New lower rocker box gasket issues

[autotec]

I'm confused. I just finished installing the lower rocker boxes after fixing a base gasket leak, and the rocker box gaskets are ruined. I used a James gasket kit, torqued the lower rocker box to factory specs and just happened to look to make sure the gasket was where it was supposed to be. And what I saw was the gasket cracked and starting to push out. Both of the cyls have this problem. I double checked and triple checked the torque reading with 3 different torque wrenches, all 3 can't be wrong. I gaskets I pulled off were metal, the new ones are paper. Am I going to have to install new metal ones?

[Ironhead]

hmmmm, not sure what the issue is. I'm interested to see how this plays out and if James makes it right

[krcampbell]

Not sure what happened. I do know that in industry torque specs vary with the gasket material used. You said that you torqued to manufacture specs? Did you use the OEM specs or the new gasket specs? I am just guessing but may be something to look at.

[autotec]

I used Harleys specs since there wasn't any info in the gasket kit. I'm going to stop and pick the metal ones up today.

[steveston]

I was advised by my buds to go with the metal replacements and had no problems. It was apparent some of them did with the non-metalic gasket..

[Dave63]

I called this afternoon. No answer. Left a message.

[autotec]

Thanks for the call Dave. I just got done putting the bike back together and had it running for about 2 minutes. I shut it off to check for leaks and tried to restart. Battery was dead. LOL. I guess when it rains it pours. I was going to replace it before I left for our gathering, but I guess I have to do it tomorrow.

Below are the pictures of the gaskets, I could only take 2 before the batteries died in my camera. But you can see where the gasket crushed when I torqued it. Both front and rear cyl were in the same condition. When I was installing the metal gaskets, It just felt better when it came time to torque them.

[Ironhead]

you wanna come down and change the one on my OL sporty now? lol
I bought the gasket, just haven't got around to changing it yet :)

[autotec]

you wanna come down and change the one on my OL sporty now? lol
I bought the gasket, just haven't got around to changing it yet :)

It took me almost 2 weeks just to find time to do mine. At that rate, I should be able to do yours in the next year or so. LOL I might have to do mine again though, I have 5 miles on it now and I saw some oil on the front and rear head. I'm hoping it's just residue that was left on the head when I assembled it. I will find out later when I take it for a longer ride. I really don't want to rip it apart again.

[Crocodile56]

Dead battery in the bike, dead battery in the camera and gasket's not working the way they should!!! Sounds like one of my day's!

[autotec]

Dead battery in the bike, dead battery in the camera and gasket's not working the way they should!!! Sounds like one of my day's!

All is good now. New batteries in the camera, new battery in the bike and no leaks. There just must have been some oil left on the heads when I installed them.