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oil residue inside air cleaner assembly

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1.1K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  Elgavilan  
2
#1 ·
Hi everybody,
Hope everybody is enjoying the weather and preparing for another riding season and of course a forum discussion packed full of topics.

I have a mechanical question for you guys!
I actually have 2 issues, but not sure if the 2 issues are related or not?

So, today I bought some parts for my 09' Muscle
This consisted of velocity stacks, (the short and tall one), screws for the velocity stacks, a gasket for the bottom half air cleaner assembly, a gasket for the throttle body, a clamp, some O-rings for the velocity stacks, and some screws. No big deal really,

So, I take the air box cover off and when I take all the parts apart holding the air cleaner assembly, I reach the bottom half air cleaner assembly. Heres my question, I always find oil residue inside the bottom half air cleaner assembly. When I say oil residue, I ONLY mean really tiny small, little oil spots. which maybe either 1,2 in TOTAL!. QUESTION:!!.....Is that normal for those little oil blotches to be inside the bottom air cleaner assembly normal or not? IF Not? WHY NOT? My other question is, how the f*&k did it get there?


HERE IS QUESTION #2:

Today after I installed all the air cleaner parts, I checked my oil on the F. I find it down 1/2 a quart of oil. IVE ALWAYS USED HARLEY DAVIDSON SYN3 20W50 Motorcycle Lubricant Oil for my bike. Today however, I purchased CASTROL SYNTHETIC 20W50. As I ride my bike, I notice that the bike is idling rather high, about 2000-2500 rpm, rather high tan normal! I usually let the engine warm up and Ill take off but today I didnt and took off to meet a friend. As Im riding to my destination. The left side of my bike is leaking oil,and I could smell the scent of the CASTROL 20W50 oil that I put in earlier.
QUESTION: Did my bike throw up the CAstrol because it didnt agree with it, or is there a speprate issue on hand ? In other words, it is not a good idea to mix various oils (especially HD bikes and car oils,Id assume). Why, did my bike start leaking oil as I was sitting in traffic and mind you it was still idling rather high, in other words, the engine was working hard. Any advice would be great.
Muscle Luck Boston,MA:bash:(knucklehead)!:D
 
#2 ·
1. The crankcase ventilation system empties into the air cleaner assembly, so yes, you will get an oil residue in there. Normal.

2. Was the Castrol Synthetic Oil specifically made for motorcycles? You can't use the automotive stuff because of the wet clutch. If you did, get it out. NOW!

It is common for the tubes from the valve covers to the air filter assembly to break and/or loosen, and then you will see some seepage. Check them, make sure they are tight, and haven't broken. If they've broken, they are inexpensive to replace.
 
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#3 ·
Ok! thank you LL!..
The CASTROL oil is for cars only, I bought it from VIP auto parts. The SYN3 which I usually only (except for now) put in my bike is ,as you know, only sold at HARLEY dealers which is 5 towns over from where I live, I learned the hard way this way!

Thanks again, I'm heading to the HD dealer first thing in the morning, and Ill be giving my 'F' a lube oil and filter!.... That is to say HD SYN3 20W50 oil and HD oil filter only!..FROM NOW ON!,(and if I ever need to add HD SYN3 20W50 will be the only brand)..Thanks again LL, you saved my ass(or my F's ass!)
Boston John Muscle'un'Lucky'!
 
2
#5 ·
Hey tbird!,
Ty for your quick reply and help as always!
QUESTION:Since Mobil 1 and AMSOIL are both sold in auto parts stores. And are recommended for automobiles. Is is safe to say that these 2 particular brands, even though they are synthetic, will be safe to be used on the 'F'?

In other words, these are formulated for cars, even though they are sold in an AUTO parts store, should these be reading , hypothetical example, MOBIL1, or AMSOIL , ( can also be used on V-Twin engines?).

However, not to sure if they even make MOBIL1 or AMSOIL, specifically designed For HD motorcycles?,...(although that would be nice and convenient though, wouldn't it?)
 
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#6 ·
QUICK QUESTION FOR ANYONE:...How come the Mobil1 or AMSOIL CAN BE USED?

Why the hell did I have s problem when I added CASTROL? What the hells that stuff made of, rocket fuel?

AND ALSO: PURPLE POWER synthetic oil...Any suggestions on whether or not to use the PP on an 'F'?, or is that a bad idea ?

Thanks guys for all your help!

Boston John Lucky( muscle)
 
#7 ·
No big deal John you just bought the wrong kind. Castrol, Amsoil, Mobile-1, and others make a synthetic 20W50 oil for motorcycles called "V-Twin". That is what you would look for at the auto parts store. It is formulated to work in the wet-clutch system of our bikes. Make sure the next oil you buy is designed for the wet-clutch. It will say it on the back of the bottle. Change your oil before you ride again! Here is a link for reference:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mobil-1-V-T...7096231?hash=item23442478a7:m:mICVOjKGhADx2IQKqhMQF5g&item=151467096231&vxp=mtr
 
#9 ·
Your oil leak is probably the front crankcase vent hose that goes onto the fitting on the front head. When you put the bottom section of the airbox back on the vent hose probably didn't get onto the fitting correctly and is now leaking oil. Easy fix, just put the bottom of the airbox assembly on very carefully paying attention to the breather hose connection.

Mike
 
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