Breather oil problem and solution
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
Breather oil problem and solution
I have been an advocate for replacing the umbrella valves for the breather oil problems that most of us have had.
The problem is I've got a 2013 and had the umbrella seals replaced once under warranty and have the oil spewing problem again.
I have come up with a solution that works really well for me. I put catch cans (2 of them) in each side of the football cover. Installation just requires turning the stage 1 rubber breather hoses less than 180* and attaching them to the catch cans.
The whole setup is just about invisible once installed.
I'm thinking about offering the kit to others. I could provide a complete kit for $45 to $50 delivered. I'm just wondering if there would be any interest.
The problem is I've got a 2013 and had the umbrella seals replaced once under warranty and have the oil spewing problem again.
I have come up with a solution that works really well for me. I put catch cans (2 of them) in each side of the football cover. Installation just requires turning the stage 1 rubber breather hoses less than 180* and attaching them to the catch cans.
The whole setup is just about invisible once installed.
I'm thinking about offering the kit to others. I could provide a complete kit for $45 to $50 delivered. I'm just wondering if there would be any interest.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 102
Likes: 2
From: East Central Illinois
I have been fighting that problem for over a year now, I have replaced the air filter over 8 times since September of last year. My problem is not a little blow by it is a bunch. Have had it to two dealers one 500 miles from home the other 50. The second finely did a leak down test and they had to replace the top end. Still waiting to get it back home. They replaced the umbrella valves twice.The bike is a 12 FLTRU and it started this at about 30000 miles. Good luck with your sales tho.
This is a decades old issue with decades old solutions. Catch cans can be nice, but not at all necessary.
We have a line of external breathers...not just for the bikes that spew oil, but also for better performance and longevity of the engine.
Here's a pic of just one of the solutions- (it's a Softail, but works the same on Touring, Dyna and Sportster Models) Cost-$29.95
Here's more info on how you might solve the issue of oil on the side of the bike, or dripping-
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/oil-a...f-my-bike.html
We have a line of external breathers...not just for the bikes that spew oil, but also for better performance and longevity of the engine.
Here's a pic of just one of the solutions- (it's a Softail, but works the same on Touring, Dyna and Sportster Models) Cost-$29.95
Here's more info on how you might solve the issue of oil on the side of the bike, or dripping-
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/oil-a...f-my-bike.html
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DKCustomProducts.com
DKCustomProducts.com
Proper break-in and/or proper oil levels is what prevents this problem.
It's too late for the break-in, long since done on almost everyone's ride.
But checking oil level, that can be, and should be, done every time you ride. If you're up to the full mark, that can cause excessive blow-by... stay in the safe range, but lower your level a half quart.
It's too late for the break-in, long since done on almost everyone's ride.
But checking oil level, that can be, and should be, done every time you ride. If you're up to the full mark, that can cause excessive blow-by... stay in the safe range, but lower your level a half quart.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 17
From: Orange, VA,
Here is my fix, no more oil and fumes going in the engine, I clean it when I change my oil, cost about $15.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 55
From: Florida
I still think I came up with one of the best/cleanest looking,invisible mods so far.If I do say so myself.
Copied and pasted my solution from one of the many threads about crankcase breather venting.
Also lots of good info, ideas, and photos in this thread,
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-included.html
This is what I came up with after being unable to find any system that would work with a SE stage one backplate, I went with dual hoses parallel to bottom of rocker box covers then down to hidden catch can in cowbell. Marine shrink wrap over fittings tapped into backplate really cleaned it up.
This is why. I didn't have a lot of oil drippng, But enough to make a mess on cam cover,pipes,side cover,and front of saddle bags if I didn't clean the filter every week or so. It looks like this because the moisture and oil are being shaken like a paint mixer in the cowbell. Glad this gunk isn't going in my intake.
Copied and pasted my solution from one of the many threads about crankcase breather venting.
Also lots of good info, ideas, and photos in this thread,
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-included.html
This is what I came up with after being unable to find any system that would work with a SE stage one backplate, I went with dual hoses parallel to bottom of rocker box covers then down to hidden catch can in cowbell. Marine shrink wrap over fittings tapped into backplate really cleaned it up.
This is why. I didn't have a lot of oil drippng, But enough to make a mess on cam cover,pipes,side cover,and front of saddle bags if I didn't clean the filter every week or so. It looks like this because the moisture and oil are being shaken like a paint mixer in the cowbell. Glad this gunk isn't going in my intake.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
Here's some pictures, but they don't show much
The beauty of it is you can't hardly tell it's not the stock setup.
On the third shot you can see the breather hose is turned 180* to the catch can inside the football cover.