I'm finally starting to dismantle my NSR to replace the crankshaft. I'm struggling with the powervalve cables. When I try to unscrew them from the bracket on the cylinder, the cables twist and I'm afraid it's going to damage them if I keep turning until they unscrew from the bracket. Is there a better way to remove them? Also, I tried to loosen the nut where the powervalve pivots but the shaft spins and the nut is not coming off. It feels like the entire shaft is stripped or something. When I move the powervalve lever I can feel the valve moving through the exhaut port so I think it's still working. It just seems strange the the pivot shaft turns so freely and the nut won't loosen or come off. Did I screw something up?

Skunkbait.