small crack in upper crankcase...whudda ya think?

[mike horvath]

While attempting to remove the rightside crankcase cover (with an impact driver), i.e. that little independant piece near the chain guard, I,ve sustained a small crack at the top of the crank case. It doesn't appear to to have traveled far, but I'm concerned it may due to engine vibration. Any thoughts? It's a 66 CL77 Thanks. Mike

[e3steve]

Hello Mike, welcome to the forum.

Crankcase or side cover? I find it hard to imagine you've cracked the crankcase, but a whack on an impact driver against the unsupported trailing edge of the side cover: yes, I can see that happening very easily.

If it's the latter, drill a small hole (3mm / ⅛" or so) at the point where you can observe the crack's end with the naked eye; that will slow, or prevent, any 'creeping'. You can get it welded, but your welding shop will need to be expert at repairing old, porous, oil-contaminated alloys.

G'luck!

Steve

[mike horvath]

Hi Steve,
Although not able to remove the side cover or that small area coverlett on the top left, the crack is visible at the side cover right next to the 2nd screw hole on the unsupported end, but also as you look closely at the right corner where that small cover meets the upper crankcase, there is a crack also that travels down below the cover. Since I will probably have to drill of a number of side cover screws to pull it, I won't know the extent till then. I quit trying to remove any more screws after that due to uncontrollable sadness. Don't even know if I should ride it. I love the forum though. Another question though; is this 305 a hi rpm engine? Mine seems very torqie and does well in 3rd going 50mph, but haven't had it over 65 (in 4th of course). I don't want to push her. Mike

[Gunner_CAF]

Mike,

When I started taking my CB77 apart, I found most of these phillips head screws very hard to break loose. I used a hand impact driver with a hammer and penetrating oil and this worked on most all of the side cover screws. I sometime had to walk away and let them soak, but they came off if I kept working them. I replaced them all with allen head bolts so I don't have to deal with this any more.

Gunner

[mike horvath]

Hey Gunner,
I like your idea. I used it on another "pig" of a bike in the garage. But how does it look compared to, oh, the panhead type screws? I was thinking stainless when I get to it. But gotta see what else I'll break before I go shopping. All this for those pesky oil seals...dang! I'll have to try the penetrating oil theory. Thanks. Mike

[davomoto]

Mike, put just the bit on the screw head, and give it a sharp blow with a hammer. Then use the impact. This works amzingly well, as it jars the threads before trying to unscrew them. It's rare that I can't get a screw out using this method.

davomoto

[mike horvath]

Thanks davomoto,
I'm going to attempt to loosen a few more today. Believe me, I'll try the penetrating oil and the technique you mentioned. I gotta get that cover off to inspect the interior for damage. But when I get to that point, I will be replacing a few oil seals. Depending on which one is the leaker, are they pretty simple to replace? I heard there were like four or five on that side.

Mike