I was going to ask about removing a cam cover on my WLA. Then Clay posts a photo of a mint 45 big twin with a side hack. I got all excited and didn't ask my question.
I have to pull my cam cover, because trying to remove the oil pressure sensor, I managed to twist it off. So I have to remove the cover to get this piece out.
Can I leave the distributor in place and the cams in place and still get the cover off and replace it? I can remove the generator bolts, front exhaust, floorboard and associated brake parts and 2 oil lines. I plan to lay the 45 on it's side as no not have too many parts out of order.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

its like taking the main spring out of a watch - if your gifted in luck it will go back in the same place - unadjust all the valves and find the engine location they all being backed off does not influence the cover - because of the cams

set the engine on timing flywheels and the dizzy to make sure what you have is correct - then majic mark all of it and pull the dizzy - pull the generator - back side of a hammer with a wood handle is what we use -so nothing is damaged and tap the front of the cover back using a rubber hammer - back and forth a few time squirting the pin location with wd40

avoid using screw drivers as they will damage the cover and block - it takes a bit to pop it off its been in place a while my guess

 

Thank you John:
I was planning to get the timing marks in order, but had not intended to pull the dizzy or loosen the valves. I will do that. Do you think the cover will come off with the front exhaust and the floor board in place?

 

the cams could have spacing / thrust washers that can fall out - and knowing that you need to be careful not to have even one drop from someplace you did not see

so to answer the question anything that can become an issue in removing it - don't look for short cuts when doing something the first time

un adjusting the valves because they are putting valve spring load on the cams and 1/2 of that pressure is the cam cover - oil pump timing and dizzy will move when pulling

nothing in the way is a good thing - what ever you disassemble place together so re assemble is same order in nuts bolts clips what ever - factory book is your guide both parts and workshop

 

Thanks again