Side cover removal

[Barnsey]

 Hello everyone.

  I need to replace with kickstart spindle on my C15 but the side cover looks to have been glued on with gasket sealant.  What is the best way to remove it without damaging the mating surfaces?  Should I replace with a dry gasket or use sealant again.  (I'm not a great fan of sealant myself!)

  Regards,

     Ian

[chaz]

normally no gasket on the side cover (not in the kit for a B40), I tend to use a sealant that does not harden. specialist oil and fuel proof or even a bathroom mastic. used sparingly so it does not get inside.
If you want to belt and braces, cut a thin gasket from A4 paper (.004") thick max so it does not affect internal dimensions.
gasket sealer one side aand grease the other side will stop a permanent seal.

best way to remove yours would be a bit of heat,try a heat gun/hair dryer, gentle tapping with a plastic mallet on a stand out area

[Spaceman]

The earlier distributor model C15 covers are probably easier to dislodge. However, the later non-distributor model covers are aligned using a couple of dowels probably making it slightly more difficult to break the seal with a soft mallet. However, if you are careful, you can tap outwards against the clutch lever in the later models to break the seal.

[cdsdorset]

Reseal with 3bond.

[Barnsey]

Thanks for your help.

  I have found an ancient well rounded screwdriver to use as a pry in the 'D' shaped dink at the end of the cover and I will order a plastic mallet.

  The homemade gasket approach looks like it might be a way forward.

  Regards,

          Ian

[chaz]

turn the hammer you have around 180 degrees, use the wooden end, just as good

[AdrianS]

3 bond is a very good sealer/ gasket especially if you cannot seal a joint with just a gasket or metal to metal joint. But can be a bugger to separate later.