Need help with Cam belt cover removal
Recently purchased a 2001 900SS with 3000 miles on it. I am attempting to start my winter maintenance program and want to check or replace cam belts since they are 6 years old!!!!
This is my third Ducati and I have performed all the maintenance on my other bikes.
Well in trying to remove the cam belt covers I have found that the two top screws on each cover are "as tight as a bull in mating season". I think that it is a combination of corrosion and overtightening at the factory. I know that trying to remove them will require excess torque that will probably strip the nut which is molded into the rubber cam backing plate. Obviously I can't heat the screw or nut because the plastic cam cover and or rubber backing plate will melt, and I don't want to apply excessive torque for fear of breaking the molded rubberbacking plate. ( Don't ask me how I know, been there before).
Has anyone else encountered a same problem and any recommended solutions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
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