Crankcase Cover Removal

1. Remove the seven Crankcase Cover 3/8" bolts using the 3/8" socket and ratchet.

2. Once all of the bolts have been removed slide the Crankcase Cover off the Cylinder Block, note that there are two guide pins located on each side of the cover. If necessary, use the flat head screw driver to gently pry the cover off as seen below.

3. Once the Crankcase Cover has been removed the Crankshaft, Camshaft, Connecting Rod, and Push Rods can be clearly seen. Once again, take a few moments to examine these parts while slowly rotating the flywheel, otherwise the Crankshaft could be damaged since only one side of the Cylinder Block supports it. Notice how the Crankshaft drives the Camshaft, which in turn operates the push rods that open and close the valves. Examine the size of each of the gears on the crankshaft and camshaft. The camshaft gear is twice as big as the crankshaft gear, this is because the valves only open every 720 degrees in a 4 stroke engine. The timing of these valves is critical, for this reason the next step is very important.

4. Mark the point on the Crankshaft Gear and the Camshaft Gear meet with a felt tip marker, this will ensure proper gear alignment when the engine is re-assembled. NOTE: it is critical for engine operation that the crankshaft and camshaft are properly synchronized.