Help splitting crankcase needed

[barrykatona]

I am ready to split the crankcases on my 1982 550m and would like to know how many bolts should have come out particularly the top case.

On the top case I took one bolt (m6) out near the oil pressure thingy and a nut of a stud next to the drive shaft (see attached pic) are there any more I have missed on the top?

On the bottom case I have taken out 29 bolts altogether m8 & m6

If I have got them all out anyone know the safest way to seperate the two cases experienced hands required.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/barrykatona/drveshaftcasestud.jpg

[Big T]

To split, I tapped mine around the edges, then hit it firmly a few times at the front. Came right apart. It helps to put it on the bench so it's upside down and pull off the bottom case first.

Clean/paint the bottom case, then transfer the internals as necessary from the top to the bottom until your ready to put the bolts back in.

[Dink]

Have you removed the starter motor? There are two bolts under it. To split the cases I used a broad bladed (4") paint scraper, gently worked it into the joints all the way around; this also assured me all the bolts were out, then I slowly pried the cases apart with the scraper so theforce was spread out.

Dink

[barrykatona]

Thanks for the replies guys,

I have looked on one of the parts fische and looks like that is all there is in the top case. I,ll go and give it a Knock with a piece of wood and hammer.Not going to resort to the paint scraper method just yet but you never know.

[gaillarry]

Take lots and lots of pics when you take it apart. I did my engine not long ago but took a month to get the needed parts. When it was time to put things back together the pics came in handy as I forgot where a lot of parts went.

[barrykatona]

Done it

Well split the cases without hammering or prying to see how take a look at the pics. Hope this is a really top tip and not just something an idiot would do. I bow to you to judge my actions.\\/

http://s229.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/barrykatona/?action=view&current=cranksplit001.jpg

been using my digital camera all the way through so hopefully even my goldfishlike memory should be ok come reassembly. Though i am sure i will be asking lots of questions come the time.

Now why did i split the cases?