Strange Rocker Box Question

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Apr 5, 2011 | 08:51 AM

2006FLST

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 1,232

Likes: 8

From: Powder Springs, GA

Strange Rocker Box Question

Okay this beats all I have seen. Just noticed this last night on the rear rocker box of the bike I just picked up. The middle rocker box on the rear is off center. It is actually sitting off set to one side. I can’t remember which side but I have never seen that. No leaks at all. Motor is stock. Previous owner had it 7 years and only changed the basic fluids per the shop manual. What do you guys think? I have never pulled rocker boxes.

Apr 5, 2011 | 09:11 AM

Havoc88

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 159

Likes: 1

I've had this one before, more than likely the box gaskets were replaced do to seepage or a leak and when reinstalled they were not alligned correctly, I would try loosening the bolts, reallign the spacer, and retorque and see if it leaks. but if you want to replace just the box gaskets then go for it?

Apr 5, 2011 | 09:15 AM

2006FLST

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 1,232

Likes: 8

From: Powder Springs, GA

I just can't beleive it has been like that for so long with no problems. I may pull the top end in about a year. Is it something I should try to address right away or could I hold off. I just want to make sure the top end is getting oil.

Apr 5, 2011 | 09:17 AM

Mike T

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 3,486

Likes: 6

From: Union,Ms

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2006FLST

IMO if it's not leaking, leave well enough alone. Goes back to the old saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

Apr 5, 2011 | 09:19 AM

2006FLST

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 1,232

Likes: 8

From: Powder Springs, GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike T

IMO if it's not leaking, leave well enough alone. Goes back to the old saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

It is clean as can be and does not bother me. I just want to be sure I am not looking at some disaster. I guess a drunk blind man put this one on (no offense to drunks or blind people)

Apr 5, 2011 | 09:19 AM

Havoc88

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 159

Likes: 1

I would think its fine, more appearance than anything, as for oil you would know by the knocking if you weren't getting oil I think. But hey James Gaskets are made in the USA, I love there box gaskets and its a great chance to crack the boxes for a looky?

Apr 5, 2011 | 09:25 AM

2006FLST

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 1,232

Likes: 8

From: Powder Springs, GA

Well I am popping an EV27 in there very soon with the help of a very good wrench. So maybe I will pop the tanks and give her a look. It does have a tick (nothing major) but I figured new lifters/pushrods might cure that with the cam. When I get her running again I will get close to hear where it is coming from.

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Apr 5, 2011 | 10:05 AM

#1rocketman

Road Captain

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 734

Likes: 0

From: Southern Missouri ( ozarks)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike T

IMO if it's not leaking, leave well enough alone. Goes back to the old saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

I gotta agree with Mike.....if it weren't sealed up,it sure as hell would be seaping some oil and you'd see it.If you're planning on doing a cam change and probably lifters and pushrods in the near future,then do the rocker box gaskets then. If you try loosening the boxes up and realigning them,make sure the rubber gaskets don't move out of their groove or you will have some leakage.It's not hard to remove the boxes,you won't even have to remove your gas tank,Just loosen the tank raise it up,wedge something under it to hold it up and go about your business on the boxes.
As for gaskets,you'll find brands are about like the oil discussions on which is better.James are good,I used Cometic on my ole 92 and again on my 98 with no problems. Good luck and let us know what you do.

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Apr 5, 2011 | 10:08 AM

2006FLST

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 1,232

Likes: 8

From: Powder Springs, GA

Thanks guys. I love the answers I get in the evo section. So to sum it up it sounds like I really don't have much of a concern. But since I will be tearing into the motor a little it might be a good idea to line it up.