Tried a search and didn't find anything. I'm changing over the "football" air cleaner cover to the nostalgic round cover. I'm already running a K&N air filter in there. When I bought the new cover, the dealer also gave me a rubber gasket which I'm assuming goes between them.

Trying a "dry" fitment, it seems the rubber gasket which is about a half inch thick moves the cover out too much and maybe only 2 or 3 threads of the screw will go into the cleaner bracket itself. If I don't use the gasket, obviously the cover will be resting on the rubber of the filter, but I'm pretty sure that is how the "football" cover was installed anyway and the bike ran fine.

What did you guys do?

 

The gasket is so the screw doesn't get tightened down too much and break through the hole

 

Install the cover without the rubber gasket, then move the cover back and forth. Now, put the gasket on and do the same thing. You will see and feel what the gasket is for.

 

Thanks for the quick answers! Will install the gasket right now....

 

OK, how tight is this supposed to be? I installed the gasket, started screwing the cover on and it took at least 4 or 5 full turns until I felt some resistance. I gave it another 2 full turns which at that point, I felt maybe I was going to ruin the air filter itself so I backed it off about a full turn. It's on there snug right now with blue loctite, is that good enough?

I just don't want it to come loose while riding, but don't want to overtighten either

Thanks again

 

That sounds right to me. I have mine on for the past 7K miles and finally got tired of checking it. No locktite on mine. I think the compression of the gasket keeps it tight.

 

Yep use the gasket or the cover will break. I just snugged mine up until the center was pulling concave slightly, it never has come loose. And they look so darn cool!

 

i did the same modification on my 08 streetglide as the football just looks sorta goofy to me. i'm using the round nostalgia chrome cover also, and it does require the gasket. the gasket will ensure that the air cleaner cover doesn't spin out of place while being attached to the throttle body or carb. the gasket is actually about 3/16" thick if i remember right, and has adhesive on one side, which is where you stick it to the inside of the air cleaner cover. had the same type air cleaner on an 02 fxdl, and couldn't keep it in the correct upright position, so i had to get the same gasket for that air cleaner cover too. recently i've been thinking about the dyna type of air cleaner cover so it'd cover up the ugly tbw wires and box. you know, the one that looks like a teardrop, and the rear section should cover up the uglies.

 

If you don't want Harley Davidson on a round cover, an EVO cover with the insert taken off does the job. Mine set me back 2 bucks at a swapmeet.

The gasket is so the cover doesn't vibrate and crack the element. I learned the hard way.