Note: The valve covers can be removed with the engine in the frame. If the engine has been removed, ignore the steps which do not apply.
Removal
1. Remove the carburettors (see Chapter 4).
2. Drain the coolant (see Chapter 1). If removing the front cylinder valve cover, either displace or remove the radiators (see Chapter 3).
3. On XL600V and XRV750-L to N (1990 to 1992) models, if removing the rear cylinder valve cover, unscrew the bolts securing the frame cross-member, noting which way round it fits and the earth wires secured by one bolt (see illustration 5.20).
4. Unscrew the bolt securing the coolant outlet pipe to the cylinder head and remove the pipe (see illustration). Discard the O-ring as a new one must be used. Detach any other hose(s) from the cover(s) according to the requirements of your model, noting which hose fits where.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125132.jpg)
8.4. Unscrew the bolt (arrowed) and withdraw the pipe from the head
5. Disconnect the spark plug leads from the plugs and secure them clear of the engine. Displace or remove the ignition HT coil(s) as required, according to your model and which cover is being removed (see Chapter 5).
6. Unscrew the valve cover bolts, noting the washers and the rubber seals (see illustration). Remove the seals with the bolts if they are loose (see illustration).
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125133.jpg)
8.6a. Valve cover bolts (arrowed)
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125134.jpg)
8.6b. Remove the rubber seals with the bolts if they are loose
7. Lift the valve cover off the cylinder head (see illustration) If It is stuck, do not try to lever it off with a screwdriver. Tap it gently around the sides with a rubber hammer or block of wood to dislodge it. The rubber gasket is normally glued into the groove in the cover, and is best left there if it is reusable. If the gasket is in any way damaged, deformed or deteriorated, remove it and use a new one.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125135.jpg)
8.7. Lift the cover off the cylinder head
8. On XL650V models, note the dowels that 2 link the PAIR system air passages between the valve cover and cylinder head and remove them for safekeeping If they are loose (which is unlikely), taking care not to drop them if they are not in the valve cover. Discard the seals as new ones must be used.
Installation
9. On XL650V models, if removed, fit the PAIR system dowels, using new seals, into the valve cover or the cylinder head, whichever gives the tighter fit. If fitting them into the head, take care not to drop them.
10. Examine the valve cover gasket for signs of damage or deterioration and replace it with new one if necessary (see illustration). If a new one is used, clean all traces of the old glue from the groove in the cover and clean it and the cylinder head mating surface with solvent. Fit the new gasket into the groove, using a suitable glue, sealant or grease to hold it in place.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125136.jpg)
8.10. Use a new gasket if necessary and make sure it locates in the groove and stays there
1.1 Position the valve cover on the cylinder head, making sure the gasket stays in place (see illustration 8.7). If removed, fit the rubber seals into the cover, using new ones if required (see illustration 8.6b). Install the cover bolts with the washers and tighten them to the specified torque setting.
12. Install the remaining components in the reverse order of removal. Use a new О-ring on the coolant outlet pipe and tighten the bolt securely (see illustration).
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/125137.jpg)
8.12. Install the pipe using a new O-ring (arrowed)