TP rocker box dilemma

[Jusme]

The garage queen was just about a daily driver until Mr. Sachs pointed out the rocker box issue. I could use some input before I make a decision on how to handle it. I could tear the rocker boxes and arms off and do the inspection. It seems a shame to me to spend all that time and money and not do the valve guides. I might be wrong on that. On the other hand it seems to me that I have S&S heads. Could be wrong about that too. If I have S&S heads do I still need to do the valve guides? I would appreciate some advice guys. Hopefully these pictures help. I was going to put on another 100 miles today but obviously I’m torn.

 

[mleach72]

The garage queen was just about a daily driver until Mr. Sachs pointed out the rocker box issue. I could use some input before I make a decision on how to handle it. I could tear the rocker boxes and arms off and do the inspection. It seems a shame to me to spend all that time and money and not do the valve guides. I might be wrong on that. On the other hand it seems to me that I have S&S heads. Could be wrong about that too. If I have S&S heads do I still need to do the valve guides? I would appreciate some advice guys. Hopefully these pictures help. I was going to put on another 100 miles today but obviously I’m torn.

It has s&s heads, but the 05's and 06's came with TP rocker boxes. There is an alignment issue that can cause valve guide wear, but not always. There are members here that have many miles with the TP's with no issues. If you want to have the shim kit installed, then do it, but in the meantime, don't let it keep you from riding. Your bike has low miles, so a few hundred more miles isn't going to be critical.

 

[Jusme]

That’s good to hear I thought I might be destroying it.

 

[Mickmorris]

It has s&s heads, but the 05's and 06's came with TP rocker boxes. There is an alignment issue that can cause valve guide wear, but not always. There are members here that have many miles with the TP's with no issues. If you want to have the shim kit installed, then do it, but in the meantime, don't let it keep you from riding. Your bike has low miles, so a few hundred more miles isn't going to be critical.

100%

 

[Mickmorris]

That’s good to hear I thought I might be destroying it.

I agree with Matt. Don’t let it keep you from riding.

 

[Jusme]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I was able to get a couple hundred more miles in. Sitting here on the patio watching the first rain in months roll in. Closing out the most incredible riding season in the Northwest in recorded history. Half an inch of rain from June 21 to October 20. Looking forward to a long winter sorting out the chopper.

 

[HMAN]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I was able to get a couple hundred more miles in. Sitting here on the patio watching the first rain in months roll in. Closing out the most incredible riding season in the Northwest in recorded history. Half an inch of rain from June 21 to October 20. Looking forward to a long winter sorting out the chopper.

Glad you got some saddle time this year! Keep it rolling.

 

[Jusme]

Thanks Hman. The odo. went from 2700 miles to 3500 miles. Smiling every mile. I need to update my trailer queen post and rebuild the rear brake on my sportster.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

If you find yourself in need of the fix WSW has a spacer kit for the TPs that resolves the alignment issue and keeps you from having to pay through the nose to get the top end straightened out by buying all the S&S hardware.
TP Rocker Box Alignment Kit