Timing cover from hell

So I'm in the process of having the frame on my 73 roadster powder coated. I figured that while the engine is on the workbench I'd send the timing cover and oil pump off to AMR and have the wet sump mod done. Well I can't get the timing cover off!!! I have literally spent an hour at it with no luck. All twelve screws have been taken out and the gasket is no longer attached. There's about a 1/4 of an inch gap all the way around, but that's where it stops. Any tips or tricks?

I know it's stating the obvious and an not bring your knowledge or abilities into question either.
If you are sure all the screws have been removed then have you also removed all of the points or after market electronic ignition system assembly .

If you are certain you have removed all 12 timing cover screws and the points cam and advance/retard unit, then sometimes the timing cover can stick on the 2 dowel pins. And sometimes the cover has been glued there, so might be tough to remove - have you got any movement of the cover ?

The dowel pins are at 9 o'clock and 4 o'clock. If you tap all around the cover with a rubber or hide mallet, it should eventually break it free. Don't on any account stick a screwdriver into the joint face, it will likely damage something. A razor blade, if carefully used may be needed to literally cut the cover free - but use with caution.
Don't hit it too hard with the rubber mallet either, gently gently...
hopethishelps, have fun !

You have removed the contact breaker cover, taken off the center bolt and washers, and used a slide hammer to pull of the CB cam?

Where does it FEEL/LOOK like it's held up? The above mentioned likely trouble is first to check. Got a 5/16 fine thread bolt? Put it on your slide hammer. The exploded parts view (DRAWING ) is a good tool when unsure of how things are designed/put together. Good luck, report back.

does sound like he hasn't taken the ignition parts out of the timing cover. Not to worry. I was in a hurry one day and could not get my head off, till i looked in the book of wisdom then removed the middle head bolt.

Don't be afraid to admit wee mistake. we are curious. Good to have a wee laugh some times as well.

Dereck

Well I'm an idiot. No, I didn't have the points taken off. For some reason I thought they would just slide off with the cover. Smh. Funny I just disassembled the whole bike without a problem, then get caught up on something this simple. Thanks for the help everyone.

I personally find feeling like an idiot is offset by the euphoria of finding the solution. I have gotten real used to being an idiot when it comes to my Norton. Glad you figured it out.

Cheers,
Gatsby

gatsby said:

I personally find feeling like an idiot is offset by the euphoria of finding the solution. I have gotten real used to being an idiot when it comes to my Norton. Glad you figured it out.

Cheers,
Gatsby

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That's only true for me when I found out what stupid crap I did BEFORE I asked someone who showed me what a moron I was.

Careful. Morons only think they are right all the time.

I learn something new all the time, and i also feel foolish when i realize how silly, some of the things I have done are.

Remember, Henry Ford said that a man who never made a mistake, never made anything. [ but that doesn't excuse some of the silly crap that was designed into Commando's ]

Here is what happens with that scenario though. Years ago when Mitsi's/Hillman's were assembled at Porirua, someone was observing the man checking for defects. He saw him list quite a few defects on one car and so said to the guy, that he wouldn't mind buying that car. Why said the checker? Because you are going to fix the defects,,,,,. Aren't you????? No said the man checking the car, I am just going to make sure they are not present in the ones we are building !!!!!!!!!!!!!

End of story


Dereck

And now you know why Mark did his nuts over the problems he had with his new Combat when he heard the stories about the Norton factory more recently. His choice of words was exotic to say the least.