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Do you have engine oil in your Harley air filter? Is it a problem or is it normal? In this episode, I am joined by Lurch and Oscar. Harley-Davidson vents engine pressure through banjo bolts that hold the air intake on. There are tubes on the end of the banjo bolts. The tubes are directed into the intake/filter area. When pressure builds up and oil passes through the bolts/tubes it dumps into the filter and/or is sucked into the engine through the intake. If an excess of oil builds up in your Harley air filter it can leak out and get all over your bike.
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We discuss how oil ends up in your Harley air filter. The three of us share our opinions and have some fun along the way. We break down the issue of oil blowback; what it is and what causes it. We also discuss stock air intakes and aftermarket intakes. Some of the aftermarket intakes already have external breather bolts and catch cans. Some have external breather bolts, but route tubes back into the intake. The stock air intakes have internal breather bolts with tubes that vent into the filter/intake.
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So, what are the solutions for oil in your Harley air filter? First off, don't overfill your engine oil. We here at Law Abiding Biker run our oil level a little below the top of the acceptable range on the oil dipstick. Another option is to install an exterior oil catch system that keeps the oil out of your filter and engine.
Here are some options for external breather kits:
- J&P Braided Hose Crankcase Breather Kit (Twin Cam)
- J&P Cycles Head 1/2″ and 3/8″ Breather Bolt Kit
- J&P Cycles Dual Breather Kit
- Trask Assault Breather Kit For Harley Big Twin 2017-2022 (M8)
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John C Srcreti says
I was told by HD that eliminating the breather bolt sumping can damage the pistons and rings! I personally do not believe this because I think when these engines are hot splashing oil into the combustion chamber can and does cause carbon buildup on the face of valves and pistons. so who is right?
Tony I. says
“They” may not have been on the same page. Probably a difference of opinion, but this youtube video from Low Country Harley Davidson, posted 2 yrs ago, is interesting on this topic. The tech. is actually doing this to his bike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoVuOuhFvDs