| Author | Message | ||
     Wrightd223 |
Hey guys, back again... I have been riding my bike to work and every now and then I will see some white smoke coming from the side of the bike. I have read that white smoke is usually water related, but I drained and replaced the oil not too long ago and just put in some seafoam and topped off the gas yesterday before my commute, so I don't think there is water in the gas or oil. It looks like it is coming from the upper right side of the bike, like near the top part of the muffler. Like I said, it doesn't happen all the time, but only every now and then. Revved at a light and a bit of white smoke appeared, pushed in the air box a bit by accident and it happened then too. When I got home I gently pushed on the airbox after seeing white smoke to see if it would happen every time I pushed on the airbox, but it didnt happen again. I am also wondering if maybe there is a small oil leak or drip that when I rev or tap something the drip falls on the muffler and it burns off. Is this a likely cause, or would the smoke be a different color? How clean is the underside of the front of peoples bikes? Mine looks to be a little blackened and gunked, should I clean that off with something and maybe that will stop things from dropping on the muffler and burning if that's what it is?? Anyways, aside from that the bike seems to be running great. Was hoping to ride from Boston to Connecticut this weekend (weather permitting...) to show the bike to my dad, but if people think it's a serious issue I guess I will have to postpone it. I am hoping to swap out the clunky airbox, but was hoping to just enjoy riding for a bit after getting the bike to finally ride before diving into another project. | ||
| Ezblast |
Ride it. EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
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| Wrightd223 |
Cool, thanks guys! Was thinking I would add some more seafoam too, as I was pretty careful to not put in too much but forgot I was going to fill up on gas before my commute anyways. As for the clunky airbox, what any thoughts on good replacements to give the bike a more naked look and feel? I see one called "Dan's airbox" referenced a lot, but all in threads with old time stamps and it looks like they arent on his ebay signt anymore... http://www.ebay.com/usr/danscustomparts | ||
| Ezblast |
Dan moved - so his business is temporarily closed - however, he is ramping up to reopen very soon - contact him - he may have an intake on the shelf, just not a catch can, etc to go with it type of thing. As we speak - his new rubber source is making super das boots for him to sell - lol EZ | ||
| Wrightd223 |
Ohh ok interesting, yeah I like his airbox mod so definitely trying to pick one of those up when he comes back. I'll try contacting him through his ebay store to tell him to keep me in the loop. Also, yesterday I was topping off with some gas and saw some drips coming from here on my bike (picture of a stock bike attached). I think this is what is dripping on my exhaust and causing the smoking every once in a while while sitting at stoplights. Any thoughts on what to do? Not sure if it is just a bit loose (any idea on the specs for this bolt?? I haven't touched the bolt before) or is there a gasket or replace the bolt entirely??  | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Probably the PCV valve or rocker/valve cover gasket. You hope it's not the bolt! | ||
| Wrightd223 |
If I take that bolt out to check the gasket (if that's even how you would check the rocker/valve cover gashet ahaha) is oil going to pour out everywhere? Doing some quick research, looks like my bike wouldnt have the crappy paper gasket (because its an '09 and i read all were swithced to the metal "better on" after early 2000s models). Also, I'm reading that it will be fine to keep riding as long as I keep the oil level up. Definitely on my list of fixes thought that I don't want to put off for too long. I will take some pics next time I'm looking at the bike. The leak definitely made a mess, but maybe some pics will help diagnose what is needed. | ||
| Wrightd223 |
So went to take the bike to work today and got about a mile ore so away from my apartment and the bike died out on me while idling at a stoplight. When it died, the oil can light was lit on the speedo. Wheeled off to the side of the road and quickly checked the oil (i have learned to keep a couple of shop towels in a moisture proof ziplock in the seat storage area). Oil was low, but there was still probably 4 to 5 mm on the dipstick, didn't think it was enough to kill the bike. Figured I was so close to home though that turning around and grabbing the car was the smart move. Pressed the ignition and bike fired right up, no problem. I was able to ride it back with no problems at all. Figured the bike was fine with the amount of oil that it had, but with my leak I didn't want to chance it and be stuck at work later. Anyways, any insight as to how many miles the blast should be able to go without needing oil added? I know that the bike uses up a ton of oil, but I want to know how severe my leak is. Also, it looks like there is some disagreement online as to what the part number and parts needed are for replacing the rocket cover gasket. Can you guys link me to an accurate thread regarding the part numbers needed and preferably one that would walk me through what to do??? If there are other gaskets and what not that are cheap that would be easy to replace as well, I might as well do that while I am in there, if it doesn't add much hassle. Thanks guys! | ||
| Ezblast |
PCV valve grommet probably went bad - cheap and easy to replace. EZ | ||
| Wrightd223 |
