1977 FXE garage find. 3500 orig miles. I've replaced hoses,, seals. flushed and replaced fluids. front rocker box does not seem to be oiling. when I disconnect oil line from front to rear rockerbox, rear pumps out lots of oil. if I try to manually pump oil or air in to front, it just builds pressure.
Been riding since 68, 13th bike, 1st shovel. Do most of my own wrenching, but not a mechanic. I do have 1970-1977 factory service manual..
Any and all help and/or tips greatly appreciated.
Thank You
Rawg

 

the end play in the front rocker boxes rocker arm is probably on the tight side

air pressure verses hydraulic pressure is 2 different things plus your blowing air against oil in the escape location and its cold

you did not say this was the engines first start up or even why you are looking for something that might not be broken

 

Not first start up. rebuilt carb, changed fuel hoses and some oil lines. Have started it at least 20 times. changed oil twice so far. gradually tuning, starts 1st or 2nd kick most of the time. front cylinder running hot. replaced intake seals, that helped. Replaced tappet screen. plumbed up oil pressure gauge at tappet screen plug. 40lbs at start up, drops to 20 then 5 at warm idle. removed oil line between front and rear rocker boxes. old dirty oil only on the front fitting. when I kick it with line removed plenty fresh clean oil from rear rocker. next I'll try to plumb up a clear hose between rockers to see if there is flow.

 

Crack open the front exhaust big rocker shaft end plug kicking it over or at an idle, you get oil you know the rear head is passing it through without all the goofy pluming. This will narrow down the issues to end play too tight as John said or bushing galled to the shafts blocking the pin hole ports. I have seen guys block the ends of the fitting with too much thread tape before so beware.