Removing and Inspecting the Rocker Cover
Before removing the rocker cover, remove the valve covers.
Remove the bolts from the rocker cover. Take care to remove the numbered bolts crosswise, from the outside in, to properly release the tension on the cylinder head.
Note: Remove only the numbered bolts. Loosen the bolts in the numbered sequence from 1 to 8. Take note of the four copper washers.
Note: The two large, 10 mm bolts are not removed. They are holding the rocker pins inside the rocker cover.
Remove the rocker cover from the cylinder head. It is not necessary to remove the two screws that lock the rocker pins, unless you need to replace either the rockers, or the rocker pins.
Note: If you remove the rocker pins, always verify their correct orientation, or the oil lubrication passages will be in the wrong position. Improper orientation of the rocker pins will starve the cylinder head of oil, and damage the engine.
While the rocker cover is removed, check the axial and radial movement of the cam rollers on the rockers. If a cam roller is damaged, replace the rocker.
Also check the surface of the cap at the end of the tappet. If the cap is deformed, replace the tappet. This will allow the tappet to make better contact with the valve head, prolonging the life of the valve.
