I've been watching the tops of my pistons for last 1500 miles since Putting on the Transformer EBS and the 606 and I can tell the black carbon build up is dissipating some because I can see parts of the piston tops I couldn't see with my bore scope before , great video and keep em coming fellas 👍
Wish I would have done this internet stuff years ago , I like that these guys have the resources and time to test their products and videos for my old ass to watch and then get a tested opinion on the very thing I may be pondering about , should have slowed down 30 years ago 😆
Glad you are finding the videos interesting/useful. 👍 Great report on your new set-up and how you're monitoring the results. Thank you for you business, we appreciate it, and it is great to hear how you are enjoying the parts. 👍😎👍
As the carbon layer builds up on piston heads 2 things happen: (1.) some of the volumetric space within the piston chamber at top dead center is reduced causing a slight increase in compression; (2.) the carbon layer has a higher heat capacity than the metal piston head meaning it hangs onto heat energy longer than metal does. This results in slightly more pre-ignition happening on the compression stroke. When this happens: it robs the engine of power and it also damages the cylinder walls where the piston rings and and apron come into contact during the compression stroke. Over a long time more oil gets drawn up past the piston rings into the chamber causing a greater amount of carbon buildup. This increases as the piston rings and the cylinder wall's wear out. One way to combat pre-ignition is to switch to higher octane fuels or use an Octane Booster product added to the premium gas in the gas tank. Sea Foam does work - people have verified this using bore scopes to view the piston heads before and after treatment. However engine wear is inevitable. One way to reduce wear is to allow the engine to warm up BEFORE riding, as the engine gets hotter during warming up makes a tighter seal between the rings and the cylinder walls. Additionally more parts are lubricated. Making frequent Oil changes and using Synthetic Oil also reduces engine wear. Less engine wear = less carbon build up = better performance and greater reliability. On the larger M8 Engines an external breather is a critical piece of equipment to ensure that your Harley will run reliably over a long time - DK Customs makes them. I highly recommend them. Additionally Fueling makes a good vented dipstick which helps reduce blowby by aiding in equalizing the air pressure in the crank case while the engine is running. Both the DK Customs EBS and the Fueling Vented Dipstick are relatively inexpensive and both will increase the reliability of your Harley engine by helping to prevent carbon buildup.
After just buying a used 2017 with a TC103 and 7k miles on it I just had to see for myself. Got a good borescope and sure enough the whole top of piston is pretty bad as you shown in video. So now in process of installing a external breather. Thanks
Just ordered an EBS with catch can for an old TC after researching over many months the best solution to vent that crap out of my intake. Now it’s time to clean up the intake and add some SeaFoam to scrub that stuff out of the combustion chamber. You guys rock! Love your videos and the expertise you bring to the community - ride safe!
Thank you for the kind words. Good to hear you're finding the videos useful/interesting. 👍 Thank you for your business, I believe you will be well pleased with the Catch-Can EBS. 👍😎👍
Thank you, good to hear you are finding the videos useful/interesting. 👍😎👍 The thing I learned about common sense, quite a few decades ago, it is Not Very Common. 🙁
Excellent advice here. My M8 was upgraded to a 124 at 20k miles. Piston tops had a thick buildup of carbon. External catch can set up done then to stop this from happening again.
Good show, I have been using SEA FOAM for cleaning intakes for years with good results. I add a few ounces to the oil before an oil change, it does a deep cleaning of the oil galleries. Cleaning the intake you can let it soak in your favorite cleaner, I also use a soft bristle brush to further the cleaning
I’ve always heard (from unreliable sources) to not spray carb cleaner inside the carb on any sort of engine because it can cause issues with piston rings and the compression seal within and to remove the carb and clean individually and that it doesn’t clean the head enough to justify doing it. I never know what to believe. I just purchased my 1st Harley (2015 Iron 883) and I’m absolutely in love with it, can’t believe it took me this long to get one. Learning how to maintain and service it is a top priority because I just love learning and working on my own stuff and to save money after seeing what the dealer and shops charge for standard services.
Congratulations on your first Harley!!! 👍😎👍 Yes, as noted in the video, I believe best practice is to Not have the combustion chambers ingest any cleaners. (I do believe the listed on the can ratio of Seafoam, into the GAS Tank, not the intake can be beneficial and not do any damage. Carbs are best cleaned Off the bike. EFI Throttle bodies probably also, but a throttle body cleaner, used sparingly to un-gum sensors is something I would not hesitate to do. HOWEVER, the best is to avoid gumming up the intake and the combustion chambers. Check out this video, you may find it interesting/useful. ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html KP
I am so glad I watched this particular video. I only have 2000 miles on my 2021 Heritage 114. After plans to install your external breather system this Spring, I thought, "Crap, why did I not know about this sooner?" Good to know the oily plaque will dissipate on it's own. Gives me peace of mind!
Long story short, my neighbor had a taxi he was selling, a 1970 something Buick Electra. Car had over 700k miles on it and had never been touched. Pulled the heads off and it looked like new inside. No carbon build up or anything. 1 quart every oil change and a cup in the gas every fill up. I use it on my truck and the wife’s car. Haven’t had the courage to put in one of the bikes yet.
also in the old days we would put a small baby food jar full of AUTOMATIC tranny fluid in the cars gas tank. Helped keep everything clean and lifters lubed.@@DKCustomProducts
Awesome! Congrats on your new to you Heritage! I know you will enjoy the benefits of having the EBS installed. Thank you for your business and for commenting! 😎MB
Thanks for this video. I just bout a 2010 Tri-Glide with 7100 miles on it and was thinking about running some Sea Foam thru it just to be safe. After watching this video of the M8 with 5000 miles, it's a no brainer. I'm also gonna install an external breather. Thanks again.
Glad you found the video interesting/useful. 👍😎👍 I've had good experience using Sea Foam when I've gotten bad gas. I believe you will be very pleased with an External Breather System. KP Feel free to email or call with any questions: Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828
I bore scoped my twin cam at 35,000mi and it honestly wasn’t too terrible! Still adding an external breather and cleaning what I can. My road glide has mostly interstate miles so that may contribute to the lack of buildup thus far. Going to an AN big sucker intake while I’m there.
Here is a video where we did a dyno run with our 606 Air Cleaner and the Big Sucker. They both use the same Filter element, but the 606 get better horse power and torque than the Big Sucker - ruclips.net/video/Z2y2-MQrGO8/видео.html The 606 comes with an EBS and our Air Cleaner back plates are made to be compatible with all of our breather kits so you will not need to drill and tap or plug any holes on your backplate. You can see the 606 Air Cleaners that we offer here - www.dkcustomproducts.com/twin-cam-model-hiflow-606-air-cleaners-complete-systems-c643-309.htm Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have; Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828 Thank you for commenting! MB
I have a 2011 Fatboy and I installed the air intake and the brass breather bolts from DKCustom and a couple of months ago I got me a 2015 Ultra Limited with 43,000 miles and my first mod was the DKCustom air intake at the EBS connected to the small K&N filter. The old OEM filter was very dirty and seems like it was never changed or clean. I will try the Seafoam and see if it helps with the cleaning of the carbon build up.
