1981 750E Tach gear sleeve broken

[woodsietx]

While doing a valve adjustment yesterday, I had the predicted trouble getting the tach gear out of the head. I was able to pull it out about 1/4 inch and it wouldn't go any further. Kept working at it until finally the gear sleeve snapped into two pieces. I got panicky and mad thinking I was going to have something drilled out and threw the cable across the garage. Oops!









I want to know a few things.

What caused it to be so tight that I couldn't pull it out?

Did I miss something after the lock plate was removed?

How does one keep it from happening again?

Does anyone think I may have damaged the actual gear?

I can get a new one from the usual place or should I ask around here?

How do you get rid of the tiny marks in the aluminum caused by prying?

I have picts I can add later.

Thanks.

Woodsie

[woodsietx]

Pictures added.

[woodsietx]

A bump.

I should have the new part today and would like some sort of idea of why it was so stuck and what to do about preventing it.

Thanks everyone.

Woodsie

[Larry D]

My guess is because it had been in there for 28 years. They are a pain to get out anyway.... I will pry it out part of the way then drape a shop rag over it and twist and pull with a small pair a vice grips.
When you put it back in put some oil on the oring. Also the tach gear may hinder sliding it in all the way. Just take some needle nose pliers and gently turn the gear end until it seats properly.

[new bob]

When I removed my tach cable I just unscrewed the cable end at the cam cover without removing the gear with the cable.You have to be careful when you put the cam cover back on so the gears mesh together.

[posplayr]

When I removed my tach cable I just unscrewed the cable end at the cam cover without removing the gear with the cable.You have to be careful when you put the cam cover back on so the gears mesh together.

This is teh easy way to remove the tach cable.

When removing the valve cover, I alway lay the cover back on the head loose and bump the stat=rter to make sure the end of the gear rotates (/8 to 1/4 turn). Then bolt the cover down.

[woodsietx]

I appreciate the advice. I'll try it.

I opened the new sleeve a little while ago and find that the new part is different than the one off the bike. The removable lock plate is now part of the upper part of the sleeve. It looks like it'll fit ok. Should I be concerned I have the wrong part?

Woodsie

P.S. I went to a couple different parts suppliers and took their part number to Babbit's (thanks for the tip BassCliff) and found that the part number on the fiche has been superseded by the one I received. Sorry I didn't check before posting.

[woodsietx]

Follow up:

The new parts proved almost as hard to install as the old were to take out. I had to use a piece of wood to gently push the sleeve into the head. Everything looks OK now. I won't know for sure until I get it started.

Thanks.

Woodsie