pressure plate stuck...

[Lee]

I am at the point in tearing down a 3.0 motor where I need to remove the pressure plate, in accordance with Wayne's teardown sequence in his excellent book. However, after removing the nine allen head bolts on the pressure plate, I find that the plate didn't slide right out, as it should have. I'm assuming this is because the car has been sitting for 2.5 years.

I gave it a few good whacks with a rubber mallet, then a few light taps with a ball peen...still stuck. I'm new at this, and could use a pointer on getting it unstuck, so that I can get on with business.

Another question I have concerns carrera tensioners. I installed a set not long before it broke down, and since a valve bent, and broke a rocker arm, I assumed it was due to tensioner failure. However, after I took the cam covers off today, everything looked and felt just fine. The chain is taught, and the tensioners seem tensed enough. Is there a test for these?

I also have to say that this is the first time I've ever tried anything like this, and it is fascinating. Today, I just sat and looked at my engine, with the cam covers off, for a long time. It's like looking at art. At any rate, I would never have the confidence to attempt it without having read so many threads about rebuilds on this BBS.

Thanks, everyone.

[john walker's workshop]

pry it off with a screwdriver thru the slots along the side.

[Lee]

Thanks for your reply, John...

I had thought about prying, but was afraid of messing something up. I'll go home and get to it, right away.

I appreciate you taking time to answer such a rookie question...it's a small thing, I know, and I'm loathe to wear out my welcome on small questions, but sometimes it's the little gophers that ruin your lawn.

Thanks.