Congrats on your new ride! 👍👍 Thank you for your business, we appreciate it, and good to hear you are enjoying the benefits. Yeah, the Seafoam will help clean things up.
In the 70,s we use to use a puff bottle with a little water in it & you take the air filter off you just puff a little past the intake while the bike is revving a little .you could see the smoke come out the exhaust .this was a quick decoak on side valves .
I did my own external breather 3 brass fittings and fuel line i took a foto of my pistons with a scope then poured an entire can of sea foam in tank after filling up left for sturgis when I got home 4000 miles later much better 1.2 HP better on the Dyno 2012 FLHTC
You can mount all the Aircleaner kits and External breather systems in the world, but if your Valvetrain and Valveguides are screwed it won’t help a damn thing. That’s why a proper warm up of the Engine and Oil is so crucial,.. all the Metal-tolerances has expanded and reached the “operating stage” and now you have less resistance and best fuel burn. But yes,..I also have an external breather system and it undoubtedly helps avoiding carbon buildup. If you are unsure you have a nasty buildup, get a Flex-camera…unscrew the sparkplugs and you stick it down. I have done that many times, and yes I know that some sparkplug holes could be too small…but then maybe you could get an adapter. However,..it’s always interesting to see and follow how much gunk and debris a good old Seafoam treatment can blast out. It IS actually working 👌🏻😉.
that's why some of these guys that have the big bore m8's are having problems they dont warm them up correctly with the 2618 forged pistons and scor the cylinders.
Yes, warm up is important. Back in the carb days, it was easier to wait til they were warmed up, what with the choke (enrichener) sort of keeping you from just hopping on and taking off. Great advice on the external breather and flex-camera. Thanks for the add. 👍😎👍
I cleaned so much blow by out of my intake and inside of my throttle body before installing my EBS then I used Redline fuel system cleaner in my fuel and bike runs so much better.
marvel mystery oil is like a consecrated version of seafome but affordable enough to add 2oz at every fill up and that's how I fight the war against corbin and upper cylinder wear!
I prefer to not have a war on carbon by using an External Breather System. MM is something that may be useful in addition...we have not tested it. But, we may, since so many people have been positive about it.
You guy’s always put out great info on your videos thanks for sharing your knowledge! I’ve tried about every gas cleaning additive there is and the only two I’ve found to work is Seafoam and Royal Purple and Seafoam has been the best so far.
Just the info I needed since I just setup an external breather and was wondering how to get the existing crap cleaned out! Harley-Davidson should be ashamed of their stock setup sometimes… 🙄
I have been using the breather bolts I got from you for about a year now. I recently had to remove the front head and cylinder. The piston has a lot of carbon on it. Unless I misunderstand something, just riding the bike has not eliminated the buildup. Just thought I would pass that along. Of course, having 80,000 miles on the bike may have something to do with it.
Yeah, sometimes just riding will NOT clean out all the carbon build up. Sometimes the bikes are tuned a bit rich and even without the oil going in there they will build up carbon deposits in the combustion chambers. KP
I have been using Seafoam in my cages by adding at every oil change and can feel the difference of smoother idle, throttle tip in response, and transmission shift quality after burning that tank of fuel. I was wondering about using it in the bikes and think I will add some every 4 tanks of fuel. I don't think it will hurt anything.
I haven’t had any success with running it to get rid of carbon. I bought a Endoscope camera on Amazon that connects to my iPhone so I pull the spark plugs and check the build up regularly. What would be a good test for you to do, and post about is taking pistons that have carbon buildup and test what products can dissolve it so it can be sucked out with a bleeder hose. I’m guessing you may have some old pistons you could use.
Why? Why not have no carbon build up to begin with. Time is better spent creating a cleaner engine than keep getting it dirty and spending time looking how to clean over and over again. Here's a video you may find interesting/useful- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html KP
That M8 piston was nothing. You should have seen my 2005 Twin Cam after the Harley valve seals failed at 10,571 miles. Since then I have been using a product called Mix-I-Go. Use 1/2oz per 5gallons every tank. Very little carbon. Plus it keeps the injectors clean, removes water in the fuel and helps the octane while stabilizing the fuel. Then I put your breather on and there is even less carbon.
That piston with 5k on it looks more like oil with carbon, I had pistons like that and it was because rings failed and cylinders glazed, if rings sit properly you should have any blow by really
Yes, there is a lot of carbon on there, along with a lot of weight oil that has not yet turned into hard carbon deposits. Agree with you, could definitely come from a variety of causes, out of round cylinders, improperly installed rings (at the factory) are two that are being seen on a larger than normal amount of M8's. There will always be blow-by/crankcase pressure. Even the best built engines are going to see 2-3% get past the rings, which goes into the crankcase, then thru the breather system, and into the intake. Here are a couple of videos that you may find interesting- Why an EBS improves performance- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html Leakdown Test- ruclips.net/video/gojpttZQjKk/видео.html
Never had good luck using Seafoam for my injected BMW Classic K. Had to use the stuff with PEA in it, but then went to adding a few ounces of ATF in the tank quite often. For carbon, how about spraying water into the carb at a fast idle? Will that steam clean the combustion chamber and valves?
We suggest using a Throttle Body and Air Intake cleaner to clean the build up off of the pistons or just letting it burn off naturally on its on. Thanks for commenting! MB
I know m8 were having a problem that lead to the external breather but I put one on my big twin and it don't seem like it's doing anything external breather made by fueling
That vent made by fueling is not what we are talking about when we talk about an External Breather System. Check out this video- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html The vent that fueling and some others make is to try and stop the earlier M8's from sumping. Better way to take care of that potential of sumping is to get the newer oil pump from Harley (came out in late 2020) or from fueling.
They both work just as good as the other. If your bike is an older Twin Cam it will spit more than the M8. Having a catch can will contain all the oil and takes cleaning every 5k miles or so. The filter will just be sprayed off when you clean your bike. It is a personal preference as to which will meet your needs. Here is a video where we discuss the differences between the Catch Can and Filter - ruclips.net/video/WVZbsLPzmZk/видео.html Please feel free to contact us with any questions; Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828 Thank you for commenting! 😎MB
I have a 2019 street glide special with 63k miles. I have never had a problem with her and I don't have an EBS and don't plan to get one. Should I still use Sea Foam every so often? Thanks.
I would do something. Would have to think about it...never considered not running an EBS. Like mln427 says, won't hurt it, but I don't know if there is something better to use if one was to knowingly continue putting that hot, oily, oxygen depleted air into their throttle body and combustion chambers.
