Ronesios

I was adjusting my valves for the 1st time since I have owned my '87 rebel 450 and I can not get the valve cover off. I'm able to wiggle it around but it seems that the frame bar below the "removed" gas tank is stopping it. I'm trying all different positions and it won't slide off. Any suggestions or experiences with this?

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GearJammer

Was hoping that someone with more experience would provide the answer for you. I haven't removed mine yet, but will be soon.........

Have heard Sportster owners ask the same thing about removing rocker covers and there appears to be no magic answer other than that if one keeps after it, it WILL come out of there.

Took a quick look at the Clymer's.......have you removed the CDI and the bracket holding the CDI on ? Removed the top motor mount bracket ? Tied all cables, etc. up against the backbone of the frame ? I'd guess that once you gained as much clearance as possible, it's simply a matter of keeping after it until you find just the right position to remove it.......

You might also give Jack a call as I'm sure he would know of any helpful hints that the manuals never even mention (which is frustrating).

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"Ridin' Ain't A Hobby, It's A Lifestyle"

1986 450 Rebel

jax

Gearjammer is right. After all the wires and parts are out of the way, it still will only come off one way and the same with going back on. You just have to be real patient and it will come off. I seem to have more trouble trying to get it to go back on. but with a few choice words and maybe a beer or two it will finally go back on.

Ride safe

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Ronesios

Thank you for your replies. I had everything out of the way except the motor mount. I will try that since I have to go back in and change my cover gasket. I was just checking valve clearance by sliding the cover from one side to the next but I didn't replace the cover gasket. Bad choice!! I leaked oil everywhere on its first run. Oh well, I will learn as I go.

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trevorus

You have to pull up on the left side and slide it right until the center hump clears the frame. (The tank has to be off first, of course!) Then just wiggle a little until it all comes clear.

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Ronesios

I got it off this morning. Thank you for your information. As an extra precaution, I put the cover on and off several times so I can get it down pat.

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87 Rebel 450

Bama Dave

H-A-M-M-E-R a big rubber one

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