Motorcycle Repair: 76 shovelhead, leak down test, shovelhead

Question
Hey Mike,
I have a 76'Shovelhead, the otherday it starting lossing power, seems to be leaking oil from the front pushrod and sounds like a exhust leak on a old vw bug. any ideals and is it hard to fix..Thanks

Answer
You first need to determine why its loosing power. Pull your plugs and check them for fouling. If they are fouling then you either have a coil and plug wire problem or you are burning oil. Do a compression test and a leak down test. the compression test will tell you if you are loosing pressure past the rings.
Check your exhaust for leaks and to repair the leak, remove the pushrod cover and install new gaskets
Good luck and happy riding
Mike