Took the bike to Connecticut and back this weekend. Before departing each time I checked the oil, with the level being just below the top fill line. Each time I reached my destination, oil is barely touching the dipstick. With this amount of oil loss, does the rocker box and PCV grommet still sound like the problem? I found an old forum that said purchasing a rocker box gasket set for a 2004 sportster is all I needed for the rockerbox, and should run me about 40 bucks. Looking to get that on order ASAP. I either want to get the leak figured out, or start buying some stock in mobil 1. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Have you re routed the PVC hose out of the carb intake and/or air box? This is a big cause of high oil consumption, especially at high speeds. Sorry I spaced on the gasket. All my referenced books are still packed away. That kit should be fine. Is it leaking? | ||
| Wrightd223 |
I occasionally see some oil drips from that bolt that i circled in the picture above, but I haven't really located where it is coming (if it is dripping from somewhere else, and following the body of the bike until it reaches the bolt and then drips off onto the muffler). Also, the bottom of my right pant leg looks like it was lightly sprayed with oil after the trip to CT and back, with probably a 4" from my ankle up having a light misting look, so some oil is definitely coming out somewhere. This was pretty much all highway riding (which is the majority of what I do). I have not done any work with the PVC hose, carb intake or air box. I haven't even heard of a mod like this to decrease oil consumption. I don't know much about oil consumption, but yes after both of the mainly highway rides the oil was pretty much off the dipstick. I'm not sure how many miles the 8 oz from the lower and upper fill lines should last though. | ||
| Wrightd223 |
Is it true that a 2004 sportster gasket set will fit (blast is an '09), or are there other years I can look for as well. I attached the thread that I have used for reference. http://badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/20164/7 10615.html?1370627060 | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Sorry, I thought you had an early Blast. Needs to be a gasket kit from later than 2008. They changed the valve cover and gaskets. | ||
| Wrightd223 |
Ok cool, I was having trouble finding 2004 parts anyways. Thats exactly why I waited for confirmation hahaha. Gearhead, how often do you fine yourself needing to add oil typically, or how far do you usually go before you dip below the lower limit (although I am sure you have had yours for so long that you dont let it dip below the limit anymore) | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Both bikes have had the top end redone, so my answer is irrelevant. The raceBlast never used oil, as unbelievable as that sounds. The other rarely needed oil, so I couldn't tell you. Re routing the PCV helps a lot. Redoing the top end helps immensely!! (Message edited by Gearheaderiko on July 24, 2016) | ||
| Wrightd223 |
Interesting, yeah I tried to do some research on how to reroute the pcv but came up empty handed. Maybe I will try and replace the gaskets and see if that decreases my oil loss to a more acceptable range. Rerouting seems like a daunting task. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Reroute only seems like a daunting task, but it's very easy. Take a 3/8" hose and run it from the PVC valve on top of the rocker cover straight to the lowest part of the bike. Reroute done. That's it. Just one open hose. The rest is just making it pretty, that's all. A lot easier than gaskets. | ||
| Wrightd223 |
Hmmm you have my attention ahahah. That does sound easy. I will definitely take a look at that, especially if it decreases oil use as much as you say. So am I correct then that the stock setup is just the valve with no hose or anything coming off of it, or do I have to replace and remove a hose that is already connected that runs to somewhere else on the bike?? Also, what do you use to secure the hose to the valve, hoseclamp or some adhesive of some sort, or something else?? Piece of synthetic hose line and something to secure it, couple of zip ties to reroute it down towards the oil drain lines maybe; heck even I can do that! That and a 2008 sportster rocker box gasket swap and hopefully I will be good to go! Thanks for the continued help Gearhead, you're saving me lots of headaches and money dumping!! | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Yes. Disconnect what's there and run a hose to the ground and leave it uncapped (vented). Nothing special, it won't blow off. Once you do that you can take all the other PCV hoses off. You'll see it's simple, just looks complicated. California bikes are REALLY complicated, but broken down they are simple. | ||
| Wrightd223 |
I see people specify a California Blast every once in a while. My bike is a 2009, but I have no idea if it is a California addition or not. What's the difference with this type of bike, and even if mine isn't a California edition should I still reroute the line? Also, how does running an open from the PCV line to the atmosphere DECREASE oil usage, seems counter-intuitive. I believe you, I just like to know the reasoning behind these type of things to get a better understanding of what is going on as a whole. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
You would see a black soda can sized cylinder under the rear tail section if it was a California bike. It would also be labeled as such in the VIN sticker and swingarm . You still need to reroute. The PCV hose stock is routed into the air box, pointing into the mouth of the carb. Any oil from it is getting burned with the fuel. The carb also helps suck oil through that hose, especially at high rpms. The first step is to turn the hose away from the carb mouth. The second step is to take the hose out of the airbox completely, so there isn't any suction on it at all (also the PCV oil won't be carbonizing the combustion chamber). | ||
| Ezblast |
Besides stock HDs eat oil - they do not know how to clock their rings at the factory - word, or do a shift pawl adjustment, or primary adjustment. Sigh.... EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
