Hello,

New to forum and hopefully this isn't covered somewhere deep within...if so, please direct if you've seen same issue.

I've got a 1982 Sportster XLH 1000 that has oil coming from K&N breather tube on right side of motor/crank cover- its mainly when I get on it higher speeds, freeway, etc...starts to blow out from filter.

Photo of problem area attached.

Hopefully not a "major" issue and someone here can help out.

Thanks in advance!

 

Did you recently change oil? You probably have too much in there.

 

That is the typical cause for this. The next is blocked oil ports/paths inside the top end. It's likely just overfilled though.


On newer Sportsters, this can be caused by using the incorrect oil filter. Sportsters need a filter with no better than 30micron flow. When people attempt to use a 10micron filter, the oil pump can't force oil through the system fast enough. This causes oil pressure to build-up in the lower case and blow out anywhere it can go. I'm not sure if this is true for Iron Heads, but I assume so since the oiling system is similar.

 

Run a hose overboard and ride that sucker. It's the nature of the beast.

 

Yes mine has spewed breather bolt oil in tiny amounts since i got it! Its not just bikes but about any motor does it. You just don't see it on cars and trucks.

 

Agree w/others...run 'er 1/2 qt under full and you'll hopefully have 0/less oil blow-by.

 

since having that problem when I got the bike, I now keep the oil level below half way. Also installed a "horse-shoe" breather- no longer have this issue.