Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/787665
73 www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS nMarch 2017n 5. In the case of this head, the replacement is a "metal sandwich" Cometic gasket, like these. There are options here, including latest OEM, but the original type isn't one of them. Gasket/sealing tech- nology has come a long way in the last few years. So using the latest gasket design from a quality supplier goes a long… long… way towards a cure for leaks from this area! 6. OK, the bench work starts! The '07–on rocker box on the left is the one to use. There are plenty of subtle differences, but the ones to note are: the bosses where self-tapping #1039 screws (one is in place at the top of the pic) can be used to hold down new-style breathers, the shape of the hole the breather rests in, and the nar- rower gasket/rubber grooves. 7. Speaking of rocker box seals… here they are. Since the Sportster we're upgrading is equipped with three-piece boxes, a mix of old and new styles is essential to the intended end result. Like the Cometic base gaskets, these thinner "stand up" rubbers work best to eliminate leaks. 8. Next, you'll need these—an excellent aftermarket solution to noisy valve gear, courtesy of Rocker Lockers. It amounts to four tapered brass sleeves that are installed in the rocker shaft hold down bolt holes. (In fairness, this idea originated with a company called "Rock Out," but as of this writing, they do not offer a kit specifi cally for Sportsters… only Twin Cams.) As you see, the Rocker Lockers kit comes with some extra bits: a nut and bolt to use for installa- tion and, notably, a white plastic device used to align the shaft cut outs prior to insertion of the sleeves. The instructions spell it out, so no problems getting it right quite easily. 9. Once the rocker shaft is inserted in the position intended for its future use (see #3) and aligned with the plastic device, the kit's nut and bolt are used as seen here to gently slide the Rocker Locker sleeves into position. You might fi nd that in some instances they will almost slide in with fi nger pressure and, in others, a little WD-40, more force and some patience will be required—but they will fi t perfectly once installed prop- erly. As for what's "proper" (if the only part of this project you do is Rocker Lockers), don't be tempted to simply insert the sleeve and run it down with the original fastener with the rocker box in place! A very bad plan that only seems like a good idea. 10. Done right it looks like this… See "Motorhead," page 74, column 1