Hi, i own a 1992 fxlr, i removed the front rocker cover to have it re-chromed, i got it back today put it all back together and went for a 10mile ride and and when i got home i noticed it had a lot of oil around the engine i removed the rocker cover only to find the top rubber gasket won't fit? it seems to long by a about a quarter of an inch! anyone any idea what could have caused this, also is it best to change these gaskets when ever you remove the rocker covers.also can you fit any other type apart from rubber?.
Thanks Dave.

 

They shrink and can jump out of the groove they sit in.

I use rubber grease to hold them in place, regardless of if they are new or old as the new ones can be a bit of a bind to get to stay put when fitting the rocker boxes.

 

What is rubber grease?

 

Grease made specially for rubber parts, sometimes called "brake grease"

 

I always replace gaskets. They have a tendancy to swell after being removed. It's just not worth the headache, to me, to try and reuse them..

 

+1 on getting new ones. I used accel on mine, and it wasn't expensive.

On instal, I used permatex to align the gaskets so they wouldn't wiggle around. Not all the way around the gaskets, but just in the spots where it might move. I let it sit a half hour and then set the rocker mid peice, more permatex, 1/2 hr, then the top. All is well now - no leaks.

 

Hi, thanks for the help, i've ordered new gaskets inc the small one that fits in the centre under the rocker cover, when i fire the bike up i can feel air pressure comimg from under the rocker cover were the small gasket fits in the centre.so i think it must be worn.
thanks dave.

 

Make sure there is NO oil on all the gasket surfaces before you torque down the covers...

 

Did you get that at the dealership, Bub?

 

Any car accessory place should have it....here we have Repco, over there you have NAPA.