Author Topic: Sportster XL 1960 - Rocker Arms Noise  (Read 6497 times)

Offline Johanes_Dicky

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Sportster XL 1960 - Rocker Arms Noise
« on: September 03, 2005, 08:53:13 PM »
I have a problem with excessive rocker arms noise on my 1960 XL Sportster (just bought a few weeks ago) . I suspect that the rocker shaft allen screw on the right side of the rocker box are too long, thus restricting the oil flow to the rocker arms.
Does anybody know the exact length of the rocker shaft allen screw. Thanks

Offline irnhed

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Re: Sportster XL 1960 - Rocker Arms Noise
« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2011, 10:21:31 PM »
1960 Sportster should not have allen rocker caps they should be slotted type. Unless someone swapped 1970's up rocker shafts into the engine ? Threads are different.

In any case those rocker cap threads are pretty short - probably no more than 3/8 inch deep but I would be surprised if that was the problem unless someone (home) made up some caps.

You sure you set the tappets correctly - should be ZERO clearance cold but you should be able to rotate the pushrods without them binding.

Other problem might be lack of lubrication to the top end. Check this by pulling off the cylinder head oil feed lines and cranking the engine. Oil should well out of the feed holes.