It is the lower gasket between the head and the lower rocker box - the manual confuses me a bit because it goes way deeper than what I believe I have to do here.

so to put in TDC, i have to get it into 5th gear (roll back and forth till i get it to 5th) then can i just push it a metre or two until i get it to TDC w valves closed? i am going to be doing this on the side of the street so i dont have a lift, etc.

so let me see if I have this correct:

*Remove Ignition Coil, then..

1) Loosen/Remove 4 bolts on upper rocker box cover
2) Remove Upper Rocker Box Cover and then gasket(s)
3) Remove Middle Rocker Box Cover and then gasket(s)
4) Put front cylinder at TDC w/ both valves closed
5) Loosen/Remove 6 bolts holding Lower RB Cover to top of head
6) Remove Lower Rocker Box Cover and then gasket(s)
7) Clean all surfaces and rid of any old gasket material
8) Replace Lower Rocker Box Cover gasket(s) and work my way back up

*I plan to take a bunch of photos for my own sake, at every stage. I have a needle torque wrench so hopefully that is all good, I know how to read it so it should be alright - i will take to HD when im done and maybe just have them check it/re-torque it for me

I've got 1.5hrs till HD opens so the more I can get figured out now, the better. Cheers

 

Rocker box gaskets are an ongoing issue mine have leaked for a long time but I don't lose enough oil between oil changes to worry about it. I would just keep an eye on the oil level and ride. Talked to several people that had replaced theirs 3x or more

 

Ya I hear ya! I'm just renting a room from someone and I don't want them to get pissed off because there are oil spots all over their yard ha ha

here's what I picked up from HD.. I think that is everything I need! If not, well im ****ed once I start tearing it apart because I have no other mode of transportation to get back to HD.

 

Probably want to pull your spark plugs to make turning the engine over easier. Good luck.

John

 

HD883, check this site out for parts info & good luck.
http://www.shopronniesharleydavidson...partfinder.htm

 

Well boys,

just like that.. saved myself $260! Wouldn't have happened without the wicked *** people on this forum (and my manual - which pictures, but never mentions the 3 bolts in the bottom of the inner rocker arm cover LOL.. ya that one had me scratching my head for a bit)

but hey bike is running great and sounds great.. thanks guys!

 

nice job!

 

I just changed mine last weekend. Patience is the best tool in the box.

 

rode her around last night.. not too hard, but just put about 80km on her and she was hummin! no leaks that I can see

 

SON OF A BITCH!

rear rocker arm cover gaskets are pooched now and leaking worse than the front was - hopefully have the parts by Friday so I can pull it in the garage this weekend.