Motorcycle Repair: Cylinder removal from 1975 Honda 360T, rubber mallet, head gasket

Question
Hi Chris:
 I have removed the cylinder cover, cylinder head and I'm now trying to remove the cylinder which is stuck and won't budge. I've tried tapping with a rubber mallet with no success. I need to gain access to the cam chain tensioner which has been chewed up and destroyed by the cam chain. Any tips on how to loosen the cylinder, I no I shouldn't attempt to pry it off. Will the cam chain tensioner be difficult to replace?
           Thanks in advance for any help.
    Ralph L. Jones  email address:
                    rljones@columbus.rr.com

Answer
Hi Ralph.

Double check to make sure that all of the bolts that hold the cylinder in place have been removed.  If there are no bolts holding it in place, then a few hits with a heavy rubber mallet all the way around it should loosen it up.  It could also be "glued" in place by the lower head gasket as well.  There will be no saving that gasket anyway, so do not worry about using a chisel to break that seal.

The cam chain tensioner should not be difficult to replace as long as the parts holding it in place are not frozen in place.

If you do not have the repair manual, then get it immediately.  It will also have a few tips and tricks specific to your bike as well as all of the specs that you will want, and need, to know.

Let me know what happens.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON