crankcase cover removal

[elrick1]

I have my fe290 engine up on my workbench and stripped down. Anybody have any tips for getting the side cover/crankcase off? I don't want to pry on the aluminum or bang away at it too much. It's not budging and there doesn't seem to be a point to pry from. need some help here. Thanks

[Jimmie]

Copied from a manual:

Crankcase Cover
Disassembly
• Drain the engine oil into an appropriate container.
• Loosen the crankcase cover retaining bolts in the reverse sequence
of the tightening sequence given on the next page. Using a hammer
or a plastic mallet, gently tap on the crankcase cover at the area
where the cover is fastened to the engine, and remove the crankcase
cover.

[elrick1]

yeah, I've been tapping but it won't come. I don't want to pry so I guess I'll keep at it. If anyone has any useful tricks up their sleeve please share

[elrick1]

I got the cover off, lots of tapping around the perimeter. Does anyone have the torque numbers for the perimeter bolts on the crankcase? I don't want to over torque and crush the gasket. also, what have you guys used on the new gasket, RTV etc? does the fsm recommend anything? Thanks guys

[lockman1]

130 in-lbs in sequence 1-8, then again, retighten to 250 in-lbs in sequence 1-8.

My manual doesn't say anything about using gasket sealer,
and I haven't had a crankcase open to know what type of gasket it is...
You might want to hold off and see if anyone else chimes in on on the sealer!

[lgcmech]

i have done a few of these now and i have never used anything on the gasket and have not had any problems with leakage. i also made sure to replace the crankshaft seal. i am not sure if you have a plastic plug by the low oil sending unit but if you do make sure to put some rtv silicone around that so it doesn' leak. good luck!