Hi all, back with an update.

Since the last post, I went back to the bike today once fully cold. Oil level is correct, filter refitted, seal looks perfect, mating surface clean.

Bike started up and idled absolutely fine. No drama at idle. However, the moment I gave it a few revs, oil started coming out from the oil filter area again. Same place as before. I shut it down straight away.

So this now rules out it just being overfilled oil causing the issue, something else is clearly pressurising the system and forcing oil out at what looks like the weakest point?

Bike is:

• 2003 Dyna
• Twin Cam 88
• Cam chain tensioners were replaced around 500 miles ago
• New filter fitted, no double gasket situation
• Oil light initially came on when this first started, hasn’t stayed on since

Symptoms currently:

• Oil being forced out of the oil filter when revved
• Ticking noise from the front cylinder
• Possible high‑pitched whine (hard to capture on video)
• Runs and rides but clearly something isn’t right

At this point I’m reluctant to keep starting it until I know what I’m chasing.
Has anyone seen this on a TC88 before? Relief valve stuck? Oil pump issue? Something damaged internally when it initially over‑pressurised?

Any help massively appreciated as I’m trying not to make this worse by guessing.

Cheers 🍻

Pics to follow

 

Remove/replace filter with new HD unit just to avoid "what-ifs"

 

 

What I'd do since I'm not there. All I can suggest at this point.
Put new oil filter back on. Tighten properly.
Oil sending unit, right side, other side of filter in first photo. Get an oil pressure gauge and attach there. See what oil pressure is when running.

 

Hi mate, no problem, and say the pressure is high idling, what's my next step?

 

Since the gasket blows out, you'll have to keep a watch on the gauge. If the gauge fluctuate rapidly, look for a sticking pressure relief valve. Otherwise, blockage internally or oil pump installed incorrectly would be my 2-cent guess. Don't know what started this so I'm just guessing at this point.

 

What oil filter are you using?

 

I suspect you're going to open up the engine, cam chest and top end... at least. The oil pressure will just give you some idea before that.

 

The pressure relief valve ate something it didn't like. Time to pull the cam chest.. The valve is likely stuck in the plate... Unless you can get the valve out, you'll likely need a new cam plate.. The SE kits is the best option unless you plan to change cams.. Fueling might have an tensioner update kit.