Need a miniature torque wrench for Cam cover.

[mike-s4]

Hi guys,
I just spent all afternoon removing the leaky valve cover gasket on my 08. They left no room to work on these things. Some of the 5mm cover bolts have barely enough room to put a sawed-off allen key on them (kill all engineers).
My question is how in hell do you torque these things when there is barely one inch clearance.
Or just snug them up as best as i can?
Anyone?

 

[Tarheelbob]

Use a 1/4" drive small torque wrench on the ones you can reach. For the couple that just won't allow wrench access, snug them up as best you can, trying to replicate similar pressure on the allen wrench as you felt on the torque wrench.

[mike-s4]

Use a 1/4" drive small torque wrench on the ones you can reach. For the couple that just won't allow wrench access, snug them up as best you can, trying to replicate similar pressure on the allen wrench as you felt on the torque wrench.

Thanks.That makes sense. I guess i would have to pull the motor  to do the job 100%
Has Kawasaki improved the oem gasket? ?  These things should not leak!  Even Triumphs and HD's don't leak any more.

[bbhzx12]

I use a 3/8 tech-wrench, adaptor and 5mm socket for all but the one by the left motor mount... that gets the allen wrench treatment.
When replacing the gasket I used the silicone on the entire surface, not just the ends as Kawi specifies.  Not about to do this again whne a little sealant can save me the headache.

[gildaguz]

What is the average  mileage when they start leaking? my 09 has all ready 19K  and planing to do the valve inspection at 25K at the same time will replace plugs and gasket, days ago when did torque the exhaust manifold bolts there was a seepage by the sensor that is at that side

[mike-s4]

I use a 3/8 tech-wrench, adaptor and 5mm socket for all but the one by the left motor mount... that gets the allen wrench treatment.
When replacing the gasket I used the silicone on the entire surface, not just the ends as Kawi specifies.  Not about to do this again whne a little sealant can save me the headache.

I agree. This is a nasty job in a very restricted space. I removed a few of the bolts by feel alone.Could not even see them!!Spent 3 hours on the last two bolts just to remove the cover. Gonna be fun getting it back together tomorrow. Silicone on  both sides all around the gasket. I usually enjoy working on  my c14 , but this type of dentistry is annoying.   

[mike-s4]

What is the average  mileage when they start leaking? my 09 has all ready 19K  and planing to do the valve inspection at 25K at the same time will replace plugs and gasket, days ago when did torque the exhaust manifold bolts there was a seepage by the sensor that is at that side

Dont' know the average but mine has 59000 Kilometers. About 38000 miles. Plugs are like new.
It does look like it has been leaking for quite a while.

[feelergaugephil]

Use a 1/4" drive small torque wrench on the ones you can reach. For the couple that just won't allow wrench access, snug them up as best you can, trying to replicate similar pressure on the allen wrench as you felt on the torque wrench.

Well stated sir. A+

[mike-s4]

ALL better now! I found this miniature ratchet kit that even had a 5mm allen key. Those problem bolts on top of the cover took 5 minutes to do up. The whole job putting it back together was about 2 1/2 hours. Not bad!!
My skinned knuckles are healing nicely.