Vented dipsticks and transmission cover vents do NOT take the place of the breathers. There is still hot, oily, oxygen depleted air being fed into the intake. The folks that sell vented dipsticks and trans cover vents, have it right in their tech notes that they do not prevent all that crap from going into your intake. The only way to completely eliminate all hot, oily, oxygen depleted air from going into the combustion chambers (thru the throttle body) is with an External Breather System. IF you have an older M8, with the older oil pump and you are concerned about sumping...OR, IF you have a built engine with higher compression, then it may be beneficial to do an EBS And a vented dipstick or trans cover vent.
one of these days they are gonna make a engine system that sprays high pressure rinse in the entire wall of the cylinder and a high prssure vacuum that releases it to the bottom of the bike. squeaky clean engine. probably would make the bike cost 30 grand tho (not while its running or driving, but when its off and it self maintains itself)
A friend of mine constant problems with his 1998 Heritage running poor i put a whole can in his tank when he wasn't looking guess what YUP its running much better
What motor oils does Kevin suggest for a complete 3 hole oil change on a 2010 Tri Glide 103 cu. in. ? 7500 miles on trike, seems to have noisy top end and loud shifting of gears. THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Hey Edward, there are 3 things to keep in mind when choosing the best oil for you. (1) Run your oil at the correct level. Half way between the add a quart mark and the full mark. (2) Run the correct weight for the lowest ambient temperature you ride in. (3) Do not let your oil get too hot. Once the oil gets over 230° it starts cooking the additives out of the oil. Kevin runs Redline in his engine. He says he uses it because it is the oil that he has found to help the most with top end chatter. He uses Redline ShockProof oil in his transmission. He uses Syn3 in his primary. He says that his clutch has never been smoother since he started using Syn3. Here is a video on oil that we've made that you may find interesting/useful - ruclips.net/video/bNHgNThrqQo/видео.html Thank you for commenting! MB
Sea foam has nothing on amsoil powerfoam. Had to use powerfoam to remove stuck carbs and clean out jets and bowls in old rx7 carbs with gunned up premixed fuel. It stinks like mad but just try it.
Best to never build up any carbon by using an EBS from day one. Even if one has carbon build up, Ride It, it will burn off. But sometimes, on a used ride, it is unavoidable. Glad you are liking your powerfoam. 👍
I had soaked the Nikki carb in sea foam first because I knew it was a good product. However using a qtip to clean down inside the bowls just led to a gummy mess. The old premix and varnished fuel literally was gluing the throttle shut - I thought I was going to break the throttle cable! Powerfoam did it’s thing, and it rinsed out with hot water. I’d highly recommend trying it out to clean an ethanol clogged carb or anything that’s been setting for a long time.
Seeing old dirty engines having turbos added, still dirty, then adding methanol injection, and everything gets super clean, makes me wonder about jist squirting some in.
Nice video guys! So i have question about the vents going directly in the ac. If i have the stock ac there is a filterelement between intake and engine breather. Does the filterelemt already helps filter out the nasty oily air? Stay safe
If it is inside your Air Cleaner it is not filtering out the air as much as it can. The breather needs to be outside of the Air Cleaner for the best results. Thanks for commenting! MB
I have used Sea Foam periodically, per the instructions, when I've gotten some bad fuel. Never had an issue with my bikes with cats or without cats. Sea Foam Spray is made from 100% safe petroleum cleaning and lubricating ingredients, so it can’t harm sensors, the catalytic converter, or anything else. Sea Foam Spray is used up in the combustion chamber so it’s all vaporized with the hot exhaust as everything is sent toward the tailpipe. Thank you for commenting! MB
I use seafoam in my bike. Is there a certain amount you put in the gas tank, or do you just dump the whole bottle in there I've been told different things and I've always wondered.
I would never do that...in this video, at the 2:45 mark I talk about the danger in doing something less aggressive than spraying the pistons directly with a cleaner...this danger goes up dramatically. Check out the video again, especially starting at the 2:45 mark.
To tell you what EBS will work with your set up we will need to know what Air Cleaner you have. You can look at this link to a written report on how to choose the correct EBS for you- www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-external-breather-systems-ebs.htm or you can contact our Customer Service and they will help you choose the correct EBS for your setup; Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828 Thank you for commenting!
I have a Screaming Eagle large flow air cleaner on my 2015 Road Glide. With this type of air cleaner system, does that mean I have no options to install an (EBS) external breather system????
We do make External Breather Systems for SE air cleaners. You can see them at this link- www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-496.htm And here is a video showing an install of one- ruclips.net/video/uAmPC_kglJk/видео.html
I don't grasp the difference between my M8 117's stock breather which is external ad you talking about external breathing systems. Know what I'm saying?
The stock M8 107, 114, and 117 all push the hot, oily, oxygen depleted air thru the throttle body and into the combustion chambers. This reduces power, reduces engine longevity and results in tune instability. Here is a link to a video that explains the difference between your stock breather and an External Breather System- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
Back when lead was on the gas we would just put a trickle of water down the carb throat of old cars. On a bike I would suggest just a spray bottle to squirt some water in......steam will break up the carbon......you will see it come out the tailpipe.
If you get all that hot oily oxygen depleted air out of your intake the carbon build up will stop and eventually burn off on its on. Yes there are lots of ways to clean the carbon off this was just a video about how we clean it off and how we suggest that it be cleaned off. Thank you for commenting! 👍 MB
Is this for bikes that ONLY have external breather systems? I have a 07 street glide with 31,000 miles and I noticed a light black puff of smoke during my winter month start ups and I don’t have external breathers
Bikes that have External Breather Systems do not have the oily buildup to be cleaned out that bikes without an EBS get. Bikes that do NOT have an EBS will benefit more from this. You may find this video interesting/useful- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
What about the piston’s with all the build up that have been running external breather’s ?? There are many on the forums that ran external breather set up’s that still get a lot of carbon build up. I am on the fence about installing the external breather as my 114 does not puke or burn any oil.
I have not seen a *lot* of build up on pistons that run an EBS. If there is build-up, I would be very curious to know what was causing it (gas will not create a lot of build-up) and fix that. Regarding your non-spitting M8, that is great that there is little to no oil. But getting rid of the oil is only one of three reasons to run an EBS. The other two reasons are: -Getting rid of the hot air, engines run better, the cooler the intake air -Getting rid of the oxygen depleted air, the more oxygen in the air, the more power You may find the following video link useful/interesting- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html btw, vented dipsticks and transmission covers are not an EBS, they still let some hot, oily, oxygen depleted air pass into the intake and combustion chambers.
Hi Alex, I do apologize if you asked this question previously and it was not answered. I am not sure which AN system you are refering to as a "Heavy Breather" but if the breather bolts are a hex or allen head, that system would require modifications using the DIY kits found here... www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-537.htm The install procedure can be seen here... www.dkcustomproducts.com/acl/diy-external-breather-system.htm If they are not hex or allen head, please send a photo, link, or part number of the Arlen Ness air cleaner you have to our Customer Service and they will help you further; Support@DKCustomProducts.com Thank you for commenting! MB
Yes, that Arlen Ness AC would need a DIY kit seen at the link below; www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-537.htm The install procedure can be seen here... www.dkcustomproducts.com/acl/diy-external-breather-system.htm Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have; Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828 Thank you for commenting! MB
Some folks use a borescope hooked up to their phone. Fairly inexpensive, and interesting to look. Here is a link to a written report that you may find interesting, plenty or photos and some videos that you may find useful. www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-external-breather-systems-ebs.htm
Thanks for looking at our parts. 👍 Any of the DIY systems will work with an AN BS intake. You can see them here- www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-502.htm Feel free to email or call with any questions. Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828
Hey guys! Thanks for the content as always. What do you recommend for my 2016 Dyna Low Rider S w/ the Screamin Eagle breather? Bike only has 2600 miles, and that intake is oily.
