Motorcycle Repair: 1976 flh rockers, exhaust pipes, rocker arm


Question
HI MIKE,  I'M BACK AGAIN.  MY 1976 FLH HAS A FAIR BIT OF CLATTER  THAT IS COMING FROM THE ROCKER ARM BOXES. I READ SOMEWHERE, ONCE THAT THE OLDER SHOVELS OFTEN HAD THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE TOLERANCES FOR THE SHAFTS WERE QUITE BROAD. I'M NOT NEAR ANY SPECIFIC SPEC'S RIGHT NOW, BUT I READ THERE WAS A SHIM KIT THAT WOULD TIGHTEN UP THE CLEARANCES TO SOMETHING LIKE .004" DO YOU KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THESE KITS, WHERE CAN I GET ONE, AND ARE THEY HARD TO INSTALL AND GET RIGHT? ALSO I HAVE A ZENITH ELIMINATOR II CARB ON THIS BIKE AND NOW THAT IT'S RUNNING IT SEEMS THAT EXCESSIVE WHITE SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE EXHAUST PIPES.  I HAVE NOT MESSED WITH ANY ADJUSTMENTS YET.  I DO HAVE SOME INFO ON THIS CARB, BUT...ANY SUGGESTIONS?  THANKS, CHRIS

Answer
You can shim the rocker arms, but I think your problem is the bushing are either worn in the rocker arm or the face of the rocker are is worn. You can replace the bushings. If the faces are worn then they will have to be replaced.
I dont really know anything about your carb, since I dont use them. Pull one of your plugs and let me know what color they are
Mike