valve cover wrench

[Coolbreeze]

Early K models used valve covers (18255-52) that required a 1 3/8” wrench. Later models used 18255-52A, which took a 1 ¼” wrench. My question is: Where can I get a 1 ¼” wrench that will fit in my KHK’s tool box?

I was able to remake a Harley W model valve cover wrench from V Twin (16-0414) to fit the early model (1 3/8”) valve covers that a mechanic removed without my permission and substituted later (1 1/4”) model covers. Now, I am stuck with valve covers that are the wrong size for my wrench. Any suggestions on where I can find the wrench I need?

[jim d]

I would shop for a 1 1/4 wrench on ebay to modify.Or obtain a piece of aluminum 2024 T3 1/4 thick plate and cut one out on a bandsaw and hand file it to fit the cover. I have made numerous wrenches from aluminum for special applications.

[tator]

P1010017.jpgThis is a wrench that they make for the fitting on a nitrous bottle. It is 1 1/4 inches and 1/2 inch thick aluminum, it worked perfect on my 1953 K model. They sell them at Jegs and summit or any race shop.

[tator]

P1010017.jpgThis wrench is for a nitrous bottle fitting it is 1 1/4 inches and 1/2 inch thick and it worked perfect on my 1953 K model they sell them at Jegs and Summit or most race shops

[Coolbreeze]

Thanks. It looks like it will fit in my tool box with the other stuff I cram in there.

[wz507]

Another option (but more expensive) are steel service wrenches from Proto. The image below shows a set I use on K Model intake manifold nuts and large valve cover nuts. If the wrench is too long you can of course reduce the length to whatever you desire.

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Proto.../dp/B0025QHPAU

Proto service wrench.jpg

[Coolbreeze]

This looks like the wrench I just ordered yesterday. Thank you for your suggestion.

[Coolbreeze]

The 1 1/4" wrench by Proto suggested by wx507 fits in the tool box nicely and works on the back 3 covers with no problems. It tends to scratch the paint on the generator when used on the front cover. I can slap on a little touch-up paint when this happens or shave some metal off the wrench. It is a nicely made tool, and I am satisfied.

[wz507]

The 1-3/8” rear EX valve cover is by far the most difficult one to access given its proximity to the oil-return and vent lines. The service wrench needs to be put on a diet to access this area, but with modification it allows access with a bit of room to spare.

Service wrench B4 and after.jpg

LR 20200610_191531.jpg

[Coolbreeze]

Thank you for the suggestion. This is one of the reasons I joined AMCA: to be a better mechanic and caretaker of my machines.

[ChiefTwoKicks]

While making a wrench fit, by grinding off alot of extra metal for clearance, it got me thinking... so I gathered a bunch of various wrenches for a separate drawer in the tool box. I now have a complete set, and spares of all the wrenches I use on the bikes. Everything from 1/4" all the way to 1 1/2". I "made " them for everything from the tiny nuts behind the distributor up to the intake manifold nuts. Even made a wrench for the rear axel brake drum and the axel itself. I don't use them all that often, but when you need them, the modified wrenches are in the dedicated drawer in the tool box. They then become the "right tool" for the job. Many of these tools I found at swap meets and such. I wouldn't use them as ordinary, everyday tools, but an old beat-up wrench that you modify can give the wrench a new, second chance at life. I might have $50 total in close to 30 modified wrenches. SAE and Metric, and a few oddballs.
You ca never have enough tools.