D-ring Jenga
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D-ring Jenga
Hey, well my 1989 FLHS has leaky rocker boxes (I know, big surprise there). But what seems weird about it is both d-ring (middle) covers slide around extremely easily when cold. I fact it's so bad I actually need to make sure they are lined up straight before I start it and warm it up......otherwise it will leak much worse. Once she's hot, they tighten up pretty well & won't slide at all.
I've checked the torque of the cover bolts, and they are good. This is the first one I've seen do this. I know the d-rings of certain years will warp, but if this was the case I wouldn't think they'd slide at all because they'd be jammed.
I have a James gasket kit and a bolt kit, but before I dig in, I want to make sure I don't need new boxes, covers, or both.
Thanks in advance.
I've checked the torque of the cover bolts, and they are good. This is the first one I've seen do this. I know the d-rings of certain years will warp, but if this was the case I wouldn't think they'd slide at all because they'd be jammed.
I have a James gasket kit and a bolt kit, but before I dig in, I want to make sure I don't need new boxes, covers, or both.
Thanks in advance.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
The screws should be 1/4 x 20 x 1 Part number is 852.
Some of the rocker boxes made in 89 were defective, they get soft.
Mine got so warped that the centers would bulge out when I tightened the bolts, so I just had to bite the bullet and buy new covers.
Some of the rocker boxes made in 89 were defective, they get soft.
Mine got so warped that the centers would bulge out when I tightened the bolts, so I just had to bite the bullet and buy new covers.
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Thanks Dan, that's the kind of info I was looking for.
It almost seems like they have shrunk, maybe being soft they have compressed a bit which would make sense that they won't tighten correctly. I may just bite the bullet as well & get some new covers. I'd rather not do this twice if I can avoid it.
It almost seems like they have shrunk, maybe being soft they have compressed a bit which would make sense that they won't tighten correctly. I may just bite the bullet as well & get some new covers. I'd rather not do this twice if I can avoid it.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Haslet Texas
Thanks Dan, that's the kind of info I was looking for.
It almost seems like they have shrunk, maybe being soft they have compressed a bit which would make sense that they won't tighten correctly. I may just bite the bullet as well & get some new covers. I'd rather not do this twice if I can avoid it.
It almost seems like they have shrunk, maybe being soft they have compressed a bit which would make sense that they won't tighten correctly. I may just bite the bullet as well & get some new covers. I'd rather not do this twice if I can avoid it.
Make sure bolts the right length and that the holes aren't clogged.
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OK, upon closer inspection I notice that the centers, in the area of the cover bolts (as Dan suggested), are indeed bulged out whereas the ends are straight like they should be. I can really feel it when I run my fingers across it; looks like this region of the covers has been compressed for sure.
I found a full used set of boxes w/covers in wrinkle black in great shape that a guy replaced for chrome. This will also look much better than the aluminum pitted with clear coat peeling look that I currently have going on. (as a plus, I also got 'em on the cheap!)
Thanks for the help guys, it always saves me time and money when I reach out for others experience and ideas rather than leaning on just my own limiting gray-matter!
I found a full used set of boxes w/covers in wrinkle black in great shape that a guy replaced for chrome. This will also look much better than the aluminum pitted with clear coat peeling look that I currently have going on. (as a plus, I also got 'em on the cheap!)
Thanks for the help guys, it always saves me time and money when I reach out for others experience and ideas rather than leaning on just my own limiting gray-matter!
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