Thank you for the comment and question. Glad you're liking the videos. You can either get an air cleaner that is made for an External Breather System, like what is linked here- www.dkcustomproducts.com/air-cleaner-intake-c10-361.htm Or you can add a breather to your SE A/C. Here is a video on how- ruclips.net/video/uAmPC_kglJk/видео.html Here is a link to the different kits available- www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-502.htm
I believe that that Air Cleaner would require modifications using the DIY kits found here... www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-305.htm The install procedure can be seen here... www.dkcustomproducts.com/acl/diy-external-breather-system.htm You can also take a look at our report we made on choosing the correct EBS for your Air Cleaner at this link -www.dkcustomproducts.com/getting-the-right-external-breather-systems-ebs-for-your-bike.htm OR Here is a video on choosing the correct EBS - ruclips.net/video/85jEZjX6Dhw/видео.html Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions; Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828 Thanks for commenting! MB
Hey guys, just seen the video. Can I install the external breather system on my M8 EFI? What mods do I need to do and use? Could you send me a link to products to purshase?
You would need to email our Customer service team pictures of your backplate and Air Cleaner so that they can see what EBS will work with your setup! Support@DKCustomProducts.com We will gladly help you choose what EBS you will need! Thanks for commenting!😎
I got a question sir, i just bought my first Harley used,well it seems to stall at on tskeoff, kinda poofs though throttle body also could this be my problem to being dirty,?
Do you guys have a kit for arleen ness monster sucker? I always see them for the big suckers but didn't know if they have the same backing plate as the monster sucker. Bike is a 15 fxdb.
I am 90% sure that the EBS at the following link will work. But double check with Dwayne or Natalie at the contact info below to make 100% sure. www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-494.htm Contact info: Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828
It depends on what year and model bike you have. If it is an M8, no retune is needed. If it is a Sportster or Twin Cam and still has the OEM tune, it needs to be richened up, even if not adding an EBS and free flowing air cleaner. If it is a Sportster or Twin Cam and already has a free flowing air cleaner, and already has a good tune, then you should be good to go. Check out these videos, you may find them helpful/interesting. ruclips.net/video/2BpGbBnfMkY/видео.html ruclips.net/video/0vbTkRvFa80/видео.html ruclips.net/video/gOeJ6Mx_mQo/видео.html Feel free to email or call with any questions. Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828
@@DKCustomProducts my local shop is about 15 mile from me will it hurt the engine if i do the EBS and high flo air filter then ride it to the shop to get retuned?
Curious about that M8 wiht 5000 miles, would you say that's abnormal and maybe he was overfilling oil or something. Cuz it shouldnt be that bad right? Not saying that an EBS is not worth it, I've already ordered mine from DK and should arrive this week. Just curious if you know a little more details about that piston build up.
Yes, that is more than is typically seen on an M8 at 5000 miles. Could have been the way he rode, or could have been the conditions he rode in, or it could have been bad OEM cylinders or faulty piston ring installation at the factory. That said, while it is not typical, it is not rare either. We have seen many like that (not all). M8's have had some problems with rings installed wrong at the factory, they have also had some problems with out of round cylinders. Sorry we do not know more about what the actual root problem with his was. because he replaced cylinders, pistons and rings with a big bore kit. Always feel free to email or call with any questions. We appreciate your business, and I believe you will be well pleased with your EBS. Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828
My 2019 had to have a complete top end rebuild with only 13,000 miles on it. Carbon building up was so bad it was making a noise from the piston hitting. The piston rings were installed wrong from the factory. Had to fight like heck to get the extended warranty to pay for it. They said carbon build up is not covered. Wasn’t until I brought up the rings being wrong from the factory that they covered the work. I now have an external breather and vented dip stick. 😢
It does Not. Only an External Breather System, like seen in the link below, completely eliminate all hot, oily, oxygen depleted air from going into the combustion chambers. www.dkcustomproducts.com/breather-systems-c21.htm Vented dipsticks and transmission cover vents do NOT take the place of the breathers. There is still hot, oily, oxygen depleted air being fed into the intake. The folks that sell vented dipsticks and trans cover vents, have it right in their product description that they do not prevent all that crap from going into your intake. Here is a copy and paste from the Trask website- "This will reduce the oil exiting from the head breathers..." IF you have an older M8, with the older oil pump and you are concerned about sumping...OR, IF you have a built engine with higher compression, then it may be beneficial to do an EBS And a vented dipstick or trans cover vent.
Yes, once you have an External Breather System installed, a lot of guys like the Marvel Mystery Oil. It has been decades since I used any. I cannot speak to whether it removes build up or not. Thank you for commenting! KP
I have a 2022 SgS and took off the stock air intake. I went with the Arlen Ness 90 Degree Monster Sucker. I noticed that I no longer have the tubes that came off the engine heads that would redirect the oil back into the air intake. Where is this oil going now. Also now that I don't have the hoses to do that, am I going to cause an issue for the bike?
With the Arlen Ness 90° Monster Sucker from what I can tell the hot oily oxygen depleted air is going back into the intake. We do have a DIY external breather kit you can use with Air Cleaner, but it does mean drilling into the stand offs and tapping them and routing the hose from there. Here is a link to the DIY systems that we offer -www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-548.htm Although this video link I am about to share with you is not the same Air Cleaner the installation process if very similar and the the video may be helpful- ruclips.net/video/uAmPC_kglJk/видео.html Please feel free to contact us with any questions; Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828 Thanks for commenting! MB
@@DKCustomProducts I am hoping I don't have any issues...I have had the intake and filter checked several times after long hard rides and I get little to no oil residue in the breather entrance or around where it would come in anyway....so nothing right now.
Even if you do not see any oil, the air is still hot and oxygen depleted. You may find these two videos interesting/useful- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html Even though this next video seems to be only about exhaust....there is a very relevant part where we talk about the importance of the intake charge- ruclips.net/video/nB0XDQVjH9Y/видео.html
How not to get carbon = venting crankcase vapors to atmosphere not the intake. That also phuques up MANY thousands of car and truck intake manifold passages where the goo bakes into sludge. HD crankcase venting problems were solved before WWII and dumping oily vapor into a perfectly good combustion chamber just inflicts what piston rings and valve seals exist to prevent.
