i have a '84 flhs and i'm leaking oil from the the rocker arm shaft on the front cylinder, so my good buddy says pull it out and replace the o-ring. i do and now can't get the shaft back in. is there a trick to this or is this going to a mechanic?

 

Should of could of- if you had followed out with something going in @TDC you woud be OK,
Now the rocker is not lined up with the hole and you are just bumping the side of it.
If you bring it up on TDC and fuss with it from the other side you might do it.
other then that pull the rocker box.
No big deal-20 min work

 

I have not been able to pull a Rocker in the Bike on a Shovel.... Head and all No Problem.

 

ok will try that thanks

 

remove the pushrod completely and try that

the rubber o ring may fix it / and they make an over size o ring for that as well -- but the white nylon replacement square ring is the go to for a fix in a shop

 

been screwing with this all day, i have a feeling it's going to the mechanic tomorrow, but thanks

 

Just remove the rocker box for gods sake

 

i'm a crapy mechanic, i need supervision

 

Its too simple

You better bone up if you are going to own a Shovel
.Remove gas tank

Rolll cylinder to TDC.
Loosen push rods, remove rocker boxes

 

does an 84 use studs and nuts or bolts to hold rocker boxes on?