Valve Clearances/crankcase question

Doing my valve clearance adjustment, (never done it before).
The Haynes Manual:
"Remove the inspection cover from the left-hand end of the crankcase to expose the timing plate assembly."

Help an idiot:
First of all, I ASSUME the inspection cover is the large round cover just below the head. Correct?

Secondly - and perhaps most importantly - Please advise as to how to get it off. It's a bunch of Phillip's screws. I can't seem to get enough leverage to turn them. I tried a propane torch. Clue me in.

 

Not sure if you have the right cover or not. One of the smart guys can chime in on that.
My cheap impact has a removable top that fits a ratchet. Pick a tip that fits exactly, push in with as much force as you can (or enough to keep the tip from eating your head) and give the handle a little pressure (or a lot). They should crack loose.
works for me every time.
It never hurts to give 'em a shot of pb blaster.


cheers
k

 

Yes the left cover with 4 screws. Behind it are the pickup coils and the end of the crank so you can turn to get the lobes in the right positions for measurement.

Getting the screws off can be a challenge. Impact wrench may help, penetrating oil too.

 

Fair enough.

I'm going to go get a phillips head impact gun attachment tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

Cover plate.

 

wizard, that's a wonderful illustration. I would like to put that on a t-shirt. where can I find it?

 

Someone on this site gave me the image, back end of last year, but I can't remember who it was, perhaps they will jump in.

 

a handheld impact wench is the hot ticket. If you don't own one of these, you should invest in one. They generally cost under $20.



NO CHANCE of the driver slipping in the screw since it only rotates when you whack it. Just be sure the bit engages the screw fully (you may need to grind a few thou off the tip.)

 

Great Pic Fitz - we really need a cleaned up FAQ section with all the good information posted

 

It's from "Airhead Valve Adjustment" I figured one good picture is worth a thousand words.

 

Fitz - Thanks so much.
The handheld impact wrench worked wonders.

 

Question:

Do I have to replace the gasket on the inspection cover?

Also, it looks like I'm going to have to order new valve cover bolts from Chacal.
Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the alloy steel OEM bolts and the stainless steel aftermarkets? Is it just the metal composition? Is there a difference in strength?

 

Make or buy a gasket, you don't want any water getting in there.
With the bolts, S/S looks better is all.

 

i had a hard time getting mine off 2 used channellocks. no problem.

 

IMHO - if the gasket is not torn or worn badly you won;t have to replace it.

Why new bolts? The donut seals should be replaced but the bolts should be fine. If they need replacement SS does look better....

 

my 81 doesn't use donuts. The bolts all have a bit of corrosion on the threads.