Oily Air Filter!

Energy One

Lightweight BigDog

Little Man on a Big Dog!
Calendar Participant
I have an 03 Pit and thanks to Raywood! :cheers: he sent me a BD stock air cleaner cover to replace the S&S. When doing so I took off the air filter to inspect and it was very oily. To the point there was a dime size at the bottom of the cover. I have read and pray this is not ....... "However, if the filter is oily on the inside, then you are getting oil thrown up through the carb. This indicated a major engine malfunction. Usually bad rings or a blown piston." Engine is running strong and do not have anything coming from the pipe? Any input would be appreciated! :2thumbs:
 

Eric

Banned
I'd check the oil level first... if its to high (a little over full) it will collect in the filter through the vent..if all else fails do a compression test..
 

BWG56

Guru
I'd check the oil level first... if its to high (a little over full) it will collect in the filter through the vent..if all else fails do a compression test..
2nd that. Check your manual, it cautions you about this on oil level.
 

gearsmithy

Active Member
It's blowby. Check to make sure your front breather isn't capped (some people cap them since it's *technically* redundant). I've seen several bikes now with blowby problems because of this, uncapped and no problems after.
 

LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
Ok folks,

sorry, I wasn't trying to be secretive, just wanted to pass on some info on an issue that's been repeated here a bit via PM, I wasn't aware that so many folks were having this issue. My PM was short and to the point but since I'm posting now, I've added some additional info.

Here it is.

Your 03 107c.i. breathes thru the heads and into the backplate of the carb, unlike the newer motors that have a different setup.

The venting is made to send the oil mist into your aircleaner.

Shouldn't damage anything unless you are talking about ALOT of oil.

It will require you to check/clean your aircleaner assembly weekly (if you ride alot). Also, as stated, if you have added too much oil in the oil tank during your last oil change, the blowby will obviously be worse.

There are several ways to eliminate that type of venting/blowby. You can run a ventline down to the bottom of your frame and venting it out using a chrome crossover tube like the one pictured here.


I vent using the doherty power pacc and power vents. one way valves like a pcv valve on older cars.

I did a thread on my doherty install. check it out. if you need any help, just shoot me an email.

Later.
:2thumbs:
 

2004BC

FREEDOM!!!
Ok folks,

sorry, I wasn't trying to be secretive, just wanted to pass on some info on an issue that's been repeated here a bit via PM, I wasn't aware that so many folks were having this issue. My PM was short and to the point but since I'm posting now, I've added some additional info.

Here it is.

Your 03 107c.i. breathes thru the heads and into the backplate of the carb, unlike the newer motors that have a different setup.

The venting is made to send the oil mist into your aircleaner.

Shouldn't damage anything unless you are talking about ALOT of oil.

It will require you to check/clean your aircleaner assembly weekly (if you ride alot). Also, as stated, if you have added too much oil in the oil tank during your last oil change, the blowby will obviously be worse.

There are several ways to eliminate that type of venting/blowby. You can run a ventline down to the bottom of your frame and venting it out using a chrome crossover tube like the one pictured here.


I vent using the doherty power pacc and power vents. one way valves like a pcv valve on older cars.

I did a thread on my doherty install. check it out. if you need any help, just shoot me an email.

Later.
:2thumbs:
Is your picture a complete kit sold somewhere? Would like to buy it. Mess of oil on the outside of the carb filter. Thanks!:cheers:
 

2004BC

FREEDOM!!!
2004 ... that kit wont work on our 04 and later 117s. probably will work if you have 107...
Thanks for the info. Mine's one of the 107's. I just looked up in J&P for something generic and they had the crossover and down tube in stainless steel braided lines so fitment isn't too critical. Plus I think it looks good with all of the other SS lines I have. I'll check into it tonight to see what it takes and if it will work. :cheers:
 

zipsman03

Active Member
Dropped the bike off in Spearfish!!

I have had this happen to me several times too, I attributed mine to having added the louver and driving at a high rate of speed. My filter is completely oiled, I actually have the bike in the shop for the new speedo, so I hope they will see it and take care of it; if not I will order a new filter for the spring. I was told they were going to go over the bike really well as warranty ends in April;before I will be able to ride again.
 

LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
The picture IS a kit sold by Doherty Machine here:

Harley Davidson Air Cleaner Doherty Machine

You can also just purchase the chrome tube crossover thing from JP or just about anywhere.

I would recommend using the power pacc kit for your year/motor off the Doherty website. Match that with the Desperado S&S vented teardrop cover and you'll be happy-happy....:2thumbs:
 

Five Five

Well-Known Member
Ok folks,

sorry, I wasn't trying to be secretive, just wanted to pass on some info on an issue that's been repeated here a bit via PM, I wasn't aware that so many folks were having this issue. My PM was short and to the point but since I'm posting now, I've added some additional info.

Here it is.

Your 03 107c.i. breathes thru the heads and into the backplate of the carb, unlike the newer motors that have a different setup.

The venting is made to send the oil mist into your aircleaner.

Shouldn't damage anything unless you are talking about ALOT of oil.

It will require you to check/clean your aircleaner assembly weekly (if you ride alot). Also, as stated, if you have added too much oil in the oil tank during your last oil change, the blowby will obviously be worse.

There are several ways to eliminate that type of venting/blowby. You can run a ventline down to the bottom of your frame and venting it out using a chrome crossover tube like the one pictured here.


I vent using the doherty power pacc and power vents. one way valves like a pcv valve on older cars.

I did a thread on my doherty install. check it out. if you need any help, just shoot me an email.

Later.
:2thumbs:
LDO...thanks for sharing...iv'e been looking for an alternative to my paper towel wedged up in between the air filter and cover, to catch the drippins when it leans over on the kickstand.
:up:
 

LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
No problem Billy, check out the Doherty website and talk to those guys, they have great customer service!

Also, check out the thread of my Doherty AC install.

Let me know if you have any questions.:2thumbs:
 
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