That Smell
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 813
Likes: 101
From: Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
I have this situation (oil smell) sometimes, usually if it is very hot. I'm sure it's coming from the air intake. Have to clean the K&N air filter every 6 weeks or so as it collects oil that is misting into the intake, and eventually drips down onto the engine and header.
Dealer claims this is a "normal" condition.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6,863
Likes: 3,727
From: St. Charles, MO
Actually, I think you have it backward... I had one bike (a Vulcan) that never had "that smell" until I installed external breather. Then, as he describes here, I would smell oil (not burnt oil, just HOT oil smell) on decel and when idling.
Does your sons bike have external breathers?
Does your sons bike have external breathers?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
Vent the breathers to atmosphere so the vapors won't get sucked into the intake. It's better for the motor not to have to burn that hot oily mess that will eventually cause deposits in the combustion chambers.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,243
Likes: 3,267
From: west Michigan
The crankcase is supposed to vent into the intake via the tubes coming from the "rocker box". This is called Positive Crankcase Ventilation, which routes crankcase fumes into the intake. where they're burned in the combustion chamber. What you're describing sounds like engine oil being burned in the combustion chamber. THAT oil leaks by the valve seals or the piston rings. Low compression can be an indicator of bad piston rings.
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