Secondary Shaft Cover

[randy]

Hi guys and gals;

I'm polishing the engine covers and before I remove the Secondary Shaft Left Hand Bearing Support Cover, Will anything fall into the motor when I do this? To clarify, this cover is next to the rear end of the Starter Motor. The only details I've found is an operation in Clymers' that is a full-blown shaft removal and case split, but I don't have to do that, I just want to polish the cover. Any thoughts?

Thanks, of course, in advance.

Randy

[xswilly]

I polished all my covers this winter
and i looked at it real good and read the manual
but decided to leave it on the bike and do it there
for fear of something coming apart and not going back
I went over the covers with 600 grit sandpaper
then used a pot scrubber type of pad
brand name was beartex, used in machine shops alot
then used a cloth buffing wheel with compound
came out nice
all the others i pulled

[Guy]

In January I pulled all the aluminum parts except forks and shocks from my XJ and polished them. The XJ has aluminum handlebars as well. But I have access to a small bench mounted buffing motor. I found that the higher I got the finish the more flaws showed. All the aluminum must be cast parts and therefore have some inclusions and porous places. Still looks a lot better than when I purchased it in Nov last year. I purchased the Nyalic spray coating from a company in Georgia, I think. Found the site on line but had to call to order. Stuff is a little tricky, parts must be real clean, acetone seemed to work best. If you use acetone be very careful how and where you use it.
If this cover is just behind the starter and has three bolts, on my XJ it is chromed and I just cleaned it on the bike. The CD from Rock Jock (purchased through this site) shows the cap with the intermediate drive. Looks to be very similar to the bearing cap in front of the starter, as far as design. If you don't have the CD, I could e-mail the one jpg page.
Guy

[randy]

I know what the bearing cap is, I just don't know if something is going to fall when I remove it! Help, anyone?

Thanks.

Randy

[bkr]

Starter Cover

Hey Randy The cover you are refering to is the end cover for the starter. Nothing will fall out if removed but you can polish it on the bike just as easy. Hope this helps. bkr If you remove the starter disconnect your battery first.

[randy]

Thanks for the help, bkr. I've already got the starter off, (and most everything else) and thought it would be easier to handle this cover off the engine. Glad to know I won't foul anything up by removing it.

Randy

[bkr]

Cover

Hey randy Checked your thread again and my biking buddy Mitch pointed out a mistake i made about the cover on the shaft. It is the middle gear cover . Nothing will fall out when removed. My first mistake in a long time... LOL bkr

[randy]

Well, we all have our days... I kind of figured you had your aim off a bit. The starter has a similar cover on it. They look like two halves of one cover. Any way, i appreciate the effort of everyone on the site. It's great to be able to exchange ideas and expertise the way we do. I know I couldn't have made the progress that i have if it weren't for the help.


My restoration is progressing nicely, and as soon as i get my home page sorted out, i'll post pictures. Thanks again,


Randy