I have a Harley 2001 Softail with 91,000 miles on it. A couple of weeks ago the bike started pouring out large amounts of oil at speeds above 80 mph. I took it to a mechanic and he suggested a dirty air filter. I cleaned the filter and still the same. I ran the bike without an air filter and still the same.

We discovered that the crankcase was full of oil and the mechanic replaced the oil pump, the pump plate (that contains the check valve). Got the bike back and it was worse! Spilling oil out at all speeds.

Took it back to mechanic and he replaced the umbrella valves on top of the heads. Now, after $2,000, the bike is back to blowing oil out at speeds above 80 mph.

Fixing the check valve problem and replacing the umbrella has made NO difference.

I should mention that this problem started about a week after I replace the hydraulic lifters myself, installed adjustable push rods and changed the oil.

Is it possible that all of this is related to replacing the lifters and adjustable push rods? Because after this I did is when all the problems started.

What happens if push rods are adjusted incorrectly?

Any thoughts on this? Thanks,
Bob

 

Probably excessive blowby past the pistons..

 

Since you said it happened after the lifters, pushrods and oil change is it possible you just had your oil level way too high? Simple but very common problem

 

No, oil level is perfect. Bike has been at the mechanic 3 X's and checked. But thanks for the feedback.

 

So has he done a leak test?

 

No, he hasn't done a leak test. He never mentioned possible blow by as being a problem.

 

Motor don't bleed when you stay below 80.. Think about the cylinder pressures being generated. You got 91000 miles on the motor.. Rings could be shot.. If a large % is leaking past the rings, oil blows up to the breathers overwhelming the separator in the cylinder head.. You might get some help with a dual rotor scavenge oil pump like the new SnS or the Dan Thayer but you are putting a band-aid on a bullet wound..

When you build these motors bigger these systems can mist pretty good and they'll likely need a trap.. Some are into total seal rings to cut cylinder leakage..

BTW, The "check" valve in the cam plate is really a pressure relief valve.. Twincams really don't have a check valve like the EVOs. They use a side spring in the oil pump to cut flow through the pump when it's not turning.. A leaking pressure relief can fill the motor on a softail tho..

 

Great insight, thanks! One more quick question. I know how and have the tools to do a compression test. I don't have the tools for a leak down test. Is a compression test not good enough?

 

The leak test is more definitive. Try the compression test with the motor warm but not hot. At sea level you should be above 145-150.

 

Biker 11054:

Did you ever get your bike fixed? I have an 87 softail that I bought new. It has had Blow By oil through the air cleaner ever since I've had the bike. However, it has never been pouring out like is what's happening with your bike.

It seems very consequential that you had the oil problem occur after you did the lifters and pushrods. I'm no mechanic by any means. However, I've done a lot of work on my bike. I think you need to verify that you installed the correct length push rods. Incorrect length will allow air-oil mixture to escape through the valves. That could be your problem. The service manual has a whole section on how to do the test as well as identifying problems. I know I'm 2 months behind. I'm a newbie and would like to know what your problem ended up being.

Greg M

As the other member suggested, do a leak down test and find out where your air is escaping. By the way, it sounds like you might need to consult with another mechanic. It sounds like he's throwing darts and you're paying out the nose.