I have an 06 Sporty Custom with 31000 miles. I have started to notice what looks like oil on boths sides of the front engine. I thought it might be a bad head gasket on my pipes. After looking closer I dont think this is the problem. I suspect the problem is a bad rocker box gasket.
Whats the difference between the upper and lower gasket. While after 30k miles I will change both is there a way to determine which might be the cause of the problem.

 

Probably is a gasket,pretty common,even on lower mileage bikes

 

My front rocker gasket started leaking around 3000 miles, Dealer fixed it under warranty.

 

check the torque specs on them... they do lossen up

 

Checked the torque and all is good. I've got to think that after 30000 miles it's time. In the worst case it's an ounce of prevention.

I'm just not certain if its the upper or lower gasket. Upper is easier to change.

 

Mine started leaking after 2,000 miles on the front right side of the rocker, and I still haven't had time to take it under warranty. Right now it's parked with about 2,300 miles.

I'm affraid the service dept my kick my butt to the curve after they see what i've done to the bike.

 

I to have the same problem. Started around 2500-3000 realy not sure. I have talked to the dealer and they tell me it is under warranty. As for the post about thinking the dealer will kick him to the curb. I would think not, as long as he did not do any engine mods....(Rear left side Cyl.)

 

Let your bike warm up before riding. I've seen this problem dozens and dozens of times. And 9 times out of 10 it's comes down to not letting the engine properly warm up. This is especially true on Evo and Sportster models. Shovelheads can run cold all day long with no problem. Evos are more delicate and the cylinder heads and rocker need to expand to have a proper seal. If you don't let it warm up until the cylinder head is HOT (not just warm, but "Oooh, OUCH That's hot!!") you'll get a rocker box leak every time. I have nearly 50,000 miles on my '02 XLH. I let it warm up every time I ride. Never once have I had an issue with rocker box leaks or cold starts.

Good luck.

 

I have slightly the same problem. I got a little over 8000 miles on mine, but I recently changed to the black rocker covers. Did it myself, seemed to be sealed, but noticed a very small leak. Yesterday I pulled the cover off and tried to re-seat it, checked the gasket made sure everything was intact. Degreased the engine cleaned it all up. Then started it, let it idel for about 10 or 15 minutes, and an even smaller leak. I made sure not to overfil the oil when I changed it, and was extra careful. I feel the same if I take it to the dealer, they'll just laugh and say "too bad". I'm going to watch extra close this next week or so, may just take it to the indy. I know I can trust them.

 

It's most likely the upper gasket. My rear rocker cover gasket has a slight leak. Started around 48,000 miles. So far, it's a very slight leak, and I haven't took the time to do the repair.