| Author | Message | ||
     Hangetsu |
Well, after changing my rocker box gaskets, front and rear, and thinking I was clear of annoying oil leaks, I am now leaking oil form the front head gasket. Therefore, since I am going to have the engine dropped and one jug apart, I am considering a NRHS 1250 kit and having some level of head work done. Has anyone out there done this mod? If so, what are your opinions regarding things like reliability, fuel economy, achieving the perfect tune, etc.? Any experience or knowledge-based thoughts welcome. Thanks! | ||
| Firemanjim |
As a rule head gasket will not leak oil. | ||
| Shoggin |
Because theres no oil pressure behind it. | ||
| Falloutnl |
I discovered the base gaskets on my X1 were leaking shortly after I bought it. I bought a Hammer Performance 1250 kit to replace the cylinders and pistons. The mapping was then adjusted by Twin Motorcycles. That thing ••••••• rips, it's incredible. | ||
| Hangetsu |
Yeah, when I first experienced the rockerbox leak, I thought it might be the head gasket. It did turn out to be the rockerbox. I had both gaskets replaced, but now only 6 months later, I have oil all over the front of the front cylinder again. None spraying towards the back of the engine though. However, I did notice a thick film of oil coating the fin just below the head, a place oil did not build up last time. I took the thing to a local independent shop that has a good reputation for expertise with Harley engines, and in one glance he said it was a leaky head gasket. He said it was not an uncommon occurance. So now I'm faced with having to drop the engine again and removing at least one jug. I'm still debating whether to go forward with a big bore kit or not. There are a few of these kits out there. Are any known to be any better than others? | ||
| Firemanjim |
Still say no. | ||
| Shoggin |
The Harley shop said it's "not uncommon" to have an oil leak from a head gasket? Your radiator needs a flush too.  | ||
| Readyxb |
Rocker cover gaskets will leak. Even new ones... eventually. Permatex High Tack Gasket Sealant will take care of it. Preparation is key. Be sure to remove any oil residue down in the gasket slot/grooves of the rocker box and flat surfaces on the cover. Then clean with carb cleaner or similar, and finish off with rubbing alcohol. Brush the sealant down into the inner/outer gasket slots and also on rocker cover flat surfaces. Allow to set a few minutes only. Then insert new inner/out gasket into the groove, and bolt down the cover! This stuff is extremely sticky and will get all over you and what you're working on.  | ||
| Hangetsu |
Nice tip. Thanks! |
