Rocker boxes leaking
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 4
From: South Carolina
Rocker boxes leaking
For those that checked out this thread, here's the scoop. 2007 Nightster with about 10 k miles, and I have had regular maintenance performed on the bike. I have noticed recently that the rocker boxes are leaking just enough to be annoying. There is nothing real serious, except my mechanic recommends changing the seals to fix the problem. Only $260 for the cost of getting him to do it, but how hard is it to change these myself?
The seals are $60-80 bucks depending on where you buy them.
'I am a fair mechanic, but whats really involved here if I do it myself?
Do I have to scrape off the old gasket, I am sure I need a torque wrench which I have. I will need to buy a manual so I know wtf I am doing. After weighing these costs I am considering just having the mechanic do it, unless I can just loosen the bolts, take off the old seal and install it back.
Helpful comments encouraged - anyone else with idiotic comments-have a cold one and sit this one out.
The seals are $60-80 bucks depending on where you buy them.
'I am a fair mechanic, but whats really involved here if I do it myself?
Do I have to scrape off the old gasket, I am sure I need a torque wrench which I have. I will need to buy a manual so I know wtf I am doing. After weighing these costs I am considering just having the mechanic do it, unless I can just loosen the bolts, take off the old seal and install it back.
Helpful comments encouraged - anyone else with idiotic comments-have a cold one and sit this one out.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I have the same issue. I think you will need one of these to do it easier..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTION-PRO-B...item45fc4450d7
I am also thinking of putting just a trace of Yamabond on both sides of the gasket when I fix my leaks just to make it last longer.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTION-PRO-B...item45fc4450d7
I am also thinking of putting just a trace of Yamabond on both sides of the gasket when I fix my leaks just to make it last longer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 11
From: Colonial Beach, Virginia
http://www.jpcycles.com/product/434-474
I hav e this set in my Wish List at J&PCycles, as soon as there is a gap in riding weather I'm going to dive in.
I hav e this set in my Wish List at J&PCycles, as soon as there is a gap in riding weather I'm going to dive in.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,569
Likes: 10
From: Royal Palm Beach, FL
here is a step by step write up of the process. I followed this and the only problem I had was putting it back together. MAke sure you don't pinch the rear cyclinder sensor wires under the box. Torque wrench needs to be inch pounds and one with foot pounds. I did not use any other special tools. I also only replaced the rear one, which is the hardest to get to cuz the frame is right ontop of it.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/tech-...eplacment.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/tech-...eplacment.html
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,569
Likes: 10
From: Royal Palm Beach, FL
here is a step by step write up of the process. I followed this and the only problem I had was putting it back together. MAke sure you don't pinch the rear cyclinder sensor wires under the box. Torque wrench needs to be inch pounds and one with foot pounds. I did not use any other special tools. I also only replaced the rear one, which is the hardest to get to cuz the frame is right ontop of it.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/tech-...eplacment.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/tech-...eplacment.html
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: SW Ohio
............. Only $260 for the cost of getting him to do it, but how hard is it to change these myself?
I have replaced the gaskets 3 times on my 07 (25K mi), and once on my 08 6K mi). My experience has been that only the "Uppers" need to be replaced, about $25.00 (never replaced lowers on either bike).
It's not a hard job, remove the tank, Coil, disconnect the wire off the rear heat sensor. No scraping required (rubber-band style gaskets). Put it back together. About 3 hrs taking your time.
I have replaced the gaskets 3 times on my 07 (25K mi), and once on my 08 6K mi). My experience has been that only the "Uppers" need to be replaced, about $25.00 (never replaced lowers on either bike).
It's not a hard job, remove the tank, Coil, disconnect the wire off the rear heat sensor. No scraping required (rubber-band style gaskets). Put it back together. About 3 hrs taking your time.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Pacific North-Wet
Replacing rocker boxes/gaskets is a great diy project if you have some decent wrenching experience.
I'd highly recommend it as a kind of low-tech introduction to working on your own machine.
There are a few threads in this forum with photos, so checking them out will help.
I'd highly recommend it as a kind of low-tech introduction to working on your own machine.
There are a few threads in this forum with photos, so checking them out will help.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 447
Likes: 55
From: Seattle area
Just had my rear gaskets replaced by dealer:
Parts $22.35
Labor $165
Total: $187.35 + tax.
Started leaking at about 11,000 miles
2008 1200 SLC
I read someplace that the rear rocker gaskets seem to be the problem with many bikes after 2007.
Balloo
Parts $22.35
Labor $165
Total: $187.35 + tax.
Started leaking at about 11,000 miles
2008 1200 SLC
I read someplace that the rear rocker gaskets seem to be the problem with many bikes after 2007.
Balloo
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 4
From: South Carolina
WOW .....SLAMMIN! Thanks for all the info, and this thread has obviously helped others as well. Saved the link....cant thank you all enough. Loved the "happiness is a belt fed weapon" line....gave me a good chuckle after a hard day at work.I will rip into it when the first snow hits, and it looks like this is a common problem and not just hard riding at fast speeds. My mechanic stated that even the fuel injected models need to sit and warm up just like the carbies even though the start and go is sooo tempting.
Happy Halloween