Inner Timing Cover Not Quite Fitting Between the Down tubes.

[Jeff in W.C.]

The bike: 1988 R100 RT.

I'm putting things back together after replacing the timing chain (timing chain, sprocket, etc. replaced). I'm now trying to figure out how the inner cover goes back on. I have to admit it was hard to remove and took a little force to remove. There is not enough room on the rightside frame down tube to move the inner timing cover over to fit on the studs. Watching Boxer2Valves video of him working on a 1985 R80 RT (also a monoshock bike), the timing cover fits real easy in between the down tubes. What am I missing? Would it help to loosen the front engine stud in hopes that the right down tube will move to the right enough to install the inner timing cover? I'm really hoping the engine doesn't have to come out.

P.S. I hope I explained this well enough.

[jackonz]

Odd, the only thing I can think of is that the engine is not sitting centre in the frame, I assume when you say the right front downtube that you mean left when sitting on the bike? if so there should be a spacer on the left (when sitting on the bike) front engine mount that holds the side stand in place, if its missing it would allow the engine to move over to the left.

That's the only thing I can think of that would cause it to be off centre.

A photo of the problem would help.

[Jeff in W.C.]

It's the right down tube when sitting on the bike or the left while staring at the bike from the front. Although the timing cover and fit in between the tubes, the over needs to go about another 1/16 of an inch in order for it to slide on the studs. With regards to the engine bolts (the long ones attaching the engine to the frame), there is a spacer on the right side (while sitting on the bike) bolt, while the other side has a spacer as part of the side stand parts. After looking online it looks like the correct spacer is on the right side.

[Jeff in W.C.]

So, I went out and completely loosened the nuts on the bolt, and that provided enough room for me to test fit it twice. So, I think I'm good in this department. All I need now is to remove the last small bit of gasket glue that was utilized last time. The stuff seems to be spot welded on.