SEPARATING THE CRANKCASES
To separate the crankcases the heads barrels and pistons must be removed (pages 27-29), along with the contents of the timing side (pages 1, 5-6, & 12-17) and drive side (pages 33-37). The tie rods need not be removed from the crankcases, but it is more convenient to remove them at this stage so that they can be properly lubricated before reassembly. Allow the engine to stand for a few minutes with the rear slightly raised, so that any oil remaining in the crankcases drains out through the front drain plug. The rear drain plug should also be removed to allow any oil remaining in the gearbox compartment to be drained.
Note:- Two of these screws are on the inside of the cover adjacent to the starter motor.
Take out the 8mm screw (6mm Allen key) above the layshaft. It is not necessary to disturb the screw beneath the mainshaft.
Lay two strips of hardwood about 10mm thick and 300mm long on the bench; rest the engine assembly onto the strips with the drive side uppermost, so that the wood supports the outer crankcase face allowing the crankshaft to protrude. Once the screws are removed the crankcases may be separated. N o gasket is used between the cases and separation should not normally be a difficult operation; avoid the temptation to hit the forward extensions of the crankcases when separating the two halves.