Tappet screen plug Harley Evo Discuss Tappet screen plug in the Motorcycles forums; Im trying to remove this plug to clean the screen out, tried large screwdrivers, tapping a screwdriver with a hammer, even the Jims tool, cant get it to budge, any ...

[Chris L]

Im trying to remove this plug to clean the screen out, tried large screwdrivers, tapping a screwdriver with a hammer, even the Jims tool, cant get it to budge, any ideas please..thanks

[evoKENevo]

Hi Chris

I found that the JIMS tool used with right size bit on impact driver (hand-held) gets the job done...EZ...and you can probably get one for less (?) than you paid for the JIMS tool. In fact,everyone should have one in their tool box...for a million (?) reasons/uses.

[Chris L]

So using a impact driver wont do any harm..ie cracking the case ?

[evoKENevo]

Just to clarify here, I'm not talking about some "air-tool" here..just a hand-held tap (?) with mallet tool...and,NO it's not going to crack an engine case,etc...unless you get like really-really stupid about WHACKING it !!!

[frisco-rigid]

I have 3 motors sitting in sickles and I'm not sure I could get a driver and/or a good hammer swing on either one of them without at least pulling the right side tank and maybe even the AC backing plate.. And,, I don't think I ever would either..
Did you ever actually use a driver to loosen a screen plug EVO.? Why..??


Chris L---

I trust you have given it a real good try but,, if that Jims tool fits nicely in the slot just get some more leverage on it,,,,, it will break free..

Make certain you are applying even downward force as you torque it off..
You can do it bud..

[evoKENevo]

Hey,frisco

Yeah, I did use my impact driver to loosen the tappet filter plug...because the sucker just would'nt budge with just a good size screw driver...noting that the bike was bought used (aprox. 5 yr. old at the time) from a friend and I doubt if it'd ever had that plug out. But, in thinking more about it I only used the driver the FIRST time (out of only 2-3 times so far) and have been able to use just the JIMS tool (bought later) with just an open end wrench after that.

Sorry for the "brain-fart",buddy...must be the "oldztimers" setting in...and I stand corrected. However I do remember that it just took a relatively light blow to the driver with hard-rubber mallet..and,yes the air-filter assem. was off for servicing..but did not have to move/remove gas tank.

[Chris L]

Ok thanks guys for the replies, I will get the sucker out...somehow..once its out, Il replace with some nut/hex nut caps, Il try the Jims again,thing is with this the bar that fits the slot is not very deep, used it on my last Evo and it grauched the screws,but Il give it another shot, why dont H-D put a hex cap on from standard, like say the gearbox filler, be too easy I spose.

[myt evo]

Get a large screw driver that fits the slot properly, clamp the end of the screw driver with a pair of vise grips. Works every time. Then throw them into the nearest trash can.

[Chris L]

Good news guys, gave it another go with the Jims tool and a 3/4 spanner after soaking in WD40, plenty of downwards force (to stop it graunching) then wham it come undone...well pleased, now I need some acorns...thanks for all your replies....