Rocker box ?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 1,582
From: m
Rocker box ?
I have a 98 softail.. Evo so the back rocker box, I'm changing gaskets.. Got the top cap off the second one doesn't want to come out is very tight
fit. What am I missing ?
fit. What am I missing ?
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,404
Likes: 2,605
From: NC USA
Earlier models weren't so cramped and it's been 21 years since I did a later model Softail. Been too long so I can't give you step-by-step instructions, other than to say it's a bit of a puzzle.
I always had to take the lower rocker cover loose (rocker arms and all) to get the center spacer off, out of the frame and it had to somewhat come off with the lower, which requires changing that gasket as well.
When changing the head to lower rocker cover gaskets, depends whether you have adjustable push rods as to how to go at that, there's a couple ways. Again, the lower cover will have to be loose from the head to take the center spacer off the bike.
When only changing the middle and upper rubber gaskets, I just get the lower rubber off, wipe and clean best I can and carefully thread the new gasket on without totally removing the center spacer from the engine. Aggravating, but do-able.
There may be some others on here with a better recipe, if and whenever they show up....
I always had to take the lower rocker cover loose (rocker arms and all) to get the center spacer off, out of the frame and it had to somewhat come off with the lower, which requires changing that gasket as well.
When changing the head to lower rocker cover gaskets, depends whether you have adjustable push rods as to how to go at that, there's a couple ways. Again, the lower cover will have to be loose from the head to take the center spacer off the bike.
When only changing the middle and upper rubber gaskets, I just get the lower rubber off, wipe and clean best I can and carefully thread the new gasket on without totally removing the center spacer from the engine. Aggravating, but do-able.
There may be some others on here with a better recipe, if and whenever they show up....
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 3,070
From: Brighton, MI
Well, looks like I totally misunderstood the OP's issue...thanks for the bailing me out t150vej
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NC USA
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Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Earlier models weren't so cramped and it's been 21 years since I did a later model Softail. Been too long so I can't give you step-by-step instructions, other than to say it's a bit of a puzzle.
I always had to take the lower rocker cover loose (rocker arms and all) to get the center spacer off, out of the frame and it had to somewhat come off with the lower, which requires changing that gasket as well.
When changing the head to lower rocker cover gaskets, depends whether you have adjustable push rods as to how to go at that, there's a couple ways. Again, the lower cover will have to be loose from the head to take the center spacer off the bike.
When only changing the middle and upper rubber gaskets, I just get the lower rubber off, wipe and clean best I can and carefully thread the new gasket on without totally removing the center spacer from the engine. Aggravating, but do-able.
There may be some others on here with a better recipe, if and whenever they show up....
I always had to take the lower rocker cover loose (rocker arms and all) to get the center spacer off, out of the frame and it had to somewhat come off with the lower, which requires changing that gasket as well.
When changing the head to lower rocker cover gaskets, depends whether you have adjustable push rods as to how to go at that, there's a couple ways. Again, the lower cover will have to be loose from the head to take the center spacer off the bike.
When only changing the middle and upper rubber gaskets, I just get the lower rubber off, wipe and clean best I can and carefully thread the new gasket on without totally removing the center spacer from the engine. Aggravating, but do-able.
There may be some others on here with a better recipe, if and whenever they show up....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,707
From: South Carolina
I did the rocker cover covers on my `89 Softail just a few months ago, and I had the lower part bolted tight before I tried installing the center part...
I have had to re learn the process several times....
I have had to re learn the process several times....