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rocker gaskets went for the third time... how to deal with the stealer

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  #11  
Old 11-12-2011, 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by br401k
mileage is just about 5k. im gonna ask to see the rocker itself to insure thats its not warped or anythign, thanks for your guys advice
I'll nit-pick some more. Don't ask to see the "rocker". That's the dohicky that actuates a valve via a pushrod. You want to see "the rocker box cover". It's lingo they'll understand. This refers to the top-most piece you see on the motor. Under that is the "rocker box", which houses the rockers. Under that is the "head". The head has the valves in it. Under the head is the "cylinder", which has the piston going up and down in it. In 100 words or less, that's the "top end" of your motor.
I don't want to be insulting. Just trying to square you away with the terminology a little.
 

Last edited by HarleyScuba; 11-12-2011 at 09:50 PM. Reason: nunya
  #12  
Old 11-12-2011, 09:43 PM
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Just an FYI,
In 07 Harley redesigned the rocker covers and rocker cover gaskets. The new gasket design used on the 07 and later models has been a chronic source of problems for many people. Rocker cover gasket leaks on 06 and earlier Sporties was not a common problem.

In addition to insuring that the mating surfaces of the rocker boxes are true (flat), adding a small bead of Permetex gasket sealer on the mating surface of the rocker boxes has been found to significantly reduce your chances of future leaks.
 
  #13  
Old 11-12-2011, 10:37 PM
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Originally Posted by cHarley
In addition to insuring that the mating surfaces of the rocker boxes are true (flat), adding a small bead of Permetex gasket sealer on the mating surface of the rocker boxes has been found to significantly reduce your chances of future leaks.
This is very helpful. I blew both rocker box gaskets when I got my bike due to it being old and not run, and the previous owner over filling the tank before I rode it home.

I used the HD gaskets and put a slight amount of Permatex RTV Gasket Maker on it, and it hasn't leaked in over 13000 miles.

There is a good write up on how to do it, which is what I used. Link is below.

Rocker Box Gasket Replacement
 
  #14  
Old 11-13-2011, 05:31 PM
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I have over 30K on my 06 and never had a problem yet.
 
  #15  
Old 11-13-2011, 07:15 PM
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yea thanks for everything again, i mean 3 times in 5k is not normal. everything should be under warranty so im gonna let the dealer handle it.

hopefully i get the bike back before it snows here....
 
  #16  
Old 11-15-2011, 09:52 AM
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Default rocker box gaskets

When I purchased my FXSTS a few months ago ( last July) the former owner said He had just changed the rocker box gaskets. The front was leaking, so I changed it. I did check for flatness and it was OK. Now it is leaking again. I thought I had an exhaust leak, made an exhaust leak type sound, but after changing the front exhaust crush gasket, I determined it was the front rocker box, leaking again. I could stop the noise by putting my finger between the frame and rocker box sealing surface. Should there be any pressure in the rocker box, enough to cause the gasket to suck in? Maybe it just wasn't seated right when I last changed it, but the noise only started about a month ago.
 
  #17  
Old 11-15-2011, 10:29 AM
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Default gaskets...

I understand that the rocker cover boxes can be uneven - but when mine leaked (07 Roadster) took to dealer they replaced gaskets both front and rear when only front was leaking - less than 200 miles later both front and rear were leaking - went to an independant parts place - got old style gaskets for newer models took those to dealer they replaced both with the gaskets i brought in 15,000 miles later and no leaks yet...

The gaskets I purchased were metal sandwiched between rubber. Less than $20 for both.

Dealer did not charge me to replace them when I brought it back(no waranty)...

Good luck.
 
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