valve stem cover wrench for '56 KH

[Coolbreeze]

V Twin sells a wrench (# 16-0414 on page 747) for the valve cover for 1929-1973 45 cu. in. flathead. The OEM part number for the wrench is 11806-31. Will this work for my 1956 KHK? If not, did Harley make a special wrench for the '56 KH model?

[Rubone]

The -31 cover wrench is what was used on the KHK.
Robbie

[Coolbreeze]

Thank you. I bought that wrench.

The wrench works OK for the front 3 valve stem covers, but does not have enough clearance to get on the back cover. I have heard suggestions of using a strap wrench or the Vacuum brand pliers that I have for my Indian Chief. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Don't tell me Harley made a motorcycle that could not be maintained!

[Coolbreeze]

I gave up on the strap wrench idea because there is not enough room for it to work. What I am planning to do is to take a perfectly good 1 3/8" open end wrench with a 30 degree handle and cut metal from the outside of the jaws until the thing fits. It will be thicker and probably have better metal than the original Harley wrench; so, it just may work. If the jaws spread when used, I guess one could stack two wrenches and have a REALLY thick tool that should be strong enough.

How does this sound? Does anyone have a better idea?

[Coolbreeze]

I ended up filing the V Twin wrench until it fit. It still seems strong enough to do the job. It also helps to lift the rear intake valve stem cover so that the wrench has room to rotate more.

[Coolbreeze]

Here is my KHK tool kit, including the re-worked wrench. Note that I cut the knob off the handle of the Craftsman 4" screwdriver so that it would fit into the tool box.

[Robert Luland]

You forgot the most important thing. 10 feet of bailing wire and a twister tool. I carry one with me were ever I go. This includes my truck. There are times these two can do sudden miracles. Bob L

[Coolbreeze]

That is what I keep in my Indian's saddle bag!