Yep, it is crazy how government agencies think they are reducing pollution by venting internally, when all it does it make things wear out prematurely, AND makes for worse MPG. So more parts have to be made (which causes more pollution than is saved from venting internally.) Here is a video on the subject- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
Wow, sorry you have not had good experience with it. It has been very helpful to me on quite a few occasions. To further my knowledge base, can you share what your dealings were with seafoam? Thanks. 🏍
@@DKCustomProducts sure, I have a 1982 Honda goldwing aspencade and filled the carburetors with seafoam, the bike set for a while because I had some medical problems, I thought that'll be fine it'll just do a better job cleaning the carburetors, finally when getting back to the bike, I had to drain the crabs four or five times after filling them with gasoline. I finally got the bike started up and had to learn across the bike to get to the throttle and the bike was running very badly, I looked down at the muffler and it was cherry red, I switched off the bike and cooled it down with a fan . It ended up at a shop so I go to the shop when the carbs are dismantled and I was asked have you been running either (not sure about the spelling of that) the diagrams in the carburetors was kinda like tar. I guess I left the seafoam in to long. My bike is a Honda and a bike over 10 years old the Honda shops won't touch them. I guess I was lucky to find that shop. Anyway, after getting everything on the bike fixed or replaced I spent something like $4,100.00 on it and I did have to get the muffler recromed. The bike is in mint condition and right now if I could ride, I wouldn't be afraid to ride to California. I think the carburetors were probably about $1,000.00 to be rebuilt. Anyways, I really don't have anything against seafoam, I'm just afraid of it.
They are saying EBS and it stands for External Breather System. You can see a written report on the EBS at this link - www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-external-breather-systems-ebs.htm Please feel free to contact us with any questions; Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828 Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB
Because that is how crankcase pressure is vented. If you plug them you will blow seals and/or gaskets. What you can, and should do, is get an EBS that stops that hot, oily, oxygen depleted air from routing into your intake. Here is a video on the subject you you may find useful- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
Yeah, I've seen a few vids and articles too. They never offer any proof, and just talk about what they like or what they think. Whereas, I have actually experienced the benefits of using it, and have seen many videos and reports where folks show the beneficial results. Regarding breaking up carbon deposits on the pistons or in the throttle body....as stated in the video, better to use an EBS from the get go, but if you don't, just riding will eventually get rid of most of them, and if you want to speed it up, then use sea foam. For getting a bad tank of gas, it works Great!
Yep, I was taught to do that over half a century ago...and a lot of folks (most) do it with zero issues. Over the years I have seen only a couple that had a piece of carbon break loose and mess up a valve seat. My preference is to not have any build up to have to clean up. 👍 You may find this video useful/interesting- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
Seafoam? I’ve used it in many applications on a lot of engines and my experience using seafoam has brought minimal success as far as results. What I’ve found that works remarkably better believe it or not is Marvel Mystery oil. In the gas and in the oil. Yea, it may sound crazy but the MMO stopped all surging in my small engine and SeaFoam did absolutely squat. Just sayin. That engine is 25 yrs old and purrs like it did new. Just sayin.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that Marvel Mystery Oil has worked so well for you. Different products can yield varying results depending on the engine and situation, so it’s always helpful to hear what others have found effective. Your insight might help others looking for solutions! In this video we were just showing one way of helping burn off carbon build up. Thank you for sharing and for commenting! 👍 MB
I've been watching the tops of my pistons for last 1500 miles since Putting on the Transformer EBS and the 606 and I can tell the black carbon build up is dissipating some because I can see parts of the piston tops I couldn't see with my bore scope before , great video and keep em coming fellas 👍
That’s about the best endorsement ever.
Wish I would have done this internet stuff years ago , I like that these guys have the resources and time to test their products and videos for my old ass to watch and then get a tested opinion on the very thing I may be pondering about , should have slowed down 30 years ago 😆
Glad you are finding the videos interesting/useful. 👍
Great report on your new set-up and how you're monitoring the results. Thank you for you business, we appreciate it, and it is great to hear how you are enjoying the parts. 👍😎👍
😀
🙂🏍🙂
I know this was supposed to be a how to video but dang...that poster!
Moonlight
Just a little shop inspiration. 😂
There was a video?
I know !! Wait , what was the video about again ??
As the carbon layer builds up on piston heads 2 things happen: (1.) some of the volumetric space within the piston chamber at top dead center is reduced causing a slight increase in compression; (2.) the carbon layer has a higher heat capacity than the metal piston head meaning it hangs onto heat energy longer than metal does. This results in slightly more pre-ignition happening on the compression stroke. When this happens: it robs the engine of power and it also damages the cylinder walls where the piston rings and and apron come into contact during the compression stroke.
Over a long time more oil gets drawn up past the piston rings into the chamber causing a greater amount of carbon buildup. This increases as the piston rings and the cylinder wall's wear out. One way to combat pre-ignition is to switch to higher octane fuels or use an Octane Booster product added to the premium gas in the gas tank.
Sea Foam does work - people have verified this using bore scopes to view the piston heads before and after treatment.
However engine wear is inevitable.
One way to reduce wear is to allow the engine to warm up BEFORE riding, as the engine gets hotter during warming up makes a tighter seal between the rings and the cylinder walls. Additionally more parts are lubricated.
Making frequent Oil changes and using Synthetic Oil also reduces engine wear.
Less engine wear = less carbon build up = better performance and greater reliability.
On the larger M8 Engines an external breather is a critical piece of equipment to ensure that your Harley will run reliably over a long time - DK Customs makes them. I highly recommend them. Additionally Fueling makes a good vented dipstick which helps reduce blowby by aiding in equalizing the air pressure in the crank case while the engine is running.
Both the DK Customs EBS and the Fueling Vented Dipstick are relatively inexpensive and both will increase the reliability of your Harley engine by helping to prevent carbon buildup.
Thank you for your comment. Well stated.
Appreciate your business, and glad you have your bike set up well. 👍
Wow thanks for your comment..Made it easier to understand Reading it🤣..💪🏿🏁
Have to watch this again… in a daze starring at that poster…. Did you mention working on a bike?? 😂😂
Glad we got your attention. 😀🏍
After just buying a used 2017 with a TC103 and 7k miles on it I just had to see for myself. Got a good borescope and sure enough the whole top of piston is pretty bad as you shown in video. So now in process of installing a external breather. Thanks
Yes, it is surprising how much build up they can get.
Glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful.
We appreciate your business.
Just ordered an EBS with catch can for an old TC after researching over many months the best solution to vent that crap out of my intake. Now it’s time to clean up the intake and add some SeaFoam to scrub that stuff out of the combustion chamber. You guys rock! Love your videos and the expertise you bring to the community - ride safe!
Thank you for the kind words. Good to hear you're finding the videos useful/interesting. 👍
Thank you for your business, I believe you will be well pleased with the Catch-Can EBS. 👍😎👍
Good old fashioned experience and common sense. Well done guys
Thank you, good to hear you are finding the videos useful/interesting. 👍😎👍
The thing I learned about common sense, quite a few decades ago, it is Not Very Common. 🙁
Excellent advice here. My M8 was upgraded to a 124 at 20k miles. Piston tops had a thick buildup of carbon. External catch can set up done then to stop this from happening again.
