Help please with rocker box noise

[wnogood]

I've got the front rocker box opened up. As expected, so far not much amiss. The center bolt at the front of the lower box was loose, but I don't see that making a noise. Probably warrants a new gasket on the lower because it was seeping some oil. Any suggestions for what to look for next?

[wnogood]

I just got done running the engine with the front rocker box open. Lots of air coming up through the pushrod tubes,is that normal? Didn't have much oil up in the top until it ran for a couple of minutes.  Then the air in the tubes was blowing it everywhere. Thoughts?

[wnogood]

Ok, stuck a feeler gauge in the front (exhaust) rocker arm between the rocker and the support and got .021! The rear (Intake) I cant get a .010 in. Should I shim what I have or is it a better idea to start with new parts?

[Tattoo]

are you measuring on the "non thrust side" ?

[Admiral Akbar]

Air is normal with the cover off.. Breather valves don't work with the cover off..

You can try shimming the rocker to see if the noise goes away..

Max

[wnogood]

are you measuring on the "non thrust side" ?

Yes, measured the front exhaust on the right side, the front intake on the left side.

[wnogood]

Air is normal with the cover off.. Breather valves don't work with the cover off..

You can try shimming the rocker to see if the noise goes away..

Max

Thanks Max, I've been reading that shimming is a sketchy idea? Shims getting torn up and circulated through the engine? I'm not opposed to starting over with new parts if that will remedy the clearance....

[Admiral Akbar]

Air is normal with the cover off.. Breather valves don't work with the cover off..

You can try shimming the rocker to see if the noise goes away..

Max

Thanks Max, I've been reading that shimming is a sketchy idea? Shims getting torn up and circulated through the engine? I'm not opposed to starting over with new parts if that will remedy the clearance....

I've not done it but when the issue occurs, the idea is to trim the rocker support or rocker arm so that you can use a 0.020 shim or larger.. Less chance of tearing the ship up since it's thicker.. The 0.005 and 0.010 is where I understand the issue is..

You could try the forged rocker brackets if you got money to experiment.. I've had good luck with them with motors that have bigger cams.. Can't guarantee it tho.. 

Max

[les]

are you measuring on the "non thrust side" ?

Yes, measured the front exhaust on the right side, the front intake on the left side.

Please explain.  Both valves are on the left side of the bike. 

[lonewolf]

Pushrods are on an angle. Exhaust gets shimmed on horn side, intake on tb side. Using a dial gauge is more accurate to measure with as it can be tighter where you can't get the feeler gauge. Used lots of .015 shims (trimming rocker arm to get to .004) and they have always been .015 many miles later.