Oil leak in air filter housing

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May 11, 2009 | 05:22 PM

KnightWRX

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Joined: May 2009

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From: Quebec, Canada

Oil leak in air filter housing

Hi! Sorry about my first post being about a bike issue, but I've been lurking for a few weeks and thought this would be the best place to ask before going and seeing the dealer. Today I noticed some oil at leaked down near the rear brake on my 2005 XL1200C. I just bought it 2 weeks ago and this was the first time I noticed this. Looking from where the oil was leaking, it became apparent it came from the air filter/carburator area on the bike. So I took everything apart and noticed the air filter was soaked on the bottom. There was very visible and still liquid oil on there :

The filter housing is also cracked in 2 spots :

Of course, I'm more worried about the oil itself. Where could it be coming from ? Is it normal to have so much from just the PCV ? The bike has a low idle and backfires loudly when not quite warmed up.

May 11, 2009 | 05:25 PM

VTwin-Goodies

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From: SoCal

Try reducing the level of oil in you crank case a little. this is a well documented issue on Harley's and is called blowby. It is due to the design of the engine. You could also run a breather from the air filter plate with a small filter onthe end down near the bottom of the bike. Do a search as there are numerous posts on this topic.

May 11, 2009 | 05:33 PM

KnightWRX

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Joined: May 2009

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From: Quebec, Canada

Thanks, just found a thread about the same issue :

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/engin...ir-filter.html

Which ones are the breather holes ? Is it those 2 near on the left of the carb jet ? Since the oil issue is normal, should I be worried about the air filter plate being cracked at all ?

I'm new to bikes in general, more used to fuel injected cars.

May 11, 2009 | 05:53 PM

VTwin-Goodies

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From: SoCal

The breather holes are where the back plate bolts to the engine. they are on the top portion of the bracket on either side. If you do not see any cracks, I wouldn't worry about it. I'll do a search and psot some alternative fixes for you. Welcome to the world of Harley's.

May 11, 2009 | 05:57 PM

VTwin-Goodies

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Try doing what Dawg did in this thread. This should eliminate the blowby. Simple and cost effective.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ut-of-a-c.html

May 11, 2009 | 06:13 PM

KnightWRX

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 531

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From: Quebec, Canada

Thanks again for all the help. I will read through all of it and try to see what I can do.

Also, do you know what brand air cleaner kit I have ? I can't seem to find what it is searching through different part makers. Does the logo ring any bells ?