Upgrading the stockm head breathers?
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 25
From: MN
Upgrading the stockm head breathers?
Edit: That "m" shouldn't be there in the title, should be "stock". I blame fat fingers.
In the process of updating my 2000 Ultra Classic,12,000 miles, gear drive cams (runout is less than .001
), MM to carb swap, possibly a few other things......I'll make a build thread after I've made all my choices. Motor is apart, deciding on all my parts now.
Searched a few times couldn't find an answer.......or I suck at search terminology.....
Are those fancy aftermarket head breathers really necessary? Like the billet Feuling and S&S offerings
Thank You!
For those curious about doing this at such low mileage: The bike was stored for 7 years before I bought it last Memorial day. I have the time and skills to take care of the cam bearing issue(s) before they become a problem.
I call it the "Barney Fife Method": Nip it in the bud.
In the process of updating my 2000 Ultra Classic,12,000 miles, gear drive cams (runout is less than .001
), MM to carb swap, possibly a few other things......I'll make a build thread after I've made all my choices. Motor is apart, deciding on all my parts now.Searched a few times couldn't find an answer.......or I suck at search terminology.....
Are those fancy aftermarket head breathers really necessary? Like the billet Feuling and S&S offerings
Thank You!
For those curious about doing this at such low mileage: The bike was stored for 7 years before I bought it last Memorial day. I have the time and skills to take care of the cam bearing issue(s) before they become a problem.
I call it the "Barney Fife Method": Nip it in the bud.
Last edited by Scootertrash60; Mar 23, 2026 at 10:53 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,160
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
OP, your OEM breathers were updated in 2003 to the stamped steel #17045-99D breather assemblies. The HD list price is $30.70ea. Most likely cheaper than any aftermarket breathers... You could rebuild your OEM breathers with the right gaskets and umbrella valves, but the updated, stamped steel breathers are slightly lower profile, and easier to install in-frame.
In any case, they are better than the OEM type your engine came with. I have them on three Twin Cams I own, from Stage I to Stage IV mods, and they work well. Just make sure to put the umbrella valve in the correct place when putting them together. Note: last time I bought them, the pieces were all in the boxes, but I had to put them together.
I've never seen the need for any aftermarket breather assemblies, but there are a couple that are well made, but IMHO, unnecessary.
One thing I do on all my Twin Cams is run the breather tubes to the atmosphere, instead of into the air cleaner...
I hope this info helps...
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 25
From: MN
OP, your OEM breathers were updated in 2003 to the stamped steel #17045-99D breather assemblies. The HD list price is $30.70ea. Most likely cheaper than any aftermarket breathers... You could rebuild your OEM breathers with the right gaskets and umbrella valves, but the updated, stamped steel breathers are slightly lower profile, and easier to install in-frame.
In any case, they are better than the OEM type your engine came with. I have them on three Twin Cams I own, from Stage I to Stage IV mods, and they work well. Just make sure to put the umbrella valve in the correct place when putting them together. Note: last time I bought them, the pieces were all in the boxes, but I had to put them together.
I've never seen the need for any aftermarket breather assemblies, but there are a couple that are well made, but IMHO, unnecessary.
One thing I do on all my Twin Cams is run the breather tubes to the atmosphere, instead of into the air cleaner...
I hope this info helps...
Off to hunt up a good breather venting mod........Most of the pics from old threads are gone
P.S. You others that have supplied info have helped too!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,928
Likes: 8,030
From: poway
In any case, they are better than the OEM type your engine came with. I have them on three Twin Cams I own, from Stage I to Stage IV mods, and they work well. Just make sure to put the umbrella valve in the correct place when putting them together. Note: last time I bought them, the pieces were all in the boxes, but I had to put them together.
I'd be real interested in finding any one that has replaced only the valve and seen a complete reduction.. No top end work.
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