How-To: Crank Case Breather Mod (with pics)

[RDuncan]

Did the mod a couple weeks ago and used an old used fuel filter I took off my Air-boat. Took the filter out, painted connector black, plugged bottom hole with a threaded plug, and cut the bottom tip off flush. I hammered an eyebolt over the top of the filter nut, and screwed it into the oil cooler mount.

 

[Damn_Girl]

NWRider, where did you get that fuel filter?

 

[NwRider]

Damn_Girl, I got it at O'Briens but it is the same "Mr. Gasket" brand clear filter you can find in the cheesy chrome section of almost any auto parts store. I have seen them at Napa too.

 

[NwRider]

So here is how I set mine up. Its not a straight shot to the catch can but the angle plus inertia seem to do the trick. I wanted to hide the hose behind the frame but it would have to drain uphill. I will probably end up relocating it again after I stare at it long enough.

I do have a question or two though. This is on my 01 x1. The previous owner had put the XB rocker covers with pcv valves on and plugged the original breathers on the cylinders. He said it was due to the original set-up blowing out the cover gaskets? The way he had the vent tube routed puked on the front tire. This is why I went with the set-up I did. I expected to see oil in the catch can and after a hard 100 miles I got moisture and what looks like soured milk. It did taste better than sour milk but I wouldn't recommend drinking from your catch can.

The question I have is... Is this a decent set up? XB covers and all? All the stuff I have read about breather filters and catch cans appear to be for later models. I have the occasional backfire when warm and rarely does is burp at low rpms but it has happened once or twice. Any wisdom shared is greatly appreciate!

 

[rodimus prime]

I just put mine to a t and ran a drain tube today. Let me say that if you do the breather mod, airbox mod, k&n filter and switch to a race tune in one sitting, do not expect your bike to launch the same. I almost flipped my bike over messing around today not even launching crazy. It runs way smoother in the low rpms. I also cut out the first 3/4s of the air intake tube that goes thrugh the frame. There is no point to a huge opening up top if its restricted to a 2" circle down low. IMO.

 

[nativeXb12Rbuell]

NwRider
XB Rocker Box Cover Upgrade
The rocker box cover from the new XB engines can, with a little modification, be bolted right up to the older "Evolution" (XL) engines. Not only does the upgrade reduce the incident of gasket problems it also addresses the tendency of the older engines to blow excessive amounts of oil out through the crankcase breathers. This is accomplished by replacing the older two piece cover and umbrella valve assembly with a single cover that uses a real world PCV valve.



read these links, for your question.


http://www.doncasto.net/DonCastosS2ConventionalWisdom.html
and the discussion and pics and info start about half way down page here, on the newer XB rocker box covers & xb pcv valves & breather reroute on the Buell tubers here.
http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Buell-X1-M2-S3/New-X1-OwnerNew-Rider

 

[XB12TrqMnstr]

Just added this mod to my XB12R and couldn't be happier. Seems to start easier and idle significantly smoother. Much thanks to everyone for all the little ideas!

 

[jakestolar]

subn

 

[easttroy]

I ended up running the hose by the rear cylinder and the breather under the seat (with appropriate one way valves to each end).

This allows it to look stock and also drain by it's self (as the one way at the bottom only lets it out). I didn't use a schrader valve, though what I did use is similar in operation.

Much more $$$, but looks like a stock bike!

 

[easttroy]

Well, a bit of a ride later and it's noticeable. They low end fall out does seem to be gone and any coughing has been minimized (at least from what I can see so far). I'll be on a couple rides this weekend and hopefully will get better results as the miles click away.

Definitely worthy of the time......

 

[Johny Kidd]

I made this one for inFINite from stainless steel. It will be bolted to oilcooler bracket. freshly basecoated and waiting to dry

 

[inFINite]

Thanks Johny, it looks amazing [up]

 

[Johny Kidd]

glad you like it! Post a pic when u have installed it! [smirk]

 

[GOduc]

eh NWrider where'd you get the y connector? i think this setup makes the most sense with regards to the physics of the hose and gravity. that way the fluid won't drain into the breather filter instead of the fuel filter....i went and bought and everything i needed tonight but couldnt find the y connector at autozone or pepboys or oreillys?

 

[NwRider]

Napa.. If they don't have it in the cheap shit out front ask them to order one in the "NBH" line. (napa belts and hoses. My first real job was at Napa )and yes I kinda felt the same way about the angle keeping it from draining into the filter. It worked perfectly for me until yesterday. I over filled the oil a wee bit and wanted to ride so bad I failed to dump my catch can. when I got home the can and hose were filled to the brim and my breather was dripping. Live and learn.

 

[Zzyzxx71]

Instructions tomorrow or next day at the most...

Rough after creation..

Painted..

Additional photos of completed and implemented mod to come...

 

[jakestolar]

FANTASTIC Fix, not so much mod! I love it!

 

[idbuellxb9]

gonna give it a shot this weekend!

 

[mjp5318]

I just want to say , I did my breather reroute and I feel a big difference , barely hiccups and just seems to have more rear behind her .. THank you fellow buellers ..

 

[inFINite]

Here is Johny's catch can bolted on. Fits like a glove! [up]