I'm running the Trask check M8 trans cover vented to my external breather system for the heads with a Y and everything goes into a DK Customs catch can. After installing the Trask trans cover basically zero oil comes from either vent and the catch can is always empty; this combination works awesome!
I was wondering if that would work. I have a dk customs external breather with catch can was debating on getting the trans cover from trask. But your comment has me considering doing the same thing.
@@canttalk Did you end up doing this combo? DK customs AC with Trask tranny cover? I am installingmy DK air cleaner and EBS this Friday. Wondering if I should order the Trask part ($350) as well.
@@elusivesambar8657 Run your oil a half quart lower and it'll stop. A1 Mike @ A1 cycles has a video about oil levels with a vented dipstick. I learned the hard way that they're self leveling!!!
2019 Road Glide with state 2. I installed a complete S&S cam chest. I vented the crank with Fueling vented dipstick and vented the primary with Harley’s own primary vent tube. I ran the bike hard from Chicago to Savannah GA and back on vacation. Zero oil sumping Zero oil in my throttle body Zero oil consumption! That’s running high rpm both ways. I’m happy to say I have a tight 107 motor and should probably leave it alone now. So, if your motor is relatively unmodified and still sumps oil or blows excessive into your throttle body you might have issues going on. Make sure your pre 2000 M8 has an updated oil pump and also a place to check is your piston oilers which require removing your cylinders. They could be loose or defective causing excessive oil to dump into your crankcase. Mine were loose from the factory. Yes, I also removed my jugs to check them and also to install better head gaskets with cometic multilayer steel slightly thinner to raise compression. Top everything off with S&S head bolts and rocker shaft studs. Basically replacing most of the weak links that came out of a stock Harley motor.
Awesome delivery , and well worded ! Thanks for these videos . As a “ senior citizen “ and having been owning old school Harleys from the 1970’s ( 13 so far ) from a 53 pan head to my now new FXLR 2018 Low Rider , I have been searching for a channel like yours for a long time . Appreciate you sharing your expertise , sir !
Kevin I loved this Video. I bought a new 21 Tri Glide and added a Catch can and purchased a throttle body vent from DK customs. I know many companies make great aftermarket parts for HD, just wanted to add DK customs to the mix. All these you mentioned I have purchased from and find all to engineer great products. Thanks for the education on crankcase pressure. Papa.
AWESOME! You set me straight on the venting from the heads. I WAS gonna get the Trask cover and vent the heads right into that via a Tee fitting, After listening to you, I'll stick with the catch can!! Thanks a bunch!
I went with the A1 dipstick on my 96” build I did this year. I noted a little more residue on and around my throttle body, not a ton but more than I liked. After watching your video I purchased the A1 dipstick. Ran the bike for another 2000 miles removed the air filter. I noted very little to no residue on the throttle body, none of it liquid. I run my oil levels at the normal hot check level and have had zero issues with oil / liquid leaking out of the vent filter. I ran the hose from the vented dipstick as per the instructions placing the filter end between my cylinder heads. I’ll check again next oil change but very happy thank you for the information.
I have a 2020 Triglide with about 8,000 miles on it. At the suggestion of a well respected builder here in Wi., I plan to leave it bone stock. At least in terms of any engine modifications. I have been giving thought to some sort of vent, mostly to keep oil mist from going into the combustion chamber. I have been checking the air filter for oil contamination and there is virtually none! However if I start to see any I will be looking into a vent that eliminates the breather tubes going into the throttle body. Love your videos!
Thanks for the videos Kevin. I’m running the A1 dip stick on my 2018 107 with a stage 2 Harley toque cam so far no issues. I did put the catch can under the side cover to protect it from sucking in rain water. I only have about 5000 miles on the dip stick but I think it is helping the oil consumption which Harley says is exceptable.
I have a 19 RGS,installed an S&S 475C cam chest kit with plate and pump.I also installed an A1 ventilator but I put a cheap Amazon check valve in the vent hose to maintain crankcase vacuum.
With my m8 107 buildup. 129 now. I installed a vented dipstick. I mounted the breather filter on top of the dipstick directly. NOT GOOD!!! Had blowby misting oil getting on the saddle bags. I ran a 3/8 rubber line after the misting on the bike issue to the top of the motor to rest on tip of the intake manifold with the breather filter installed at the end. I have 100 miles on the new performance build. So of course the rings haven't seated yet. Naturally there will be more blow by. Added....I was in 3rd gear at 55mph getting onto the freeway. I pulled 2/3 throttle went up to 65 mph and my rear tire broke loose!!! Scary, but cool!!! Weather was dry, road also. I'm assuming some misted oil got onto the rear tire. I haven't dyno tuned the bike yet. The thundermax is still learning the build up. I created a monster!!!!
True that concerning the water/oil mixture via catch can. Installed DKs set up on both my scooters, one TC one M8, very happy with both, but you must remember to dump them out on occasion. Also installed Love jugs on the TC 110. They make significant difference in engine temp, although they do make rider and pass, right leg HOT… the price we pay for longevity.
Glad to hear the Love Jugs help. Thinking about a set for my 103. Have the catch can and it works. Let's you know when to empty as it starts weeping oil from the can vent.
I would just like to add a note on the vented dip stick vs vented trans top plate on M8 softails. I recently finished installing a 128ci big bore kit bought from you by the way) on my '19 Breakout. I initially added a Feuling vented dip stick but had to remove it because it never would stop discharging liquid out the filter (enough that it was leaving an oil spot and contaminating my rear tire. After removing the Feuling dipstick I installed the Trask top cover and have not had any issues with it at all. I was surprised by this because I've been running a Feuling dipstick on my '19 Road King for some time without any problems. I don't know if the Softails have different configuration on their oil return system or if it was caused by the added displacement, but thought it was something worth mentioning here.
glad you found a solution. routing can have an effect...and the cycle thru the trans could very well have reduced oil coming out as it can condense inside the cavity in the case and separate from the air. thanks.
