Let’s hope it’s not the guides. As low miles this bike has and its service history. I’ll get a set of umbrella valves coming. Take it from there. Just want to get this thing dialed in and running right. I’m definitely not over jetted, so hopefully getting the oil mystery solved it cures its ails.

 

Does anyone have a good source for all the gaskets and or a kit? For tearing the rocker boxes off? Using my parts manual most of all I pulled up was discontinued. And reading on Cometic and James left some unfavorable reviews. Heck there is a guy on EvilBay selling used Umbrella Valves. lol $8!! I won’T do business with JP Cycles’s, (long story) and Dennis Kirk had a variety. Calling my local HD shop down south will lead to a huge mess (most of the kids that run parts have never seen an EVO).

For now Quart of Primary fluid in, topped off the oil, adjust the Chain, maybe that was my shift issue, it was right at the max deflection at the loosest part, new plugs again, and will take it to the bike show this weekend.

one of these days I’ll get this bike running the way it should.

 

I have a '93 Evo that has poor valve guide seals...it smokes, only when Cold..then quits ...pretty much!

 

HD OEM on the rocker cover O rings, and the umbrella valves. The black James O ring are thinner, and don't seal as well, and the James Umbrella does not correctly a well.

Also, umbrella vavle only goes on the one side, being the high side that is towards the intake, center of motor both sides.

As for reinstalling center and top cover, if reusing the old bolt seals touch of Black RTV to bottom seals, bring bolts down to finger tight, center the center ring between top and bottom, and work the top allen bolts down equaly in a cross pattern each little by little, until bolts come to torque spec.

As for allen wrench, yes break out the grinder to shorten it , since still beyond tight even with the tank removed.

As for this tool, works well to get into tighten the allen head bolts,
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325488335823
But handle is a touch too long, meaning that you can over torque the bolts to snap them in the end isntead.

 

Yup but I have seen them where they only leak when it is running and then the oil vanishes...but not in a cloud of smoke...

 

Ordered gaskets and valves from my local Indy. Talking to their long time HD Tech he said it’s what he’d do but not to rule out the breather gear as well if the Umbrella Valves don’t cure it. Even he’s a bit stumped.

 

Be advised (again) - use only OEM umbrella valves, not James, Cometic or any other. OEM valve cover gaskets are superior also.

 

It’s all OE Harley coming. Had to pay a bit more but saves me driving 60 miles each way to get them.

 

Heard this many times, yet I cannot identify a Problem with James...
What are the symptoms of James Umbrella Valves???

 

The James are not molded correctly for the evo box, the ridge just above the nipple you grab to pull them through will not come all the way through and get a grip. You can pull all you want they just won't "clatch". Having said that I have them in for 5000 Km with no problems. Next time I pull the boxes I will use the Harley ones.

Gene