Countershaft covers on vintage huskys

Hi - I just recently discovered this site and have already got a lot of great information on vintage huskys. I bought a 1976 250 WR about 8 years ago and have ridden it some but would now like to do a restoration. I have most of the parts and the bike runs well, but there is one thing that has puzzled me about this bike and others from this era. I have the countershaft cover for the bike but it was not installed at the time of purchase. The cover fits the case when it's out of the frame but will not fit when the engine is mounted. I did some internet research and noticed a few things - Most pictures I have found of 1970s era huskys show either 1 - the bike does not have the countershaft cover installed, 2 - the countershaft cover is installed but has modified by cutting to fit around the frame (in the same location of my interference), and 3 - very few actually have this cover installed. I am wondering if I have the wrong cover or is there some other issue (wrong engine for the bike maybe?). Is this a common issue or is it as simple as not having the right part? It's hard to tell from photos but the ones I have seen installed appear to be the same as mine. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My frame and engine numbers are ML 13657 and 2051 1956 respectively.

Thanks,
Mark

Thank you for the tip and the welcome! This really is a great place to learn as I have by your response. I will try to install the cover first then mount the engine. I understand the concern with the chain and sprocket. I am in the process of deciding the degree of restoration but almost certainly will ride versus show. I was also thinking that installing the cover would be a good way to keep clothing from getting wrapped up in the sprocket/chain so I will more than likely see if I can get it installed.

Thanks again!!

Mark

That's a great point T - preferably with pants tucked in. I haven't had a chance to remove the engine and try the install that way but I did compare the thickness of the cover to the gap between the frame and case and the cover is about 1/8" thicker. It may be some time before I get to try it but I'll post the results when I can.

Mark

It was a sad day when my nearly new '78 CR counter shaft cover broke...and broke a little tab off of the engine case. Doesn't affect performance, but it broke my heart!

Leave it off...

Kent
www.backtrackvideo.com

Ya, that's happened to me, too. I think what happens is rocks and sticks get picked up by the chain and then wedge in between and bust those posts. I leave mine off... and try to keep my feet on the pegs!