I had the same problem with A1's vented dipstick... it dumped oil on the road on my 7psi turbo 103 twin cam.. I took it off immediately and went to an oversized external breather at the heads
I also had and still have the same issue with the Feuling dip stick. It vents out oil on my rear tyre and causes a mess but only when I’m at highway speeds. Im disappointed it didn’t work for me as it is quite expensive to buy from Australia. There is still also excessive oil in the throttle body, which i believe causes performance to be inconsistent.
Kevin great video. I have an external breather kit along with a catch can and a vented dipstick from A-1 cycles. I have no issues whatsoever and have peace of mind.
Great video man. I have all my parts together for a SS stage 2 with the 475 cam chest kit. I bought the fueling vented dipstick. I guess if I have a problem with that I'll go with the Trask set up.
Thank you for this video. I went with the A1 mainly cause of price point. Worked out great. Not even sure I needed it but thought why not for the price point can’t hurt. Never even heard of A1 til saw it on this video. And they are 20 mins from where I live here in NC.
Great video. I vented my 88TC breather bolts to atmosphere. Not sure what I’ll do with my 23 Street Glide ST. I’ll try to vent that the same way, but I need to look at it when it shows up
Mr Baxter, I have been looking in to the same products that you just did your video on. First some background on me. I'm just a humble Tech that works on Victory, Triumphs and Indian motorcycles. "Polaris" Indian and new Triumphs to be clear. I have done a few Top ends on Indians and have seen the carbon buildup on low mile engines from burning oil. So when I got my new 22 Road Glide I want to prevent what I have seen in a lot of big displacement engines and that is oil in the intake. In the research I have done the breathers that have a one way valve act like a PCV valve on a car. Vents the positive psi but keeps the vacuum in the crank case to help the rings seal and reduce "blow by". That is what I have found.
I went and got the Feuling vented dipstick and it has reduced how much oil ends up inside the intake by half. The only real con about the Feuling is the set screw for the cap should have been a standard size Allen screw because the one Feuling used is way smaller than any Allen wrench I have in my collection. My question is, would it be harmful to my M8 if I added the vented trans cover to work in tandem with the vented dipstick?
Several questions regarding this subject still remain, even after this video, which I appreciate your time and effort in creating. But what I have yet to find, does performing a breather mod, where it is vented either to the atmosphere or to a catch can, hurt engine performance in any way since you a removing a source of vacuum.? I have read articles and watched videos that state that having vacuum in the engine helps pull oil down the cylinder walls to avoid excess blowby. Some say the size of a Harley motor doesn't create enough vacuum to have an effect. But then there are companies like trask and fueling putting in check valves in to let air out but not suck any in, and others like the a1 and dk customs external breather solutions that are wide open
everyone is seeking a definitive solution or specific mod to make. there are varying degrees of severity and several causes of issue. there can't be one singular solution. excessive oil in the tb can create issues. so...if you dont have an oily tb and excessive carbon on pistons, maintain connection to intake. if you do have those issues, vent to a catch can. the long term effects of excessive oil is more harmful than the benefit gained by keeping it in the intake.
@@KevinBaxter Thanks for the great vids - I've enjoyed every one. Re: the question above, he seems to be asking whether vacuum is important to maintain on general principle. And if it is, should a check valve be used to maintain crankcase vacuum? Trask and Fueling use a check valve to maintain vacuum, A1 doesn't. Harley uses valves in their breathers. In your video, you say that they all "do what they say they do," but that doesn't answer the question of whether it's better to have vacuum or not?
Thanks for the information on crankcase ventilation I got a 2018 Street Bob M8 motor I'm getting ready to do that but thanks very much I appreciate it good video
Always enjoy these discussions and learning. I like to build/rebuild Harleys but my frequency is maybe 1 engine every few years so….. I lean on the pros. Thank you.
Great information! Am running the A1 on my 17 Road King with 0 issues. Would be very interesting to know if there is a meaningful amount of cooling associated with not using a check valve.
Hey Kevin, great video, I recently installed (2), yes two catch cans on my 16 Twin Cam Road Glide, one on each cylinder. The bike had 30,000 miles on it when I bought it, and runs well, but I wanted to see if I installed the catch cans, what color or how dirty of blow-by I would find, as we generally are guessing how a motor has been treated by the previous owner when buying a used bike with more than a few miles on it. So far I have found only clean colored condensation from each cylinder, so I think I picked a solid bike for the most part that was well taken care of internally. The reason for my comment today, is not only to endorse your video here, and the reasoning, but also feel the twin catch can system is a great way to monitor the blow by as the bikes mileage and age increases, while not the only indicator of an internal problem that is growing, a very easy way for the DIY guys to monitor the engine internals, and head off a problem timely, before it gets to the “big problem” stage. You do a great job, your a great teacher, and have a well thought out presentation, that keeps your viewers coming back I would bet, I know I do, I only wish I had more time to consume all that your videos offer. Thanks for all you give to the bike community, your channel certainly fills a void, and would be missed if it was not there. Blue Skies!
Hey, really well delivered lecture on Venting, however I noticed you didnt side on the check valve/vacuum debate, and I suspect the A1 cycle tran plate does not have a reed or a check valve either.. Now my opinion of the Trask..not olny does it (and the Fueling design) vent the crankcase, but are designed to help maintain some level of vacuum that might be present at times. I think its the better unit..except for the under side screws to access the Reeds,.. They can and if they fall out, there can be issues which can cause engine damage.. Trash should have put that access on top of the plate! So I just made my own crankcase vent with check valve system for about $30
Kevin do you think even the new 22+ m8s suffer/need the crank case vented? Or even the transmissions? I was told that the 22 fxlrs I have, has a trans vent.
Kevin, I talked with another M8 Harley owner who switched his factory air filter with an S&S Stealth air filter kit. I was tired of seeing oil splatter on the front of my left side bag as well as fouling up the cylinders, so I bought one & installed it on my bike. That seemed to have stopped that problem.
let me ask you, because it is apparent that you know your stuff. I am told that the new 2024 model for the M8 have new transmission vented covers. These covers will fit earlier models, like on my 2022 SgS.
Hi Kevin I’m Robert love the videos you have helped so many people understand the science with these bikes I have a 2017 ultra limited 107 im running my tran top cover to vacuum ported catch can with baffle straight to intake port on back side of intake manifold with damper and vacuum gauge vacuum is 5 pounds I’m letting breather bolts breath in to catch can and stock oil pump cause with vacuum no aeration in oil and no pressure build up so oil pump will work better .better seal on piston rings and both vacuum/pressure release are serving a purpose in preventing blow by I think a awesome problem solver. Kevin do you think this is a good idea and how much vacuum do you think is best
less pressure can produce more power too. In say....2000 hp drag racing engines, a vac pump or other method of crankcase venting can add 150hp or more. it matters.
I have a Stage 4 on my 2018 Street Glide, I installed the Feuling dip stick, it helped a little but at 80mpr I still have oil on my right bag, oil in the breather, my next thought is to do the $12.00 fix and vent it back into the transmission cover in the first port that goes back into the engine, I have the 1 breather can from the vented dip stick and always smell oil, so not happy with that
Hello Kevin and thank you for another excellent video; much appreciated! Can one "over ventilate" a Harley air/oil cooled V-Twin (2021 M8 114 Touring w/Stage-2 in my case; perfectly maintained and no known or observed issues)? That is, if already running either a Vented Oil Dip (Fueling) Stick or the Transmission Top Cover (Trask), and then add a Filter or Catch Can to the head breather bolts (& air cleaner that does not allow feeding/venting back into the air cleaner/throttle body), would or could this ventilation [by both means] be unnecessary or excessive?
it could be excessive if the venting method adds potential for incoming contaminated air. as with many things, this is a balance. venting the crankcase, then running breather bolts to a catch can wouldnt "over vent". as simple as I can make it....were on different sides of the breather valve....so no issue there.
@@KevinBaxter Thanks Kevin. I'm only utilizing a Transmission Top Cover Plate (with a one-way check valve) for venting the crankcase. No issues on my '21RGS 114, mild Stage-2 configuration (S&S 465 perf. torque cam).
@@tommiller8714 I am also running the transmission cover vent by Trask. How does that 465C cam behave under low load conditions, i.e. going a steady 15mph in 1st gear on a flat road? I have a zippers 468 cam in a m8 107 that runs choppy under that condition. I have a new 114 and want a torque cam that is smooth at the low load conditions but can’t find any reviews that address that.
KEVIN: I've asked this question on a previous video but was never answered so this is a good place to ask again. On that previous video you explained how some crankcase preasure is helpful in keeping the piston rings, particularly the second or middle ring I think, expanded and sealing properly. Would these vents eliminate most or all of that preasure creating another issue? Thanks FWS
I would have said some vacuum could be helpful...not pressure. its a balance of pro/con and the actual cause of the crankcase pressure or sumping issue. also....riding style matters, time at high rpms, type of oil, etc. So many variables to this. People are seeking a single cure or single answer...too many variables to arrive at one really. Its a case by case scenario.
Great video and i greatly appreciate your time and expertise. would the feuling dipstick not be rendered ineffective under hard acceleration? With the trans cover that much higher on the cases, would that not be optimal?
Speaking of external breathers, and catch cans: do you think having the breather hose from each cylinder separate to its on catch can would be best or is 2 into 1 ok? I have a 2 in 1 hose set up, and I’m barely seeing any residue in the catch can, and I’m wondering if they are working against each other to prevent the external breather from working as it should.
Kevin, thank you for a great explanation of crankcase pressure possibilities and some relief fixes. Also you have been at the new address for a while and your website etc shows the Georgia info?
Interview for Harley owners? How do you feel after purchasing a HD for $30,000 or more only only to begin noticing it start to use oil and need engine work with as little as 50k (or much less) on the odometer?
Really enjoy your videos, though mates reckon am somewhat geeky as enjoy technical videos. The vast majority of harley owners do not have the technical ability or confidence to vent the head breathers, particularly in the UK though no less in the USA either where ignorance is bliss. Many due to high moisture levels in our cold wet atmosphere have startup issues, cut out issues and high revs coming down gears clutch pulled after a good thrash. Trying to explain that moisture and oil vapour makes a creamy goop that is occassionaly hitting the IAT sensor in the fuel tract and causing the bike to hiccup. That harley will clean all the goop out of the path from head breathers to throttle body and that it will then take a few months to re-create the path to the problem all over again falls on deaf ears. I never had the issue on my first harley but definitely had it on my second, possibly because its less cold and wet well south of Scotland where my second harley came from. Looking to get a 2022 Low Rider S used with as low mileage as possible and vent both the crankcase and head beathers from the get go. Not too later fit the SS cam plate and performance oil pump plus lifters with billet collars. Later fit the Darkhose Crankworks Compensator as a cushed comp definitely seems a better proposition than what harley have been using for decades. I just hope I aint got any swarf left in my crankcase from assembly : O From extensive online reasearch crankcase top vents are far superior to what is effectively a poor catch can on a dipstick, these seem like a very messy option.
Hi Kevin, I have a 2022 Road Glide which comes with a Vented Trans Cover out the factory, does that mean I don't need any of the 4 products you've mentioned in the video? Looking to go as far as just a Stage 2 cam
Probably a foolish question, but having vented the crankcase through the transmission cover (ala Trask M8) is there any need to continue venting through the intake breather bolts? I don't know how to measure the volume of pressure to insure the transmission vent is sufficient and I don't want to blow seals or gaskets. It sure would solve the oil in my air cleaner if I could simply install solid bolts in the breathers.
I’m wondering if there are certain years that this is an issue with? I installed it on my 2017 and it smoothed the motor right out and I picked up 2 mPG. Did HD fix the issue in later models or are they still unvented? Thanks for your time.
Another good video Kevin thanks ! I do have a request though not sure if you have a video on head bearings I'm replacing my 99 road king front suspension with ledgend set up but want to do the bearings the bike has 52k and I'm hearing a clunk when I hit a big bump but the only thing I worry about is setting the bearing free play I of course have a manual and watched some videos but not good videos I can trust would love to see you do one. thanks for all the great information you share with us !!
I have two questions for you Kevin excuse my ignorance in the subject but could carbon deposit be removed to some degree by the old fashioned water injection system to the intake or would this only pertain to carb. equipped engines vs injection. Next question is could one use the Venturi effect by tapping into the exhaust outby the catalytic section (if any are present) in the exhaust? Love your videos.
The Feuling umbrella check valve / filter components inside the dipstick cap require routine cleaning/ maintenance. Otherwise, air will flow freely in both directions and the check valve will no longer stop incoming air. So, if you don’t want to keep up with your vented dipstick cap cleaning and maintenance, then the A1 Ventilator vented dipstick cap the best choice.
Hi Kevin, with the vented dipstick, could that let water/rain into the engine ? Are we talking about the little transmission dipstick or the engine oil dipstick?
Hello Kevin! You mentioned once before that the EVO's had thicker rings then the M,8's. When doing a big bore kit. Do they use thicker rings for M 8's? You also mentioned loosing crank case vacuum by venting breather to atmosphere. Is it possible to use the capped vacuum nipple on top of the EFI back into the crank case to reclaim manifold vacuum?
EVO also had smaller displacement and lower compression ratios....less blow by. Also...they had a mechanical timed breather which was very efficient as well. Too much vac can promote misting and also effect efficiency of the oil pump...i wouldn't do what you mentioned. there is a balance and a case by case.
Kevin, thanks for the info, and insight. Turns out the “0” ring supplied with the cam install kit was the wrong item. The correct “0” ring , of which I’m sure you’re well aware of, is the same one used on the pushrod tube at the head juncture. Again, thanks for taking the time to reply. I know what a compression test is. Could you explain what a leak down test is and how it relates to a compression test. Dan Jaram
leakdown determines quality of ring seal, valve seal, and head gasket seal. basically, the cyl is pressurized at TDC of comp stroke and the percentage of air lost is used to diagnose health of the top end.
Gday fellow enthusiasts Have fitted fueling dipstick and Trask top cover on 2020 deluxe Money well spent All good from Australia
I'm running the Trask check M8 trans cover vented to my external breather system for the heads with a Y and everything goes into a DK Customs catch can. After installing the Trask trans cover basically zero oil comes from either vent and the catch can is always empty; this combination works awesome!
I was wondering if that would work. I have a dk customs external breather with catch can was debating on getting the trans cover from trask. But your comment has me considering doing the same thing.
@@canttalk Did you end up doing this combo? DK customs AC with Trask tranny cover? I am installingmy DK air cleaner and EBS this Friday. Wondering if I should order the Trask part ($350) as well.
The information you share with your viewers is mind blowing!!! Thank you for such detail!!!!
Running The Fueling dipstick. Zero issues
Does oil find its way out when you lean into a turn at all ?
I've heard it does.
What's your experience ?
Iv got one on my Low rider and it squirts out oil all over my back tire at highway revs.
Iv been trying to solve this problem for 2 years
@@elusivesambar8657 Run your oil a half quart lower and it'll stop. A1 Mike @ A1 cycles has a video about oil levels with a vented dipstick. I learned the hard way that they're self leveling!!!
2019 Road Glide with state 2. I installed a complete S&S cam chest. I vented the crank with Fueling vented dipstick and vented the primary with Harley’s own primary vent tube. I ran the bike hard from Chicago to Savannah GA and back on vacation. Zero oil sumping Zero oil in my throttle body Zero oil consumption! That’s running high rpm both ways. I’m happy to say I have a tight 107 motor and should probably leave it alone now. So, if your motor is relatively unmodified and still sumps oil or blows excessive into your throttle body you might have issues going on. Make sure your pre 2000 M8 has an updated oil pump and also a place to check is your piston oilers which require removing your cylinders. They could be loose or defective causing excessive oil to dump into your crankcase. Mine were loose from the factory. Yes, I also removed my jugs to check them and also to install better head gaskets with cometic multilayer steel slightly thinner to raise compression. Top everything off with S&S head bolts and rocker shaft studs. Basically replacing most of the weak links that came out of a stock Harley motor.
Will any of this work for an 08 1200 sir?
Awesome delivery , and well worded !
Thanks for these videos .
As a “ senior citizen “ and having been owning old school Harleys from the 1970’s ( 13 so far ) from a 53 pan head to my now new FXLR 2018 Low Rider , I have been searching for a channel like yours for a long time .
Appreciate you sharing your expertise , sir !
Thank you so much sir! All the best to you!
as a motorhead its nice to hear some one that's get it right ,at 70 years old i had to learn the hard way ,good job!!
Just bought the a1 cycles dipstick after watching this and you discount code saved me 15.00, thanks.
Kevin I loved this Video. I bought a new 21 Tri Glide and added a Catch can and purchased a throttle body vent from DK customs. I know many companies make great aftermarket parts for HD, just wanted to add DK customs to the mix.
All these you mentioned I have purchased from and find all to engineer great products. Thanks for the education on crankcase pressure.
Papa.
Great information as usual, I purchased a Fueling vented dip stick a couple years ago so I am glad it didn’t turn out to be a waste of money.. 😊
Same
AWESOME! You set me straight on the venting from the heads. I WAS gonna get the Trask cover and vent the heads right into that via a Tee fitting, After listening to you, I'll stick with the catch can!! Thanks a bunch!
I went with the A1 dipstick on my 96” build I did this year. I noted a little more residue on and around my throttle body, not a ton but more than I liked. After watching your video I purchased the A1 dipstick. Ran the bike for another 2000 miles removed the air filter. I noted very little to no residue on the throttle body, none of it liquid.
I run my oil levels at the normal hot check level and have had zero issues with oil / liquid leaking out of the vent filter. I ran the hose from the vented dipstick as per the instructions placing the filter end between my cylinder heads. I’ll check again next oil change but very happy thank you for the information.
I have a 2020 Triglide with about 8,000 miles on it. At the suggestion of a well respected builder here in Wi., I plan to leave it bone stock. At least in terms of any engine modifications. I have been giving thought to some sort of vent, mostly to keep oil mist from going into the combustion chamber. I have been checking the air filter for oil contamination and there is virtually none! However if I start to see any I will be looking into a vent that eliminates the breather tubes going into the throttle body. Love your videos!
Thanks for the videos Kevin. I’m running the A1 dip stick on my 2018 107 with a stage 2 Harley toque cam so far no issues. I did put the catch can under the side cover to protect it from sucking in rain water. I only have about 5000 miles on the dip stick but I think it is helping the oil consumption which Harley says is exceptable.
Thanks Kevin! Zero oil carry over so far at 22k miles on my M8.
I have a 19 RGS,installed an S&S 475C cam chest kit with plate and pump.I also installed an A1 ventilator but I put a cheap Amazon check valve in the vent hose to maintain crankcase vacuum.
Love your videos Kevin. I throw your name out there every time I run across questions about where to find a engine builder. Keep up the awesome work!!
Ditto
thank you sir!
With my m8 107 buildup. 129 now. I installed a vented dipstick. I mounted the breather filter on top of the dipstick directly. NOT GOOD!!! Had blowby misting oil getting on the saddle bags. I ran a 3/8 rubber line after the misting on the bike issue to the top of the motor to rest on tip of the intake manifold with the breather filter installed at the end. I have 100 miles on the new performance build. So of course the rings haven't seated yet. Naturally there will be more blow by. Added....I was in 3rd gear at 55mph getting onto the freeway. I pulled 2/3 throttle went up to 65 mph and my rear tire broke loose!!! Scary, but cool!!! Weather was dry, road also. I'm assuming some misted oil got onto the rear tire. I haven't dyno tuned the bike yet. The thundermax is still learning the build up. I created a monster!!!!
With 140 hp & 160 torque you can tell that the motor is running not only smoother but running with ease. Thank you A1 Mike.
Always educational! Thanks for the knowledge Kevin.
True that concerning the water/oil mixture via catch can. Installed DKs set up on both my scooters, one TC one M8, very happy with both, but you must remember to dump them out on occasion. Also installed Love jugs on the TC 110. They make significant difference in engine temp, although they do make rider and pass, right leg HOT… the price we pay for longevity.
Glad to hear the Love Jugs help. Thinking about a set for my 103. Have the catch can and it works. Let's you know when to empty as it starts weeping oil from the can vent.
I would just like to add a note on the vented dip stick vs vented trans top plate on M8 softails. I recently finished installing a 128ci big bore kit bought from you by the way) on my '19 Breakout. I initially added a Feuling vented dip stick but had to remove it because it never would stop discharging liquid out the filter (enough that it was leaving an oil spot and contaminating my rear tire. After removing the Feuling dipstick I installed the Trask top cover and have not had any issues with it at all. I was surprised by this because I've been running a Feuling dipstick on my '19 Road King for some time without any problems. I don't know if the Softails have different configuration on their oil return system or if it was caused by the added displacement, but thought it was something worth mentioning here.
glad you found a solution. routing can have an effect...and the cycle thru the trans could very well have reduced oil coming out as it can condense inside the cavity in the case and separate from the air. thanks.
I had the same problem with A1's vented dipstick... it dumped oil on the road on my 7psi turbo 103 twin cam.. I took it off immediately and went to an oversized external breather at the heads
My 18 Fatboy would spit oil out of Fueling dipstick but on my Lowrider st works great.Both softails
I also had and still have the same issue with the Feuling dip stick.
It vents out oil on my rear tyre and causes a mess but only when I’m at highway speeds. Im disappointed it didn’t work for me as it is quite expensive to buy from Australia. There is still also excessive oil in the throttle body, which i believe causes performance to be inconsistent.
@elusivesambar8657 don't these companies offering these products suggest running a quart less of oil? If so, maybe that is the reason?
Kevin great video. I have an external breather kit along with a catch can and a vented dipstick from A-1 cycles. I have no issues whatsoever and have peace of mind.
Excellent advice that I am working on, thanks.
Great video man.
I have all my parts together for a SS stage 2 with the 475 cam chest kit. I bought the fueling vented dipstick. I guess if I have a problem with that I'll go with the Trask set up.
Another much needed straight forward video. Thanks
Thank you very much sir!
Thank you for this video. I went with the A1 mainly cause of price point. Worked out great. Not even sure I needed it but thought why not for the price point can’t hurt. Never even heard of A1 til saw it on this video. And they are 20 mins from where I live here in NC.
Great video. I vented my 88TC breather bolts to atmosphere. Not sure what I’ll do with my 23 Street Glide ST. I’ll try to vent that the same way, but I need to look at it when it shows up
Always great info given in a clear and well-explained format! Thank you, Sir! 👍
Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much Rick!
Glad to see a post from U...
Thanks Charlie.
I have the Trask Check m8 in my 128 build and seems to be working well. Great video as always Kevin 🙌👏
Im using moroso catch can
Seems to work great
It catches quite a bit of crap in it! Empty it about every 1500 miles.
Did a homemade version of the Trask..... bulkhead fitting, check valve, out to a filter. Checked my throttle body several times and virtually no oil.
My 19 road King sumped the transmission fluid into the primary. I vented the primary and solved the problem.
How did you vent the primary? I have the same issue on my 17 sgs
thankyou Kevin A1 all the way.
A lot guys don't like the A1. It's not expensive enough. HA! Got my A1 for around $50 on a special deal. No sumping, no residue in catch can.
Awsome vid nice Procharger box in the back someone is gona get MORE POWER for sure
Thanks for another great video on this topic. It really helps to comprehensively understand the issue.
Glad it was helpful!
Mr Baxter, I have been looking in to the same products that you just did your video on. First some background on me. I'm just a humble Tech that works on Victory, Triumphs and Indian motorcycles. "Polaris" Indian and new Triumphs to be clear. I have done a few Top ends on Indians and have seen the carbon buildup on low mile engines from burning oil. So when I got my new 22 Road Glide I want to prevent what I have seen in a lot of big displacement engines and that is oil in the intake. In the research I have done the breathers that have a one way valve act like a PCV valve on a car. Vents the positive psi but keeps the vacuum in the crank case to help the rings seal and reduce "blow by". That is what I have found.
I have found the same in many engines and engine formats....car and bike, new and old. But not all....based on severity and cause really.
mr perry- with your wealth of working on different bikes which one would you say has the best most efficient engine
I went and got the Feuling vented dipstick and it has reduced how much oil ends up inside the intake by half.
The only real con about the Feuling is the set screw for the cap should have been a standard size Allen screw because the one Feuling used is way smaller than any Allen wrench I have in my collection.
My question is, would it be harmful to my M8 if I added the vented trans cover to work in tandem with the vented dipstick?
Great video great info. I could listen to you all day.
Thanks!
Kevin, loved the content and I just wanted to say thank you very much for your recent hospitality! Hope you like the Crown lol!
Fantastic! Yes sir....and thank you very much!! Was nice to meet you.
I made my own using the trans cover. Cost less than $40. Works perfect.
I use the fueling dip stick 114 with a red shift cam this system works great np crap in the catch can making 134 hp and 142 tork great runner
Several questions regarding this subject still remain, even after this video, which I appreciate your time and effort in creating. But what I have yet to find, does performing a breather mod, where it is vented either to the atmosphere or to a catch can, hurt engine performance in any way since you a removing a source of vacuum.? I have read articles and watched videos that state that having vacuum in the engine helps pull oil down the cylinder walls to avoid excess blowby. Some say the size of a Harley motor doesn't create enough vacuum to have an effect. But then there are companies like trask and fueling putting in check valves in to let air out but not suck any in, and others like the a1 and dk customs external breather solutions that are wide open
everyone is seeking a definitive solution or specific mod to make. there are varying degrees of severity and several causes of issue. there can't be one singular solution. excessive oil in the tb can create issues. so...if you dont have an oily tb and excessive carbon on pistons, maintain connection to intake. if you do have those issues, vent to a catch can. the long term effects of excessive oil is more harmful than the benefit gained by keeping it in the intake.
@@KevinBaxter Thanks for the great vids - I've enjoyed every one. Re: the question above, he seems to be asking whether vacuum is important to maintain on general principle. And if it is, should a check valve be used to maintain crankcase vacuum? Trask and Fueling use a check valve to maintain vacuum, A1 doesn't. Harley uses valves in their breathers. In your video, you say that they all "do what they say they do," but that doesn't answer the question of whether it's better to have vacuum or not?
Thanks for the information on crankcase ventilation I got a 2018 Street Bob M8 motor I'm getting ready to do that but thanks very much I appreciate it good video
Always enjoy these discussions and learning. I like to build/rebuild Harleys but my frequency is maybe 1 engine every few years so….. I lean on the pros. Thank you.
Right on. Thanks. All the best.
As always thanks for all the information! Much appreciated
Great information! Am running the A1 on my 17 Road King with 0 issues. Would be very interesting to know if there is a meaningful amount of cooling associated with not using a check valve.
I can't say either way. To many variables to test really and achieve definitive data.
I run about a quart and a half of oil in my bike. Never had problems with excess oil coming out.
Hey Kevin, great video, I recently installed (2), yes two catch cans on my 16 Twin Cam Road Glide, one on each cylinder. The bike had 30,000 miles on it when I bought it, and runs well, but I wanted to see if I installed the catch cans, what color or how dirty of blow-by I would find, as we generally are guessing how a motor has been treated by the previous owner when buying a used bike with more than a few miles on it. So far I have found only clean colored condensation from each cylinder, so I think I picked a solid bike for the most part that was well taken care of internally. The reason for my comment today, is not only to endorse your video here, and the reasoning, but also feel the twin catch can system is a great way to monitor the blow by as the bikes mileage and age increases, while not the only indicator of an internal problem that is growing, a very easy way for the DIY guys to monitor the engine internals, and head off a problem timely, before it gets to the “big problem” stage. You do a great job, your a great teacher, and have a well thought out presentation, that keeps your viewers coming back I would bet, I know I do, I only wish I had more time to consume all that your videos offer. Thanks for all you give to the bike community, your channel certainly fills a void, and would be missed if it was not there. Blue Skies!
