Need ADVICE! Changing the rocker box gaskets on a 2001 Sportster 883. When I pulled off the rocker box I hear an electrical shorting sound and smoke is coming up out of the pushrod tubes. I could actually see a glow at the bottom of the tube. Disconnected the battery as fast as I could and it was red hot. Yeah I should have disconnected the battery in the first place but for the valve covers? So, what is down there that I fried and how come the 30 amp fuse didn't blow?

 

I don't have any idea.. but thanks for posting this, I'm always gonna pull the maxi fuse before pulling off a rocker box now!

 

Yes, looks that way to me. A lesson to all of us about that for sure. I'm surprised too.

John

 

A lesson for sure, but I'm curious to know what caused it. With that kind of glow I would think the power would have had to come directly from the battery some how.

 

There is nothing electrical down the pushrod tubes. The closest thing I could think of down there is the ignition module under the nosecone.

 

Right. But the ignition module still goes thru the ignition switch that was off. This was pure current from the battery.

 

Have you checked your (+) cable at the starter end? That's the only thing I think might make smoke and glow red. I'm guessing you are removing the rear rocker cover?

John