Replace rocker cover gaskets on 1990 fxr - 2000 Harley Davidson FLHR-FLHRI Road king

To replace the upper rocker box gaskets is not too difficult. But, if you're replacing the gaskets between the head and the lower plate, this gets a bit more involved. You must remove the fuel tank as well.

To replace the top gaskets, simply remove the four bolts and lift the top and middle plate off the lower plate. The left rear bolt on the rear cylinder is the toughest bolt to get out. Sometimes there is a hole drilled in the frame to make access to this bolt easier. If not, you'll have to shorten a hex key wrench in order to get it out. With the top and middle plates our, replace the "umbrella valve" in the middle plate making sure you put it in from the correct side. Now place the outer gasket in the lower plate, the outer and middle gasket in the middle plate and set the top plate down on them. Wiggle the plates around a bit until you get them lined up properly with each other and tighten the top four bolts down a little at a time one each bolt until they're all tight. Torque to 80 inch pounds.

If you're going to remove the lower plate, first bring the piston of one cylinder up to top dead center on the compression stroke. Remove the spark plug and rotate the engine until both valves are fully closed. Remove the air filter assembly and backing plate. Remove the large bolts on the right side of the rocker arms Slide the rocker arm shaft out of the rocker arms one at the time and remove the rocker arm and it's pushrod. Notice that the rocker arm shaft have a recess ground into them. This is so the 5/16" acts as a lock to hold the shaft in place. It must be realigned on reassembly of the rocker plate. Once you get all the rocker arms and pushrods removed, you should have the pushrod tubes out as well. Remove the rest of the bolts and lift the lower rocker box plate. Clean the bottom of the rocker box plate and top of the head.

Assembly is the reverse of disassembly. Make sure you don't get the pushrods mixed up as they are all four of different lengths and will only work properly in their correct postitions. They are color coded for their proper positions. There is no adjustment of the pushrods.
Front intake --- YELLOW
Front exhaust -- GREEN
Rear Intake --- BLUE
Rear Exhaust --- PURPLE
Lower rocker box torque values are: 5/16" bolts 15-18 foot pounds
1/4" bolts 10-13 foot pounds