Evo rocker box misalignment
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
Evo rocker box misalignment
Had a top end done on my evo last year and it runs well. I was washing my bike the other day, however, and noticed that the rear cylinder middle rocker arm cover was misaligned with the upper and lower covers. Pretty significantly, too. They were also misaligned on the front cylinder, just not as much.
I asked the mechanic about it and he said it cant move once its bolted in place. I did not think that was the case, based on what Ive seen and heard, but he should know (right?).
Question is, can the middle cover migrate out of alignment with the other two? Its held with just a pinch fit between the upper and lower covers, I believe. The mech implied it must have been that way since the top end but Im sure I would have noticed it when washing it in the past. Either way, its not right in my book and should be corrected before they start leaking.
Any experience with this issue out there?
I asked the mechanic about it and he said it cant move once its bolted in place. I did not think that was the case, based on what Ive seen and heard, but he should know (right?).
Question is, can the middle cover migrate out of alignment with the other two? Its held with just a pinch fit between the upper and lower covers, I believe. The mech implied it must have been that way since the top end but Im sure I would have noticed it when washing it in the past. Either way, its not right in my book and should be corrected before they start leaking.
Any experience with this issue out there?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 3,317
From: Cental, MI
Me either...
It takes a bit of finesse to get them aligned well..and if yer guy is on flat rate.... well... it takes extra time..
If he used the Good Gaskets... you can loosen and align if it bothers ya.
It takes a bit of finesse to get them aligned well..and if yer guy is on flat rate.... well... it takes extra time..
If he used the Good Gaskets... you can loosen and align if it bothers ya.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
If it bothers you, than you need to fix it. If it's not leaking, you might be better off leaving it alone. However, the middle box is the one that's prone to warping. I probably wouldn't take the chance on it being mis-aligned, because once it's warped, you're going to need a new one. Oh, and only use the Genuine MoCo stuff. The DS or CC stuff is junk. I have a sad (and long) story about leaking rocker boxes....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,324
Likes: 3,869
From: Upstate New York
Yes, the middle rocker cover can be misaligned. Theres nothing to positively locate the middle piece and its easy for it to slide sideways when tightening the screws if youre not paying attention.
When end I put my rocker boxes together, I use a few dabs of Hylomar on the gaskets then assemble the boxes just snug. Then I let the sealant set for a couple of hours before final torque. That tends to keep everything from moving.
When end I put my rocker boxes together, I use a few dabs of Hylomar on the gaskets then assemble the boxes just snug. Then I let the sealant set for a couple of hours before final torque. That tends to keep everything from moving.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,026
Likes: 12,548
From: South Carolina
The worst part of an Evo engine is the rocker boxes, specifically the center piece...stupid design.
I think there was an issue on some `89 year bikes where these parts were made from crappy material, the set on my Softail got so bad that when i snugged down the top covers, I could see inside the rocker area...
I don`t think they will move once everything is torqued down.
Anybody ever try the S&S two piece rocker boxes?
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Mar 26, 2019 at 11:23 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 3,317
From: Cental, MI
Yes, the middle rocker cover can be misaligned. Theres nothing to positively locate the middle piece and its easy for it to slide sideways when tightening the screws if youre not paying attention.
When end I put my rocker boxes together, I use a few dabs of Hylomar on the gaskets then assemble the boxes just snug. Then I let the sealant set for a couple of hours before final torque. That tends to keep everything from moving.
When end I put my rocker boxes together, I use a few dabs of Hylomar on the gaskets then assemble the boxes just snug. Then I let the sealant set for a couple of hours before final torque. That tends to keep everything from moving.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,324
Likes: 3,869
From: Upstate New York
Thats why I do most of my own work. Ill take the time to get it right. Besides most flat rate mechanics wont touch a bike this old.
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I've never had them move after being bolted down tight, and getting them aligned isn't hard. Get the four bolts just snug, then get everything perfectly aligned, then apply final torque to the bolts.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 2,788
From: Delaware
'89 EVO. Could not get the rocker boxes to stop leaking. Replaced gaskets a few times, no dice. Then I honed the gasket mating surfaces of the rocker boxes flat on a 1' square piece of glass from the hardware store with some fine sandpaper taped to the glass. It took a bit of work but I have been 100% leak free for about 5 years now and cost less than $20.
