QuestionMike, you've helped me out before...here's another head-scratcher for ya!
RELEVANT DATA:
1977 FLH Shovelhead, converted to 80 CI displacement. Heads are S&S with Crane roller rockers. Lifters and blocks are JIM'S hydraulics. Cam is believed to be stock or stock type. Crane electronic ignition (single-fire) installed in place of old point system.
THE PROBLEM:
I can't seem to get the rocker covers to seal up. I've pulled the heads 3 times and replaced head & rocker gaskets, and it's starting to try my patience! The front one leaks worse than the back, and it runs onto the front exhaust pipe creating a lot of smoke (I don't want to burn the bike up!)
I've used every type of gasket I could find, including the silicone-bead type and S&S blue Teflon. Spray-on "copper coat" type cement was used the last two times. Torque specs were followed to the letter and Loctite Blue was used on the rocker box bolts. I have refrained from trying RTV sealant, for fear of getting a gob of that junk into an oil return passage!
From what I can tell, the rocker boxes are flat at the gasket surfaces (using the old "plate glass" method), and I have been told by other mechanics that resurfacing them can cause rocker clearance problems. They haven't been to a machine shop for a good checkup yet, but that's the next step.
Any suggestions? Your expertise is valued and appreciated! Thanks in advance...
Dave
AnswerI have seen rocker boxes leak, but never both after replacing the gaskets. Resurfacing them can cause clearence problems, unless you are taking off just a couple of thousands.
Make sure its the rocker box gaskets that are leaking and not the rocker arm ends caps. I would put gaskets back in and use some gasket sealer on them. Your oil passages will be fine as long as you dont overdo it with the sealer. I use Permatex in my shop for gaskets.Dont worry about torquing them. Just snug them down tight. Make sure there is nothing in the bolt holes that would keep the bolts from tightening.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike
