Oil leak in the airbox???

[joelschmi]

Hello all, I'm new to the forum and still seeking a used XB. I looked at an '06 tonight and while looking in the left side air scoop I noticed oil leaking onto the top few cooling fins on the cylinder (think it was the rear one). The current owner had no idea about this so he pulled off his airbox cover and when he lifted the air filter the whole thing was oily underneath on the inside cavity of the filter. Not goopy, just a light film, like a well cleaned & oiled K&N.

Incindentally, the owner works at the local Harley plant so he called one of his work buddies with more engine knowledge to ask what's up. The man explained that this is normal for all Evo engines. Says it's due to the "blow-by" from the cylinder. Some part of the fuel charge gets cycled back into the air filter - I'm guessing unburnt fuel - to be re-used.

Is this legit? I was ready to buy the bike until I found this and I'm wondering if it's a showstopper. I was thinking it could be a head gasket or something of that nature. Thank you for your help... I went for a test ride tonight and now I can't wait to be riding one of these beasts full time!

 

[Stevenc150]

I'm thinking it hasn't had the breather re-route done. Here's a thread to shed some "light" on the subject: Oil in Airbox

Edit: Oh, and welcome to the Forum. [up]

 

[kajer]

yea, 300 miles on my xb12ss and the air box was oily. Thats why a lot of us do the breather bypass.

 

[Buell_Cru]

The problem with the oil drips on the cylinder is most likely a rocker box gasket leak. If it's under warranty you may want to go with the guy over to your local Harley shop and have them look it over and check it out. Mine has leaked twice and I have 8,000 miles. It's not a huge concern it usually happens if the strict break in is not followed which happens to new owners.

 

[maybebuell]

it happens because the design is flawed and most of the time the rocker box is out of square throwing off the torque speck

 

[joelschmi]

Thanks for the replies. That link is very helpful... I'll be doing that mod soon. I also called a few dealers today and they said it could be either the blow-by into the air filter or the rocker box gasket(s). I don't know how he did break in but he claims it's never used oil. Dealer has performed all the maintenance. You've had this replaced twice... does this often turn into a recurring problem?

If not, I do my own wrenching and it sounded like parts were cheap to replace the rocker box gaskets so I'm thinking i'll move forward with the sale. Then I'll degrease everything, take it for a ride and check to find the source.

The current owner called me today. He took it into the dealer this morning and they didn't even look at it: told him it's just the blow-by and that's all part of life with this motor. A lot of help they are. hhhmmm, maybe them doing all the maintenance wasn't a good thing [smirk]

btw, what do you all think of this deal? It's an '06 Uly, 2,600 miles, excellent condition by my overly-anal, engineer inspection (other than this issue) includes 2 seats, 2 windshields, all 3 buell hard cases. Kansas City, MO. $7,700

 

[Buell_Cru]

No. The previous owner fixed it himself the first time instead of using his warranty. When it happened to me I took it to the dealer and they fixed it.

 

[Buell_Cru]

Average deal. Depends on how many miles.

 

[joelschmi]

Bike has 2600 miles, it's only about 60 miles from my house if that's what you meant

 

[Buell_Cru]

I have 8000 and it's been changed twice.

 

[maybebuell]

I have 8000 and it's been changed twice.

why would you think thats average or normal...thats a problem