Question on Rocker Box gaskets.

[mymastiff]

Hey guys, input wanted. I have what I consider to be small leaks at both front upper rocker box gaskets. I know its a simple job to replace but I am traveling weekly with work and have not had time to replace and will not have time prior to Bike Week. So, what harm would it cause if any to ride as is. I really want to get to Daytona, about a 3 hour ride from Tampa, I hate to pay someone $300.00 for such a simple job that I can do. Any harm as long as I keep a check on the oil level? Thanks in advance!

 

[Dawgboy]

By upper rocket box do you mean the cover? That is a simple o-ring style gasket (on S&S boxes). Really simple... No pushrod involvement.

 

[Relic]

It won't hurt anything as long as you keep an eye on the oil (and can stomach the mess on the motor).

As Dawgboy said, it's not a big job and if the leak is only on the top covers, you could even take them off, clean them up and wipe a little sylicone on the O-rings to get you by until you get new gaskets (TP's or S&S boxes). Shouldn't take 15 minutes if it's just the tops.

 

[mymastiff]

Yes the cover, and it is just barely seeping out, it's such a small amount it doesn't even drip to the engine.

 

[mymastiff]

S&S by the way.

 

[BBChopper]

If it's the cover it only takes a few minutes to change them.. Either way I would ride the bitch!:2thumbs:

 

[john sachs]

It's extremely rare for those o-ring type rocker box seals to leak. Maybe loose bolts, the small viton backed seals under the bolts, or worse case scenario a cracked threaded bolt boss in the lower rocker box from over tightening. :angry:
John

 

[Little-Boo]

Yes the cover, and it is just barely seeping out, it's such a small amount it doesn't even drip to the engine.

If it's that small why fuck with it, wipe it off and ride ride ride. If it gets worse to where it drips then its time to fix it. My 2 cents

Carlos :2thumbs:

 

[Tank]

It won't hurt anything as long as you keep an eye on the oil (and can stomach the mess on the motor).

As Dawgboy said, it's not a big job and if the leak is only on the top covers, you could even take them off, clean them up and wipe a little sylicone on the O-rings to get you by until you get new gaskets (TP's or S&S boxes). Shouldn't take 15 minutes if it's just the tops.

You obviously didn't look at the bike. In order to get to the rocker boxes you need to remove the gas tanks on the Mastiff that Phil has. To re-seal it would take 2 1/2 hours at $65/hr and a $55.00 gasket set to do both boxes at our shop.

The leak but will probably worsen in the traffic of Daytona. The real issue will be the mess the oil will make on the jugs as it cooks into the metal.

 

[seatmaker]

You obviously didn't look at the bike. In order to get to the rocker boxes you need to remove the gas tanks on the Mastiff that Phil has. To re-seal it would take 2 1/2 hours at $65/hr and a $55.00 gasket set to do both boxes at our shop.

The leak but will probably worsen in the traffic of Daytona. The real issue will be the mess the oil will make on the jugs as it cooks into the metal.

What he said, happened to mine :2thumbs:

 

[mymastiff]

I like your train of thought Carlos, its barely noticeable but it bugs the shit out me though.

 

[stlmikie]

Be careful as Mr. Sachs said. If you over tighten them you take the chance of cracking the box.