xj550 valve cover pressure washer installation

I just replaced the valve cover pressure washers on my bike and have to say that I really wish I had ordered the cone shaped installation tool that Len offers.

However, if you don't have it, and I didn't, I found that the next best thing is to use an appropriately sized 12 point deep socket that fits to the very outside edge of the rubber and a vice.

I found that with the vice it was pretty easy to press the old washer off. Then with a bit of lube on the new washer just press it on by putting the head of the bolt on one jaw of the vice, the socket contacting the rubber, and the other end of the socket on the other jaw of the vice.

Going slow and adjusting for a square fit if it slips a bit and the washers went on pretty easy.

As a side note, DO NOT use a hammer and socket to try to pound the washers on. I think it is just too easy to not be square on the bolt and end up tearing the rubber apart. At least, that is what happened on the first one I tried to install.

You can also do it with just pure grunt and your fingers but watch the metal as it seems like it can cut.

 

yes that little cone is worth getting makes instalation very easy. a time saver.
if it were not a usefull tool chacal would not have it in the collection.
I also hae a few of his shim placeholders another great time saver.

I would recomend replacing the donuts firsy before commiting to replacing the cover gasket . I have found that most of the time the gasket is still good and only need to replace the donuts