Just bought my first Ironhead(1983 XLH) a month or two ago and love it. But I know very little about the mechanicing part of these things. But I bought this bike with hopes of changing that which brings me to my first question: The gasket of my front rocker box is bad and I was wanting to know how much trouble it is to change it myself? Again I do not know the name of every part just some so be patient. I can put in the wrench time with some guidance!

 

I'd buy a Harley factory shop manual first thing. Having said that, you need to get the front cyl to TDC so both valves are closed. Then, pull the spring keepers off the pushrod covers. As long as there's no tension on the pushrods at that point, you can unbolt the rocker box and remove it from the head.

Before you do that, though, you may want to take off the gas tank (not really necessary, though), and the coil, if it's still mounted above the front rocker box. The front top motor mount as well as the top center motor mount will also have to come off.

 

welcome to the forum, and the world of Iron from rural Ontario.

 

Before you start buy the factory service manual, it is your most important tool. Part number 99485-85. It is useful to also have the Cylmer and Haynes service manuals.

I would remove the pushrods before removing the rocker cover.

It is not a difficult job.