Awesome! Glad you are seeing the benefits of having an External Breather System. Thank you for your business and for commenting! 😎 MB
Exactly what i was looking for after watching your external breather video!
Awesome! I am glad that you like the video! Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB
Good show, I have been using SEA FOAM for cleaning intakes for years with good results. I add a few ounces to the oil before an oil change, it does a deep cleaning of the oil galleries.
Cleaning the intake you can let it soak in your favorite cleaner, I also use a soft bristle brush to further the cleaning
Hi Jack!
Great tip! Thanks for sharing. 👍
Does it hurt the EFI , to use Mystery Oil in the gas tank ?
@@richardpitts6284 as long as you are not heavy handed with it albeit Seafoam is a better choice in the gas
Do you actually run the engine / idle probably , with Sea Foam in with the engine oil , for a time before changing the oil ?
@@richardpitts6284 I run it around the block to warm up the oil with the Seafoam in the oil
I’ve always heard (from unreliable sources) to not spray carb cleaner inside the carb on any sort of engine because it can cause issues with piston rings and the compression seal within and to remove the carb and clean individually and that it doesn’t clean the head enough to justify doing it. I never know what to believe. I just purchased my 1st Harley (2015 Iron 883) and I’m absolutely in love with it, can’t believe it took me this long to get one. Learning how to maintain and service it is a top priority because I just love learning and working on my own stuff and to save money after seeing what the dealer and shops charge for standard services.
Congratulations on your first Harley!!! 👍😎👍
Yes, as noted in the video, I believe best practice is to Not have the combustion chambers ingest any cleaners. (I do believe the listed on the can ratio of Seafoam, into the GAS Tank, not the intake can be beneficial and not do any damage.
Carbs are best cleaned Off the bike. EFI Throttle bodies probably also, but a throttle body cleaner, used sparingly to un-gum sensors is something I would not hesitate to do.
HOWEVER, the best is to avoid gumming up the intake and the combustion chambers. Check out this video, you may find it interesting/useful. ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
KP
I am so glad I watched this particular video. I only have 2000 miles on my 2021 Heritage 114. After plans to install your external breather system this Spring, I thought, "Crap, why did I not know about this sooner?" Good to know the oily plaque will dissipate on it's own. Gives me peace of mind!
Good deal. We appreciate your business, and I know your bike will be very happy with this mod. 👍
I have always used Marvel Mystery Oil, around every 4 fill ups, never have had a build up problem, the Sea Foam is great as well! Good video guys😊
Thanks for sharing! Glad you like the video. Thank you for commenting! MB
Seafoam is amazing, I use it in all my small engines as well as my truck. Love it! 👍👍
It sure is! I've been amazed at how well it works when I occasionally get a bad tank of gas. 👍
How much seafoam should I run in my 2000 ultra classic with a full tank
Did you ever find out @@michaelhenderson2976
I’ve always been a fan of Marvel Mystery Oil after tearing down a V-8 with 700k miles and it looked like new inside.
Gonna have to look into that. Been decades since I've looked at MMO.
Long story short, my neighbor had a taxi he was selling, a 1970 something Buick Electra. Car had over 700k miles on it and had never been touched. Pulled the heads off and it looked like new inside. No carbon build up or anything. 1 quart every oil change and a cup in the gas every fill up. I use it on my truck and the wife’s car. Haven’t had the courage to put in one of the bikes yet.
@@DWinthekeys Wow. To make sure I understand. 1 Quart of MMO in the oil at every oil change, and 1 cup of MMO in the gas at every fill-up?
That was what we used in the car. I have no idea what would be the right amount in one of my bikes.
also in the old days we would put a small baby food jar full of AUTOMATIC tranny fluid in the cars gas tank. Helped keep everything clean and lifters lubed.@@DKCustomProducts
I use Lucas Fuel Treatment in every machine I have. Also ordered EBS for my new to me 2012 Heritage Classic, 16000 miles on it.
Awesome! Congrats on your new to you Heritage! I know you will enjoy the benefits of having the EBS installed. Thank you for your business and for commenting! 😎MB
Thanks for this video. I just bout a 2010 Tri-Glide with 7100 miles on it and was thinking about running some Sea Foam thru it just to be safe. After watching this video of the M8 with 5000 miles, it's a no brainer.
I'm also gonna install an external breather. Thanks again.
Glad you found the video interesting/useful. 👍😎👍
I've had good experience using Sea Foam when I've gotten bad gas.
I believe you will be very pleased with an External Breather System. KP
Feel free to email or call with any questions:
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Thanks for the info. Makes me feel a little better about my recent purchase of a 2020 Street Bob with 8600 miles on it.
👍😎👍
I have heard repeated use of octane booster’s can cause issues as well. I think Kevin Baxter mentioned it in a video. I have never heard it before.
Yeah, I fiddled with octane booster some. Don't use them regularly, best not too.
I bore scoped my twin cam at 35,000mi and it honestly wasn’t too terrible! Still adding an external breather and cleaning what I can. My road glide has mostly interstate miles so that may contribute to the lack of buildup thus far. Going to an AN big sucker intake while I’m there.
Here is a video where we did a dyno run with our 606 Air Cleaner and the Big Sucker. They both use the same Filter element, but the 606 get better horse power and torque than the Big Sucker - ruclips.net/video/Z2y2-MQrGO8/видео.html
The 606 comes with an EBS and our Air Cleaner back plates are made to be compatible with all of our breather kits so you will not need to drill and tap or plug any holes on your backplate.
You can see the 606 Air Cleaners that we offer here - www.dkcustomproducts.com/twin-cam-model-hiflow-606-air-cleaners-complete-systems-c643-309.htm
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have;
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Thank you for commenting! MB
Video did help and I wish this was 20 years ago. Thank you.
Thanks for the comment, glad to hear you're finding the videos useful/interesting.
Ebs is the way to go. Thanks guys
Thanks for the comment. 👍😎👍
I have a 2011 Fatboy and I installed the air intake and the brass breather bolts from DKCustom and a couple of months ago I got me a 2015 Ultra Limited with 43,000 miles and my first mod was the DKCustom air intake at the EBS connected to the small K&N filter. The old OEM filter was very dirty and seems like it was never changed or clean. I will try the Seafoam and see if it helps with the cleaning of the carbon build up.
Congrats on your new ride! 👍👍
Thank you for your business, we appreciate it, and good to hear you are enjoying the benefits.
Yeah, the Seafoam will help clean things up.
Seafoam is good stuff. I also use it for long term storage, here in the Rockies.
Watch project farm’s video about fuel stabilizers. I guarantee you’ll switch to something else for storage after
👍
Share with us. I don't store my bikes, ride year round. But for those who do set aside gas, or put their bikes up for winter, what is suggested?
In the 70,s we use to use a puff bottle with a little water in it & you take the air filter off you just puff a little past the intake while the bike is revving a little .you could see the smoke come out the exhaust .this was a quick decoak on side valves .
Not much has changed as far as getting the Carbon off the intake! lol 👍
Thanks for commenting! 😎
I did my own external breather 3 brass fittings and fuel line i took a foto of my pistons with a scope then poured an entire can of sea foam in tank after filling up left for sturgis when I got home 4000 miles later much better 1.2 HP better on the Dyno 2012 FLHTC
Good Deal! 👍😎👍
You can mount all the Aircleaner kits and External breather systems in the world, but if your Valvetrain and Valveguides are screwed it won’t help a damn thing. That’s why a proper warm up of the Engine and Oil is so crucial,.. all the Metal-tolerances has expanded and reached the “operating stage” and now you have less resistance and best fuel burn. But yes,..I also have an external breather system and it undoubtedly helps avoiding carbon buildup. If you are unsure you have a nasty buildup, get a Flex-camera…unscrew the sparkplugs and you stick it down. I have done that many times, and yes I know that some sparkplug holes could be too small…but then maybe you could get an adapter. However,..it’s always interesting to see and follow how much gunk and debris a good old Seafoam treatment can blast out. It IS actually working 👌🏻😉.
that's why some of these guys that have the big bore m8's are having
problems they dont warm them up correctly with the 2618 forged pistons
and scor the cylinders.
As sure as Amen in the Church 😂👍🏻
Yes, warm up is important. Back in the carb days, it was easier to wait til they were warmed up, what with the choke (enrichener) sort of keeping you from just hopping on and taking off.
Great advice on the external breather and flex-camera.
Thanks for the add. 👍😎👍
I swear by sea foam. The stuff is magic.
Agreed. I've been amazed at how well it works when I get a bad tank of gas.
Star Tron been using it for years so far very pleased
Thanks for the add. 👍😎👍
I cleaned so much blow by out of my intake and inside of my throttle body before installing my EBS then I used Redline fuel system cleaner in my fuel and bike runs so much better.
Glad you got that done for your bike and it's running better for you.
We appreciate your business, and comment here. 👍😎👍
marvel mystery oil is like a consecrated version of seafome but affordable enough to add 2oz at every fill up and that's how I fight the war against corbin and upper cylinder wear!
I prefer to not have a war on carbon by using an External Breather System.
MM is something that may be useful in addition...we have not tested it. But, we may, since so many people have been positive about it.
Sea foam is a lifesaver!!!
Agreed, has saved me on the road a few times when I got some bad gas. 👍😎👍
I use Sea Foam as a gasoline stabilizer. I live in Iowa and the bike sits during the winter.
Glad it is working for you. 👍
You guy’s always put out great info on your videos thanks for sharing your knowledge! I’ve tried about every gas cleaning additive there is and the only two I’ve found to work is Seafoam and Royal Purple and Seafoam has been the best so far.
Thanks man, glad your finding the videos useful/interesting.
Thanks for sharing your experience, great add. 👍😎👍
Just the info I needed since I just setup an external breather and was wondering how to get the existing crap cleaned out!
Harley-Davidson should be ashamed of their stock setup sometimes… 🙄
They have to do it for the EPA.
love this channel,plenty of helpful tips to help keep you and your HOG on the road. KEEP IT UP GENT'S
Thank you, appreciate the comment, and good to hear you are finding the videos useful/interesting. 👍😎👍
Remember knowledge is power. And you boys know your stuff .keep it up.
@@philipwoodacre1644 Thanks man!
I have been using the breather bolts I got from you for about a year now. I recently had to remove the front head and cylinder. The piston has a lot of carbon on it. Unless I misunderstand something, just riding the bike has not eliminated the buildup. Just thought I would pass that along. Of course, having 80,000 miles on the bike may have something to do with it.
Yeah, sometimes just riding will NOT clean out all the carbon build up.
Sometimes the bikes are tuned a bit rich and even without the oil going in there they will build up carbon deposits in the combustion chambers.
KP
like a few others was starting to wonder about that thanks much
Glad you like the video and found it helpful! Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB
I have been using Seafoam in my cages by adding at every oil change and can feel the difference of smoother idle, throttle tip in response, and transmission shift quality after burning that tank of fuel. I was wondering about using it in the bikes and think I will add some every 4 tanks of fuel. I don't think it will hurt anything.
Good deal, thank you for sharing. 👍
I haven’t had any success with running it to get rid of carbon. I bought a Endoscope camera on Amazon that connects to my iPhone so I pull the spark plugs and check the build up regularly. What would be a good test for you to do, and post about is taking pistons that have carbon buildup and test what products can dissolve it so it can be sucked out with a bleeder hose. I’m guessing you may have some old pistons you could use.
Why?
Why not have no carbon build up to begin with.
Time is better spent creating a cleaner engine than keep getting it dirty and spending time looking how to clean over and over again.
Here's a video you may find interesting/useful- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
KP
That M8 piston was nothing. You should have seen my 2005 Twin Cam after the Harley valve seals failed at 10,571 miles. Since then I have been using a product called Mix-I-Go. Use 1/2oz per 5gallons every tank. Very little carbon. Plus it keeps the injectors clean, removes water in the fuel and helps the octane while stabilizing the fuel. Then I put your breather on and there is even less carbon.
Good to hear you got it worked out on a going forward basis. 👍😎👍
Thank you for your business, we appreciate it!
I just ordered an EBS system along with a complete 606 air fliter for my 2016 Tri Glide.....Man I really want to defund the EPA!
I hear you! I think you will be well pleased with the EBS and Air Cleaner. Thank you for your business and for commenting! MB
As usual, great information. Thanks, guys!
Thanks for watching, and for the good words. 👍😎👍
I'm surprised you guys did not mention anything about the seafoam spray that they have.
Never used it. I prefer to put SF into the gas tank, unless absolutely necessary to clean the throttle body, while it is on the bike. 👍
Good information, much appreciated.
Glad it was helpful! Here is another video you may find interesting - ruclips.net/video/FbnI2V7A2c0/видео.html
I use Sta-nil fuel treatment to clean and remove water from my fuel tank.
Good stuff for that! I've used a lot of that over the years in stored fuel tanks!
That piston with 5k on it looks more like oil with carbon, I had pistons like that and it was because rings failed and cylinders glazed, if rings sit properly you should have any blow by really
Yes, there is a lot of carbon on there, along with a lot of weight oil that has not yet turned into hard carbon deposits.
Agree with you, could definitely come from a variety of causes, out of round cylinders, improperly installed rings (at the factory) are two that are being seen on a larger than normal amount of M8's.
There will always be blow-by/crankcase pressure. Even the best built engines are going to see 2-3% get past the rings, which goes into the crankcase, then thru the breather system, and into the intake.
