Ironhead Rocker Cover Gasket Replaced & Bike Sounds F-d Up!

[Freelander03]

I changed the rocker cover gasket out and started up my '78. It ran rough--choppy-like--for about 5 minutes. Once it got warm, and the idle crept it's way down towards 1,100, it stalled. It did this 3 times. I revved-up the engine a couple of times, and each time, when the rpm's came down from 2,500, the idle would hold for a second or two at 2,000, then come down slow and stall out at 1,000. I reset the S&S carb, but once I did that I couldn't start up the bike again.

I suspect I have to have the pushrods adjusted before anything else... I do not have a lift, so I'm waiting for my local shop to call me, once they have an open slot--they're busy with Spring-time, incoming Harley's... I just have to wait my turn

[chevelle]

Yes you need to set pushrods.
Very easy, no lift needed.
Check stickies for procedure.

[72 Ironhead XLH]

this was the front cyl rocker box? then you had to loosen the rods first ,then remove the cover. you cant just unbolt it and expect the rods to hold the setting.

[Freelander03]

@ chevelle: where are these stickies you speak of???

[Freelander03]

@ 72 Ironhead XLH: Yea, front cover; I realized the rods would be an issue post facto.

[nikki]

Originally Posted by Freelander03

@ chevelle: where are these stickies you speak of???

in the top section of the front page above the topic in the forum . Nikki

[72 Ironhead XLH]

there the ones in RED

[Vermonter]

There is a great video on YouTube about the pushrod adjustment. Read the sticky, watch the video, do it yourself. It will take you all of ten min. Your dealer will charge you one hour min... and probably do it wrong.

[scottfisher]

pushrod sticky:

http://xlforum.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=44143

s

[Freelander03]

Does the wooden 4"x8" make-shift lift really work???