners/sockets will actually fit onto the covers. Incidentally, my Honda ST1300 Pan European uses one of those exact tappet covers on the oil filler hole for the rear shaft drive hub!
Honda CB550F2, 1977
Honda ST1300 Pan European, 2016

Online Bryanj

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Re: Tappet covers
« Reply #19 on: October 03, 2020, 06:05:07 PM »
If you want cheaper ones to wreck the c50 has unpolished and un laquered ones that cost less

Offline philward

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Re: Tappet covers
« Reply #20 on: October 04, 2020, 12:11:13 AM »
I use a 6 point 'flat' axle type spanner - being flat, there's no tendancy to twist off that occurs with an ordinary spanner as the force is fully in line with the thread your turning. Back in the 70's I made an exact fit spanner from some flat bar as 17mm is a sloppy fit on the cap. (and subsequently have lost it).

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Offline JezzaPeach

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Re: Tappet covers
« Reply #21 on: October 04, 2020, 09:19:40 AM »
Mine measure just under 17mm. I used a 17mm ring spanner as (unintentionally) it seemed to have the effect of keeping the force low down, reducing twisting. I used moderate taps with a club hammer as it gives a steady accurate firm sharp one-off tap. Not perfect but for me it minimised marking on the tightest one. Sure enough as others find, the seals were flat and hard, and someone had over tightened the caps which were leaking slightly. I wonder if that special grip paste might help, or something like a shim to make a 17mm spanner fit more tightly, although my outcome was ok. The slightly marked one can be moved out of sight!
1972 CB500/4 K1 Gold
Wanted: my 500/4 UGP96M
from 1975-78. Garnet Brown.

 

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