Really helps a great deal Kevin, thanks again! Love your videos from Sturgis!
Hey, really well delivered lecture on Venting, however I noticed you didnt side on the check valve/vacuum debate, and I suspect the A1 cycle tran plate does not have a reed or a check valve either.. Now my opinion of the Trask..not olny does it (and the Fueling design) vent the crankcase, but are designed to help maintain some level of vacuum that might be present at times. I think its the better unit..except for the under side screws to access the Reeds,.. They can and if they fall out, there can be issues which can cause engine damage.. Trash should have put that access on top of the plate! So I just made my own crankcase vent with check valve system for about $30
Kevin do you think even the new 22+ m8s suffer/need the crank case vented? Or even the transmissions? I was told that the 22 fxlrs I have, has a trans vent.
Kudos Kevin. You are hands down the greatest tech on you tubeand not❤😊
Kevin, I talked with another M8 Harley owner who switched his factory air filter with an S&S Stealth air filter kit. I was tired of seeing oil splatter on the front of my left side bag as well as fouling up the cylinders, so I bought one & installed it on my bike. That seemed to have stopped that problem.
Good stuff
let me ask you, because it is apparent that you know your stuff. I am told that the new 2024 model for the M8 have new transmission vented covers. These covers will fit earlier models, like on my 2022 SgS.
I am looking forward to the panhandle!
Love from DeKalb Mississippi USA 🇺🇸
Hi Kevin I’m Robert love the videos you have helped so many people understand the science with these bikes I have a 2017 ultra limited 107 im running my tran top cover to vacuum ported catch can with baffle straight to intake port on back side of intake manifold with damper and vacuum gauge vacuum is 5 pounds I’m letting breather bolts breath in to catch can and stock oil pump cause with vacuum no aeration in oil and no pressure build up so oil pump will work better .better seal on piston rings and both vacuum/pressure release are serving a purpose in preventing blow by I think a awesome problem solver. Kevin do you think this is a good idea and how much vacuum do you think is best
running external hoses to a tee then bottom of frame. no issues
im doing the exact same thing, with no probs at all
I run the Feuling vented dipstick. I actually could tell a difference in the higher RPM's. I installed on a new FLTRXS as preventative measure.
less pressure can produce more power too. In say....2000 hp drag racing engines, a vac pump or other method of crankcase venting can add 150hp or more. it matters.
Another great video Kevin thank you so much. 🙏🙏
What about running both dip stick and trans cover 🤔
I have a Stage 4 on my 2018 Street Glide, I installed the Feuling dip stick, it helped a little but at 80mpr I still have oil on my right bag, oil in the breather, my next thought is to do the $12.00 fix and vent it back into the transmission cover in the first port that goes back into the engine, I have the 1 breather can from the vented dip stick and always smell oil, so not happy with that
That's a lot of information in that video thanks for doing it very well said. Have a good evening Kevin
Thanks Brian...you too bud. Back to the machine shop...engines a plenty!
Thank you for the free education
I have a 2018 CVO with a 117ci…..no sumping issues…..so not doing anything.
Hello Kevin and thank you for another excellent video; much appreciated! Can one "over ventilate" a Harley air/oil cooled V-Twin (2021 M8 114 Touring w/Stage-2 in my case; perfectly maintained and no known or observed issues)?
That is, if already running either a Vented Oil Dip (Fueling) Stick or the Transmission Top Cover (Trask), and then add a Filter or Catch Can to the head breather bolts (& air cleaner that does not allow feeding/venting back into the air cleaner/throttle body), would or could this ventilation [by both means] be unnecessary or excessive?
it could be excessive if the venting method adds potential for incoming contaminated air. as with many things, this is a balance. venting the crankcase, then running breather bolts to a catch can wouldnt "over vent". as simple as I can make it....were on different sides of the breather valve....so no issue there.
@@KevinBaxter Thanks Kevin. I'm only utilizing a Transmission Top Cover Plate (with a one-way check valve) for venting the crankcase. No issues on my '21RGS 114, mild Stage-2 configuration (S&S 465 perf. torque cam).
@@tommiller8714 I am also running the transmission cover vent by Trask. How does that 465C cam behave under low load conditions, i.e. going a steady 15mph in 1st gear on a flat road? I have a zippers 468 cam in a m8 107 that runs choppy under that condition. I have a new 114 and want a torque cam that is smooth at the low load conditions but can’t find any reviews that address that.
Thank you so much Kevin. Keep this channel goin👍
What is your opinion about possibly sucking air without a check valve? Is there any possible negative side effects?
My motorcycle has the best ventilation system already engineered into it on my F117 fighter by combat motors
Thanks Kevin great info as always. Does the A1 dipstick come with tube and filter or is just vented in the air?
It's a complete kit
KEVIN: I've asked this question on a previous video but was never answered so this is a good place to ask again. On that previous video you explained how some crankcase preasure is helpful in keeping the piston rings, particularly the second or middle ring I think, expanded and sealing properly. Would these vents eliminate most or all of that preasure creating another issue?
Thanks
FWS
I would have said some vacuum could be helpful...not pressure. its a balance of pro/con and the actual cause of the crankcase pressure or sumping issue. also....riding style matters, time at high rpms, type of oil, etc. So many variables to this. People are seeking a single cure or single answer...too many variables to arrive at one really. Its a case by case scenario.
Always great information, thanks for sharing your professional opinion, well done! I’m always smarter after viewing your videos!
Kevin, another great video! Does the vented dipstick allow for a smoother revving
motor? 15:37
Great video and i greatly appreciate your time and expertise. would the feuling dipstick not be rendered ineffective under hard acceleration? With the trans cover that much higher on the cases, would that not be optimal?
