Getting ready to put rocker lockers on my 2016 Softail Slim S but got a couple of questions. Is reusing the original rocker cover ok or should I get a new one? Also what about reusing the original bolts as some engine bolts stretch out when they are torqued?

 

You can certainly re-use the rocker cover. The gasket would require careful inspection and may be able to be re-used. Most opt for new gasket though.
The hold down bolts can be re-used for sure. The 20 ft lbs applied doesn't cause a lot of stretch. However make sure you Q tip the oil out of the bolt holes. You can crack the the rocker box if you thread in the bolt down compressing the oil left in the threaded hole. Best of luck.

 

Ok thanks for that info. Guess I'll see if I can get a new pair for gaskets for the covers then. Hopefully my nearby dealer has them for a Twin Cam. Also I noticed in the service manual mentions gaskets and a filter in the breather. The Rocker Locker instructions mention loosening the breather bolts. Would the breather gaskets and filters need replacing as well?

 

I would replace them while you are in there, they are cheap. Some people also drill out the oil return holes on top of the rocker for better return.

 

Main reason I ask is in this video
the breathers stay in place without bolts. Not sure how they didnt just fall out. I would like to avoid replacing anything if it isn't necessary as the bike isn't old. But if there is no way to install the rocker lockers without replacing the breather I guess that's another for the parts list.

 

Yeah. Agreed. Ask the parts guy for a rocker box gasket kit. It'll include the breather gauze, diaphragms and gaskets. Drilling the hole on the bottom of the breather for better oil drainage should be no larger that 1/8 ". And do not fully thread in the small breather bolts until you first have the four corners of the rocker plate in contact with the base under the rocker. I judge you have a service manual and obviously followed the you tube guidance. I think you'll do fine.

 

I've been in the rockers on my 2003 Heritage maybe 5 times in the last few years for various reasons... The first time I bought new rocker cover gaskets... Every time I've removed them, the old gaskets looked really good, no nicks, or other signs of compromise. So I reused them. I figured I have the new gaskets if they leak, and it's not that big a job to just change them if needed... I still have the new gaskets hanging on a peg board, no leaks yet....

The gaskets under the new style breathers can "attach" to the rocker arm supports. I pried them off once and damaged the gasket. I couldn't find anywhere to buy just the one gasket I needed.....

You have a 2016 with how many miles? Unless you have an issue with the breathers not working properly, I wouldn't bother changing anything with them. If you can get the rocker arm supports out, without forcing the breathers off the rocker arm supports, I'd leave them in there...

The bolts can certainly be reused... I use a thread chaser to clean all bolts and threaded holes every time I take something apart.. makes for a clean re-install... Make sure to blow out all the bolt holes in the heads, to ensure there is no oil in the holes.... If you torque down those bolts, with oil in the holes, you can cause a crack... liquids are noncompressible...

Good luck with the repair...

 

Reuse the cover, reuse the bolts, if the gaskets are in good condition, reuse them. Use the new O-Rings that came with your Rocker Lockers. On the umbrella valve (breathers) does not hurt to replace them, but if it is a low mileage bike AND you are not getting an excessive amount of oil into your breather bolts, no need to replace.

Feel free to call or email with any questions.