Another Newbie Top End Rebuild - Stumped by the Acorns

Dern

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So I'm working on my very first top end rebuild. The bike is a 1982 xs400 Heritage Special.

I'm currently stuck on the acorn nuts fastening down the cylinder head. I can't get 'em to budge. Other threads I've browsed (here for example: http://www.xs400.com/threads/motor-tear-down-has-begun.6775/#post-69861) basically suggest getting more leverage, or best, getting a impact driver.

Given that I love any excuse to get a new tool, I went out and got myself a 12v DeWalt impact driver capable of 79 ft. - lbs. torque (not adjustable). I gave it a go, but I still can't even get the first bolt to budge. The plan is to loosen bolts in the sequence outlined in the manual, but I can't even get past bolt #1. Butts.

This is the first time this engine has ever been torn down. I know this because I actually had to punch out a copper plug securing a bolt which held the valve cover in place (a special feature of the Heritage Specials to prohibit tampering with the factory specs).

Alright - so here's the question - is my impact driver just too wimpy? What the heck balls am I doing wrong?
Thanks in advance doods!
 
Mine were pretty tight, same situation as you, sat for a long while. That impact will be a nice tool, especially for phillips heads, but thats too small to use for this application. I used an 18" long 3/8 drive ratchet and that finally broke them loose. Wasnt easy, but I'm not a big guy either. Let them soak in some PB blaster over night and go at it again! Best of luck
 
Mine were pretty tight, same situation as you, sat for a long while. That impact will be a nice tool, especially for phillips heads, but thats too small to use for this application. I used an 18" long 3/8 drive ratchet and that finally broke them loose. Wasnt easy, but I'm not a big guy either. Let them soak in some PB blaster over night and go at it again! Best of luck
Thanks for your input SpikeG. I was worried you'd say that! Maybe I'll return this 12v and get some more leverage instead. The impact driver was on the cheaper end, and I think to getting one with the power I need might be a little out of my budget for the moment.
In any case, I'll break out the PB blaster and give it another go.
 
I used a section of pipe, about 3 feet long, over my ratchet handle. It hasn't failed me yet! Good luck!
 
I wouldn't return the impact. They are great tools to have for any project but leverage with a longer bar would be better for this job.
 
Years back, when I was around auto shops daily I had a full compliment of air tools, ratchets and impacts and such. Since I have begun tinkering with these old bikes I haven't needed anything super special. An impact driver can be helpful but can damage screw heads. You should probably own the bolt for removing the flywheel. It is, to me anyway, imperative that you own JIS screw drivers. You will be amazed at the difference! I would also think a breaker bar is a good choice too, and a couple of torque wrenches, a set of feeler gauges and allen wrenches. Add basic socket sets and that is the extent of my "special" tools....Good Luck!
 
Thanks, everyone, for your advice! Gonna try the ol' pipe on a socket wrench trick. I did end up returning that impact driver, but only because my pops said he had an extra pneumatic driver that he's going to send me.
 
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