Ok, so I've read on here that the oem rocker cover gaskets are crap and to expect to replace them due to leaks.
Well about twp weeks ago, during a warm up here in MN, it got about 39deg. so I pop in the battery turn on the fuel and run my baby for about 10min.
I go out today to look at a couple things and I notice an oil trail from the back LH corner of the rear rocker cover. Now up until now she has never leaked and I'm wondering if its from aluminum shrinking from the cold and when it warms up it should be fine, or should I expect to remove my rockercovers and replace the gaskets.

Just looking for opinions, hopefully in a month and a half it will be a moot point cuz I'll have ridden at least once or twice by then, and know.

 

How long have you owned the bike? If it's the stock gaskets then 10 1/2 years is pretty good! Rocker box gaskets are cake to change out, you don't even need to remove the gas tank, just make sure you have a manual and you follow the bolt pattern, that is if you need to remove the bottom of the rocker box.

 

Well, Ive owned the bike since May of last year, so I have no Idea of the mechanical history, other than getting rejetted for the SE pipes that are on it.

 

Pretty sure they're similar to the newer motors. The gaskets should run you under 30 bucks. Don't forget the washers for the bolts.

 

My Nightster did the same thing this winter. I pulled the rocker covers and the tappet blocks just needed to be retightened, a few bolts weren't very tight. No leaks now, try it out before you buy new gaskets.

 

Well, as Astro, stated, you can try to retighten the bolts....But most liklely it's going to keep seeping. At least it's a very simple fix and cost out of pocket would be less than $50.

 

Thanks for the info, i would like to either polish up the rocker covers or powder coat them black, so I guess I'll pull them off and do what I will, and put the new gaskets on.

 

You're lucky. I couldn't get my covers off without pinching the gaskets. At 15 bucks for the whole set, why not replace them? Maybe that's just my skewed way of looking at things, lol.

 

I agree $30 is pretty cheap insurance

 

That's what I was thinking the cost is for the gaskets. I have a set, but haven't yet done the wrenching, and don't remember the exact cost. So far my leak is minimal, and it's been too cold in the garage to do the work. Of course, it hasn't been too cold to ride......