another Q(?) regarding valve adjustments
 

After doing a recent valve adjustment on my 914, I found the hardest part was not getting the valve covers off but getting them back on. It's really hard getting that spring back into place. Does anyone have an easy way? BTW, my solution for getting the covers off was to take a large screwdriver and pry the end of the clip off (where it sets into the head). Takes about two seconds.

I have sometimes been able to push the bail back in place. Make sure the cover doesn't shift when you do that, or it can REALLY leak.

One one of them, I have room to take a mallet to the bail and tap it into place. On the other, I can either get a screwdriver between the bail and the cover and use it to pry out and up, or sometimes I'll use the screwdriver as a punch. One end goes on the bail, the other gets hit with the mallet. Probably not that good for the bail, but it feels good when I get frustrated at the thing... ;^)

--DD

The only problem with that could be chipping the boss/hole where the wire goes in the head. I made a tool from a a small flat crowbar (the kind to use on wood) that had the long side cut short and the L-shaped end was ground smooth so it would not gouge the valve cover. To remove I insert it from the top of the wire and pull down and to install I insert it from the bottom and push up. Had it for over 15 years I guess since I bough my first bus.

similar to dave's suggestion, but it works better for me if i pry up with a screwdriver from one end of the bail and shift to the other side, back & forth, etc, rather than try to push it up from the center.

When upward leverage is put on the bale I find it helpful to have a strong rag doubled around the bale for holding additional pressure. Helps if the bale tends to pass the groove or lever slips.