oil leak
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
Looks like a rocker box leak from the very last gasket that seals between the rockers and cylinder head. Very common issue. That's where both my cylinders leaked. ~$180 at my dealer (one cylinder, cheaper to do both while they're in there), or about $40 in parts to do it yourself.
You'll need the rocker box gaskets. I don't know what your bike is (I'm sure it would help others as well), but on mine there are 4 different ones. Three large ones around the outer edges of each level and one small for the inside. That and the 4 fiber washers that seal the hex screws on the top.
You'll need the rocker box gaskets. I don't know what your bike is (I'm sure it would help others as well), but on mine there are 4 different ones. Three large ones around the outer edges of each level and one small for the inside. That and the 4 fiber washers that seal the hex screws on the top.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 126
From: Manassas, VA
On '04 & up Sportsters there's a two piece rocker cover arrangement. Before that, there were 3 pieces.
Three gaskets required in the rocker cover from the head on up of the '04 & newer:
16800-84 GASKET, rocker box
17353-89A GASKET, rocker cover - lower
17358-84A GASKET, rocker cover - inner
Replace the upper-most bolt washers, too. There are 4 per jug # 63858-49 (I think there may be an update to these washers, but I'm a little fuzzy on the details of that).
Depending on the mileage of the bike, you may consider replacing the breathers while you're in there:
26010-04 BREATHER, front (cylinder)
26011-04 BREATHER, rear
There is a very specific torque sequence for bolting them together.
Three gaskets required in the rocker cover from the head on up of the '04 & newer:
16800-84 GASKET, rocker box
17353-89A GASKET, rocker cover - lower
17358-84A GASKET, rocker cover - inner
Replace the upper-most bolt washers, too. There are 4 per jug # 63858-49 (I think there may be an update to these washers, but I'm a little fuzzy on the details of that).
Depending on the mileage of the bike, you may consider replacing the breathers while you're in there:
26010-04 BREATHER, front (cylinder)
26011-04 BREATHER, rear
There is a very specific torque sequence for bolting them together.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,278
Likes: 2
From: Mission,BC.Canada
You need to replace the upper rocker box cover gasket. The gaskets will cost around $20. If you have any mechanical skills, it should take about 3 hours to do both cylinders. A service manual and torque wrench will help. The 4 screws need to be torqued to 120-168 Inch/pounds.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From:
top rocker box cover seals, you take it to the dealer you may want to take a second mortgage on your house to pay for it, but if you have a bit of mechanical inclination you can knock it out your self and all it will cost you is at most $30, plus the cost of tools if you don't already have them.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 38
From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
From: Marietta, Ohio
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