Oil coming out of air cleaner..

[lb2910]

I've done some internet searches on this and cant find anything concrete on what the deal is with this problem. I have a 2008 Ultra. Recently, I've noticed some oil spots on my heat shield behind my right leg. And some drops on my right saddle bag. After freaking out a bit, I found the problem in the air cleaner. Basically, small drops of oil are being blown through the little air holes near the mounting bolts into the inside of my air filter. After a while, the oil accumulates and sprays when the bike is in motion to the rear of the air cleaner cover.

I took it to my dealer today and the tech said that its "normal." He said that apparently, my bike has this issue and that others with this same model have been coming in complaining. Hmmm.

Recently, the temps here in VA have gotten into the mid to upper 80's. I bought the bike in DEC of 08, so this is the first time I've ridden it in hot weather. I change my own oil using Amsoil syn 10W40. I've also checked my oil level and its good to go. My model of bike doesnt have the two little "S" hoses that routes oil back into the throat. Any info in this would be GREATLY appreciated.

[cavs1429]

today me and a friend of mine where riding hard upstate at the end of the day we notice oil also near his air filter back plate he has a 2009 street glide with a screaning eagle air cleaner. where going to remove air cleaner tomorrow will let you know what we find.

[Dave63]

It is normal...... the oiling system for HDs since 1984 have been vented out the heads, into the aircleaner. Tha oil vapors collect in the aircleaner and at higher speeds, (70+) they accumulate and rather then get sucked into the carb, as they were intended to to meet EPA requirements, the vapors collect a bit more, and tend to overload the filter element with oil deposits, that may drip/vent out, and onto the rider/right side of the bike.

My Evo used to do it, until I installed an Arlen Ness Big sucker air cleaner. It vents the head/oil vapors directly into the carb's venturi, and not just into the aircleaner housing, like the stock unit does.

Drips are gone.

Originally Posted by lb2910

I change my own oil using Amsoil syn 10W40.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you should be using a MINIMUM of 20w50, not 10w40..... too thin.

[confederate]

I have had this happen a couple of times, most recently this past weekend. I had some oil on the engine, so I looked into the air cleaner and it was wet in the lower portion. I cleaned it up and will keep an eye on it. I read elsewhere that running the bike about 1/2 a quart low of oil will prevent this. Haven't tried this myself.

[lb2910]

Originally Posted by Dave63

It is normal...... the oiling system for HDs since 1984 have been vented out the heads, into the aircleaner. Tha oil vapors collect in the aircleaner and at higher speeds, (70+) they accumulate and rather then get sucked into the carb, as they were intended to to meet EPA requirements, the vapors collect a bit more, and tend to overload the filter element with oil deposits, that may drip/vent out, and onto the rider/right side of the bike.

My Evo used to do it, until I installed an Arlen Ness Big sucker air cleaner. It vents the head/oil vapors directly into the carb's venturi, and not just into the aircleaner housing, like the stock unit does.

Drips are gone.



Correct me if I'm wrong, but you should be using a MINIMUM of 20w50, not 10w40..... too thin.

Thanks Dave... maybe thats the issue. I'll switch to the 20w50 and maybe that will solve the issue. I'll also look into the Arlen Ness cleaner... I bought the case of 10w40 during the winter based on the Amsoil reps recommendation. Is it safe to assume that the 10w40 is good for the colder months and I should use the 20w50 for the hotter months?

[Terryg43]

A couple of years ago I took a ride with some friends with their Harleys and when we stopped for a break at a rest area I noticed some oil dripping from the air cleaner of one of their bikes. When I questioned the owner about it he grinned and said " Its time to change my Tampon" ! I said "What ?". He then went on to tell me the oil in the air cleaner was normal and what he was doing to prevent it from being blown all over the bike was to actually put a womans Tampon in the bottom inside section of the air cleaner to absorb the oil ! I guess you live and learn...LOL

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by lb2910

Thanks Dave... maybe thats the issue. I'll switch to the 20w50 and maybe that will solve the issue. I'll also look into the Arlen Ness cleaner... I bought the case of 10w40 during the winter based on the Amsoil reps recommendation. Is it safe to assume that the 10w40 is good for the colder months and I should use the 20w50 for the hotter months?

20w50 synthetic year round...., unless severe heat conditions where a straight 50wt can be used. An Amsoil rep can recommend anything he wants, but is he going to warranty the bike and there's a problem, when HD calls for 20w50 and he said differently?

Not thinkin' so....

If it's synthetic, a 20w50 is thin cold and that's one benefit of synthetic oils. Telling you to run a 10w40 rather then a 20w50 is organic oil methodology, not synthetics. Mr. rep needs to read up on his oil tech. Listen to your manual, not an oil rep.

[lb2910]

Originally Posted by Dave63

20w50 synthetic year round...., unless severe heat conditions where a straight 50wt can be used. An Amsoil rep can recommend anything he wants, but is he going to warranty the bike and there's a problem, when HD calls for 20w50 and he said differently?

Not thinkin' so....

If it's synthetic, a 20w50 is thin cold and that's one benefit of synthetic oils. Telling you to run a 10w40 rather then a 20w50 is organic oil methodology, not synthetics. Mr. rep needs to read up on his oil tech. Listen to your manual, not an oil rep.

Gotcha.. thanks Dave... great advice as always.. Gonna grab a case of 20w50 tomorrow and change it out.. Maybe that will help with the oil coming out of my air cleaner...

[lb2910]

hey dave.. any chance I did something bad to the motor by going 3 oil changes using the thinner 10w40? I literally just finished putting some fresh new syn 20w50 and filter on the bike. Taking the hog to Maine this weekend so i want it to run well. Only recently did the temps start getting in the 80's, but i was wondering if running that thinner stuff might have been bad. thoughts??

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by lb2910

hey dave.. any chance I did something bad to the motor by going 3 oil changes using the thinner 10w40? I literally just finished putting some fresh new syn 20w50 and filter on the bike. Taking the hog to Maine this weekend so i want it to run well. Only recently did the temps start getting in the 80's, but i was wondering if running that thinner stuff might have been bad. thoughts??

Nah.....you'll be OK. The temps have been low and although the 10w40 is thinner, in our engines, it still protects the engine. You'll be OK.