Removing engine covers

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Feb 9, 2010 | 05:55 PM

benjamin247

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Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2009

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Removing engine covers

Hi All,

I am planning on removing the engine covers on my nightster to get it painted black. I'm not too familiar with engines, but if I remove these covers (primary/cam/sprocket), should I expect things to jump out? Any suggestions on how to take them off?

Also torn between painting it matte black or hi-gloss black. Does anyone have pics of their nightster with these painted gloss black?

Thanks!

Just for reference of the parts I'm talking about:

Feb 9, 2010 | 06:07 PM

xFreebirdx

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 7,604

Likes: 38

From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'

Not to be a ***** but get a manual for your year and model bike first. If you want to go that far with it the manual is a must have.

Feb 9, 2010 | 06:19 PM

schumacher

Club Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 30,914

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From: Springfield, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by xFreebirdx

Not to be a ***** but get a manual for your year and model bike first. If you want to go that far with it the manual is a must have.

and no, nothing should "jump out" at ya

Feb 9, 2010 | 06:49 PM

HarleyScuba

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 4,007

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From: Manassas, VA

You're supposed to loosen up the rockers to take pressure off the cams. I think that's what I heard. Maybe someone will verify.

EDIT: I checked my 2004 Service Manual. It says to check for minimum cam end-play and record the reading, but it doesn't say anything about letting off pressure. It does say to put a catch pan under the cam cover when removing - a little oil will come out. Do not pry the cam cover off. Use a rawhide mallet. Discard old gasket and use a new one.

Last edited by HarleyScuba; Feb 10, 2010 at 05:20 PM. Reason: obvious

Feb 9, 2010 | 10:03 PM

SportyPig

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 6,478

Likes: 12

From: Nashville, TN

If those are the parts you are talking about, there is no need to do anything with the cams. Those are primary covers, not engine covers. Only pit fall I could see is be careful with the clutch parts, and the quad ring. And yes......get an service manual.

Feb 10, 2010 | 05:15 AM

xFreebirdx

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 7,604

Likes: 38

From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'

Your cams are under the cover on the bottom right pic. One end of the cams is in that cover and the other end of the cams is in the engine case.

Feb 10, 2010 | 06:29 AM

Xenomorph

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 340

Likes: 1

Isn't fluids held in the primary side that will leak out unless its drained first prior to removing the cover? I do have the service manual and it dosent say anything about worrying about fluids when removing the covers or even having to drain anything first. Maybe someone can confirm...

Also, does anyone have pics of the process of removing the covers? I've never done it either but would rather have pics as a frame of referance than the illustrations anyway. Thanks a lot all!