The Harley's I've bought new dont eat oil. The Blast was the only one with oil issues. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
It should be clarified that after a reroute, some Blasts will blow a lot ((A LOT!!) of oil out the hose and some very little. That's why I advocate doing a simple reroute first before you get fancy adding filters, catch cans or a stealthy hose exit point. The wrong choice with the wrong Blast will leave your bike coated thinly or heavily with oil!!! frankly, I don't think the people at HD/Buell thought or cared that people would actually ride the Blast, at least not for very long. At one point they would actually give you full new value for your Blast if you traded it in for a twin. They overlooked the opportunity that a whole lot of people were thirsty for an American single cylinder motorcycle. | ||
| Wrightd223 |
Interesting, I will take a look to see if mine is Cali model, but I don't think it is. Let's hope that my Blast will be very happy with a reroute and won't be spraying oil everywhere. Couple quick extra questions: 1)What do you guys recommend using to connect the piece of hosing to a new PCV? Adhesive, clamp, some sort of hose fitting?? 2)Also, are there any holes I would need to plug up on the airbox after removing the hose to control where air gets in or anything along those lines? I am hoping to put in an Amazon order today to replace some rocker box gaskets to hopefully stop what is leaking from that area (the one that is circled in the pictures earlier in this thread). Found these gaskets online, which have good reviews and one commenter even noted the fit on his Buell (XB12X, but the description says it fits a lot of Sportster models). Planning on grabbing that, the Denso (5731) IXU01-27 Iridium Racing Spark Plug, LED blinker lights to replace the big back blinkers. I have been looking for replacement PCV valves, but they are tough to find and the ones I have found are like a two pack for 60 bucks! RockerBox Gasket Kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P05SZM/ref=o x_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A37XXUG3ZCSOX0 | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
PCV is probably fine, why replace it? Are you sure it's the rocker cover gaskets leaking and not just the PCV valve grommet? Have you pulled the tank off to check? Cometic probably makes an XB or Buell kit. 2008-up had a grooved rocker cover and I don't know what year the HD's changed to that. If you actually need gaskets. The hose will stay on the PCV valve without hose clamps provided you have the right size hose. It's an open hose without any pressure. The will be a small dime sized hole in the airbox you can plug up. A hole plug or electrical tape or nothing will work just fine. (now that you know how simple the PCV hose is, you can actually just modify what's there, leaving most of the hoses in place. Just plug the hose going in to air box and unplug the PCV drain down at the footpeg. | ||
| Wrightd223 |
So I got a chance to take off my gas tank to take a look at where the leak looks like its coming from. I have attached some pictures of what everything looks like, hopefully things are clear enough for you guys to help me diagnose. Let me get this straight though. Depending on what it looks like, we can see what it is, but most likely it is either: a)the PCV b)the PCV grommet (this is different than the PCV itself??) c)the rocker box gaskets For the Cometic kit, it says it fits sportsters from 2007 to 20011 to 13. I was able to find some older blast kits, but they are wayyyy more expensive. Also I looked at my PCV breather tube once I got the tank off, and it looks like it runs from the PCV valve to to a T split, which then goes to the airbox(?) and then runs down to the footpeg support. Does that sound correct? If so, am I correct in my understanding that I want to bypass the T and the airbox all together and basically just use the hose that runs to the footpeg support? The existing hose is also plugged, should whatever I use for the reroute be plugged as well?    Please let me know what you guys think. It looks like the last owner put something on PCV valve... | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
I have never seen that giant tank guard before!!! I don't know if that's stock or home made?! Regrettably, all my parts manuals are still packed and due to unforseen circumstances I'm not sure where they are at. Otherwise I would tell you what part number to get. 2008-up is a different rocker cover so gasket kits made earlier than this won't have the right gasket. Yes it looks like someone already tried to seal your problem away. Not the best way to go about it. You'll need a new grommet. The old one might be brittle, so be careful pulling it out, pull the PCV valve out first. You might try cleaning that all up first, then see where it's leaking. Your gasket search might be in vain!! Again, the PCV hose routing only LOOKS complicated. Its not. You could literally pull the hose off at the PCV valve and run your bike like that. Unfortunately that would cover your engine in oil mist, that's why you run a hose to the bottom of the bike. Remember that point. I can tell you a bunch of different ways to modify the set up and why, but remember the basic point: it's only a crankcase vent and beyond that it has no effect on running. To that end you can use all the existing hoses: plug the holes and leave one vented. Just get the vent out of the airbox-you said you wanted a new air cleaner anyway!! If you had a California bike, which you don't, the hose routing diagram is unbelievably complicated, but simple when you break down its function. * I prefer "brake parts cleaner", but it might discolor your black painted rocker cover. "Pig Spit" will make your black engine parts shiny new again and leaves a lasting protection. You just spray it on and your done-just that easy! WD40 (if you can stand the smell) also works (but I can't tolerate the smell-instant migraine)!! |
