Forum

[PeteF]

Yes, you could do that, but the can drain tends to get clogged and it would then discharge into the air filter. If you do this be aware that there is a NRV in the drain pipe from the tank. Come to think of it, that's probably where it clogs up.

[Les H]

I would do as Pete describes and simply route the oil tank pipe to somewhere of your choice and terminate it with a duckbill valve. What ever is left of the inevitable water vapour and condensation requires the engine to reach a decently high temperature, so harder riding is going to help. Then you might wish to use a lower level of oil which will, since there is a smaller amount, will circulate more quickly, returning it to the high temperature areas of the engine more often. You might then choose to change the oil more often in direct proportion to the the same reduction of oil quantity. High capacity oil pumps will also circulate the oil more quickly and the oil heats up more quickly with them fitted. Just as an extra mod with the high capacity pumps fitted, if the exhaust rocker block is drilled to encourage the release of oil and lower scavenge pumping pressure (A very sensible thing to do when high capacity pumps are fitted, especially when Samrat rockers have also been fitted) the exhaust rocker area, being so very hot, will have a good chance of drying quite a bit of moisture from the oil. Now the water will be in the form of steam or vapour so I was thinking that an extra mod could have a small pipe union fitted to the exhaust rocker box cover and a breather pipe fitted to it and vented away conveniently (Duckbill termination on the pipe also recommended) Venting off the hot oil vapours at the exhaust area will prevent them passing back down the push rod tunnel and condensing back to water in the cooler oil tank vessel, as it does now.....Just an idea.

[Les H]

If the rocker box mod is considered to be worth a try, I would recommend the oil union is at the top of the cover and rise vertically as to avoid oil being blown or draining directly out of it. I would also select the position that is furthest from any likely oil fling from the reciprocating rocker arms or any drilled vent hole that you might wish to drill in the rocker bush.

[PeteF]

Les, if terry leaves the can in position and just drains it overboard he shouldn't have a duckbill on that pipe. There's already one in the can, and anyway, this drain would have no pressure on it so a duckbill would tend to clog up. Any positive pressure in the can is vented to the air filter. Breathing from the rockerbox sounds interesting. We used to do that to Triumphs.

[Les H]

Hi Pete. I thought your method ie: to have the oil tank breather pipe changed to bypass the catch-can and vent via the duckbill is what Terry was going to do? I was just reitterating what you had said as the catch-can has been made redundant, and like you, consider it the best compromise. I've never had a post-2002 engine, but if I did I would eventually reinstate the external crankcase breather, they work without much trouble (and oil discharge). ATB....Les

[PeteF]

Yes Les, that is my method but if you read Terry's post it reads to me like he's leaving the catch can in situ. As you say, the best solution would be to reinstate the "under barrel" breather - the casting is still there to do this. Trouble is you really have to split the crankcases to seal the hole between the crankcase and oil tank if you were to do a proper job.

[Les H]

Morning Pete. Yes, I can see it now, I must have missed Terry's second reply to you, but I suggested on my first response: "I would do as Pete describes and simply route the oil tank pipe to somewhere of your choice and terminate it with a duckbill valve" which was backing up what you had already said.(I think!) I would only do the side breather mod on the post 2002 engine when the time came to strip the motor as I know the hole does have to be sealed from the crankcase flywheel area to the oil tank.

[terrystoy]

Thank you all very much for you input. I will vent the breather to atmosphere (with duckbill) and block the timing case return. I will let you know results after some miles of relaxed riding.
Thanks again

Terry

[Riggers]

This won't help you terrystoy but I have a 2000 Bullet which has a different breather set up, but was still equipped with a catch can and all the plumbing back to the air filter etc. I ditched the lot and fitted Mr H's Breather Modification (page 38 in the current catalogue), and I have to say it works a treat. After a lot of short runs there is a bit of mayo around the dip stick, but a decent run sorts it out. For anyone with the older engine I can definitely recommend it.

[Alan R]

------------SNAP !! ...........me too.