Speaking of external breathers, and catch cans: do you think having the breather hose from each cylinder separate to its on catch can would be best or is 2 into 1 ok? I have a 2 in 1 hose set up, and I’m barely seeing any residue in the catch can, and I’m wondering if they are working against each other to prevent the external breather from working as it should.
Wounder if using any of these products would void Harley warranty?
Nice explanation of the products.
Kevin, thank you for a great explanation of crankcase pressure possibilities and some relief fixes. Also you have been at the new address for a while and your website etc shows the Georgia info?
Running A1 oil cap. Venting heads to a catch can. $100, cheap insurance.
Interview for Harley owners?
How do you feel after purchasing a HD for $30,000 or more only only to begin noticing it start to use oil and need engine work with as little as 50k (or much less) on the odometer?
Really enjoy your videos, though mates reckon am somewhat geeky as enjoy technical videos. The vast majority of harley owners do not have the technical ability or confidence to vent the head breathers, particularly in the UK though no less in the USA either where ignorance is bliss. Many due to high moisture levels in our cold wet atmosphere have startup issues, cut out issues and high revs coming down gears clutch pulled after a good thrash. Trying to explain that moisture and oil vapour makes a creamy goop that is occassionaly hitting the IAT sensor in the fuel tract and causing the bike to hiccup. That harley will clean all the goop out of the path from head breathers to throttle body and that it will then take a few months to re-create the path to the problem all over again falls on deaf ears. I never had the issue on my first harley but definitely had it on my second, possibly because its less cold and wet well south of Scotland where my second harley came from. Looking to get a 2022 Low Rider S used with as low mileage as possible and vent both the crankcase and head beathers from the get go. Not too later fit the SS cam plate and performance oil pump plus lifters with billet collars. Later fit the Darkhose Crankworks Compensator as a cushed comp definitely seems a better proposition than what harley have been using for decades. I just hope I aint got any swarf left in my crankcase from assembly : O From extensive online reasearch crankcase top vents are far superior to what is effectively a poor catch can on a dipstick, these seem like a very messy option.
Hmmmm, shoulda been done by HD. Now gotta spend extra to get the thing to run right?
Enjoyed this informational video. Thanks
Hi Kevin, I have a 2022 Road Glide which comes with a Vented Trans Cover out the factory, does that mean I don't need any of the 4 products you've mentioned in the video? Looking to go as far as just a Stage 2 cam
Probably a foolish question, but having vented the crankcase through the transmission cover (ala Trask M8) is there any need to continue venting through the intake breather bolts? I don't know how to measure the volume of pressure to insure the transmission vent is sufficient and I don't want to blow seals or gaskets. It sure would solve the oil in my air cleaner if I could simply install solid bolts in the breathers.
From Kevin Hill : I did meet you b.w.w. in Colorado wanting to vent rear cylinder valve cover on hondavtx1300 isn't a bad idea toasting you k.h.
I’m wondering if there are certain years that this is an issue with? I installed it on my 2017 and it smoothed the motor right out and I picked up 2 mPG. Did HD fix the issue in later models or are they still unvented? Thanks for your time.
Another good video Kevin thanks ! I do have a request though not sure if you have a video on head bearings I'm replacing my 99 road king front suspension with ledgend set up but want to do the bearings the bike has 52k and I'm hearing a clunk when I hit a big bump but the only thing I worry about is setting the bearing free play I of course have a manual and watched some videos but not good videos I can trust would love to see you do one. thanks for all the great information you share with us !!
I have two questions for you Kevin excuse my ignorance in the subject but could carbon deposit be removed to some degree by the old fashioned water injection system to the intake or would this only pertain to carb. equipped engines vs injection.
Next question is could one use the Venturi effect by tapping into the exhaust outby the catalytic section (if any are present) in the exhaust?
Love your videos.
The Feuling umbrella check valve / filter components inside the dipstick cap require routine cleaning/ maintenance. Otherwise, air will flow freely in both directions and the check valve will no longer stop incoming air. So, if you don’t want to keep up with your vented dipstick cap cleaning and maintenance, then the A1 Ventilator vented dipstick cap the best choice.
great point!
Great information and understandable. Kevin you da man
I appreciate that!
Very good content,nicely done video.👍
Thanks for the info
Hi Levin Love your channel hope I can do such great job on mine. Will you say trask trans cover is better solution comparing to vented dipsticks?
Hi Kevin, with the vented dipstick, could that let water/rain into the engine ? Are we talking about the little transmission dipstick or the engine oil dipstick?
Why hasn’t HD introduced a fix for the venting issue so we don’t have to?
Hello Kevin! You mentioned once before that the EVO's had thicker rings then the M,8's. When doing a big bore kit. Do they use thicker rings for M 8's? You also mentioned loosing crank case vacuum by venting breather to atmosphere. Is it possible to use the capped vacuum nipple on top of the EFI back into the crank case to reclaim manifold vacuum?
EVO also had smaller displacement and lower compression ratios....less blow by. Also...they had a mechanical timed breather which was very efficient as well. Too much vac can promote misting and also effect efficiency of the oil pump...i wouldn't do what you mentioned. there is a balance and a case by case.
Kevin, thanks for the info, and insight. Turns out the “0” ring supplied with the cam install kit was the wrong item. The correct “0” ring , of which I’m sure you’re well aware of, is the same one used on the pushrod tube at the head juncture. Again, thanks for taking the time to reply. I know what a compression test is. Could you explain what a leak down test is and how it relates to a compression test.
Dan Jaram
leakdown determines quality of ring seal, valve seal, and head gasket seal. basically, the cyl is pressurized at TDC of comp stroke and the percentage of air lost is used to diagnose health of the top end.
words of wisdom, tks.Kevin!