Here are a couple of videos that you may find interesting-
Why an EBS improves performance- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
Leakdown Test- ruclips.net/video/gojpttZQjKk/видео.html
Never had good luck using Seafoam for my injected BMW Classic K. Had to use the stuff with PEA in it, but then went to adding a few ounces of ATF in the tank quite often. For carbon, how about spraying water into the carb at a fast idle? Will that steam clean the combustion chamber and valves?
We suggest using a Throttle Body and Air Intake cleaner to clean the build up off of the pistons or just letting it burn off naturally on its on.
Thanks for commenting! MB
I know m8 were having a problem that lead to the external breather but I put one on my big twin and it don't seem like it's doing anything external breather made by fueling
That vent made by fueling is not what we are talking about when we talk about an External Breather System. Check out this video- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
The vent that fueling and some others make is to try and stop the earlier M8's from sumping. Better way to take care of that potential of sumping is to get the newer oil pump from Harley (came out in late 2020) or from fueling.
Thanks guys!
👍😎👍
Thanks for the video
Thanks for the comment, and glad you found the video useful/interesting. 👍😎👍
So I bought a used bike and my question is this.
Which is a better system.
Catch can or filter coming from oil filler ?
They both work just as good as the other. If your bike is an older Twin Cam it will spit more than the M8. Having a catch can will contain all the oil and takes cleaning every 5k miles or so. The filter will just be sprayed off when you clean your bike. It is a personal preference as to which will meet your needs. Here is a video where we discuss the differences between the Catch Can and Filter - ruclips.net/video/WVZbsLPzmZk/видео.html
Please feel free to contact us with any questions;
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Thank you for commenting! 😎MB
I have a 2019 street glide special with 63k miles. I have never had a problem with her and I don't have an EBS and don't plan to get one. Should I still use Sea Foam every so often? Thanks.
Won’t hurt it. I have never owned one that new. I put 1-ish ounce per gallon on the first fill up of a month.
I would do something. Would have to think about it...never considered not running an EBS. Like mln427 says, won't hurt it, but I don't know if there is something better to use if one was to knowingly continue putting that hot, oily, oxygen depleted air into their throttle body and combustion chambers.
👍
What's your thoughts on a vented transmission cover with or instead of an e.b.s.?
Vented dipsticks and transmission cover vents do NOT take the place of the breathers. There is still hot, oily, oxygen depleted air being fed into the intake. The folks that sell vented dipsticks and trans cover vents, have it right in their tech notes that they do not prevent all that crap from going into your intake.
The only way to completely eliminate all hot, oily, oxygen depleted air from going into the combustion chambers (thru the throttle body) is with an External Breather System.
IF you have an older M8, with the older oil pump and you are concerned about sumping...OR, IF you have a built engine with higher compression, then it may be beneficial to do an EBS And a vented dipstick or trans cover vent.
@@DKCustomProducts Thank you for your response. 2020 Fat Bob here. Gonna be looking at your ebs options.
@@jkmoa415 Good deal, thanks for watching!
one of these days they are gonna make a engine system that sprays high pressure rinse in the entire wall of the cylinder and a high prssure vacuum that releases it to the bottom of the bike. squeaky clean engine. probably would make the bike cost 30 grand tho (not while its running or driving, but when its off and it self maintains itself)
Interesting thought. Thanks for commenting. 👍
A friend of mine constant problems with his 1998 Heritage running poor i put a whole can in his tank when he wasn't looking guess what YUP its running much better
Lol maybe you won't have to sneak it next time!!! 😂
Fantastic info DK, kevin how many oz. Of sea foam in a 6gal. Tank?
Reading my can. General cleaning and fuel stabilizer for storage is one ounce per gallon. For cleaning it said 2 (or more) ounces per gallon.
What mln427 said. 👍
Thanks for answering before we did. 👍
What motor oils does Kevin suggest for a complete 3 hole oil change on a 2010 Tri Glide 103 cu. in. ? 7500 miles on trike, seems to have noisy top end and loud shifting of gears. THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Hey Edward, there are 3 things to keep in mind when choosing the best oil for you.
(1) Run your oil at the correct level. Half way between the add a quart mark and the full mark.
(2) Run the correct weight for the lowest ambient temperature you ride in.
(3) Do not let your oil get too hot. Once the oil gets over 230° it starts cooking the additives out of the oil.
Kevin runs Redline in his engine. He says he uses it because it is the oil that he has found to help the most with top end chatter.
He uses Redline ShockProof oil in his transmission.
He uses Syn3 in his primary. He says that his clutch has never been smoother since he started using Syn3.
Here is a video on oil that we've made that you may find interesting/useful - ruclips.net/video/bNHgNThrqQo/видео.html
Thank you for commenting! MB
Sea foam has nothing on amsoil powerfoam. Had to use powerfoam to remove stuck carbs and clean out jets and bowls in old rx7 carbs with gunned up premixed fuel. It stinks like mad but just try it.
Best to never build up any carbon by using an EBS from day one. Even if one has carbon build up, Ride It, it will burn off.
But sometimes, on a used ride, it is unavoidable. Glad you are liking your powerfoam. 👍
I had soaked the Nikki carb in sea foam first because I knew it was a good product. However using a qtip to clean down inside the bowls just led to a gummy mess. The old premix and varnished fuel literally was gluing the throttle shut - I thought I was going to break the throttle cable! Powerfoam did it’s thing, and it rinsed out with hot water. I’d highly recommend trying it out to clean an ethanol clogged carb or anything that’s been setting for a long time.
@@joelhardin4093 Thanks for sharing your experience! Much appreciated. 👍
Great information
Glad it was helpful! Thanks! 👍😎👍
Seeing old dirty engines having turbos added, still dirty, then adding methanol injection, and everything gets super clean, makes me wonder about jist squirting some in.
It is definitely what some folks do. I don't like it on the off chance that a piece will break loose and cause damage.
Great info.
Glad you like it! Thank you for commenting! MB
Nice video guys!
So i have question about the vents going directly in the ac. If i have the stock ac there is a filterelement between intake and engine breather. Does the filterelemt already helps filter out the nasty oily air?
Stay safe
If it is inside your Air Cleaner it is not filtering out the air as much as it can. The breather needs to be outside of the Air Cleaner for the best results.
Thanks for commenting! MB
would you only use the Sea Foam in your gas or in your oil as well.
I have used Sea Foam periodically, per the instructions, when I've gotten some bad fuel. Never had an issue with my bikes with cats or without cats.
Sea Foam Spray is made from 100% safe petroleum cleaning and lubricating ingredients, so it can’t harm sensors, the catalytic converter, or anything else. Sea Foam Spray is used up in the combustion chamber so it’s all vaporized with the hot exhaust as everything is sent toward the tailpipe.
Thank you for commenting! MB
I use seafoam in my bike. Is there a certain amount you put in the gas tank, or do you just dump the whole bottle in there I've been told different things and I've always wondered.
I would look at the bottle and follow the instructions on it as far as ratio of ounces of Sea Foam to gallons of gas.
What if I take the spark plugs off and spray the piston directly with carburetor cleaner?
I would never do that...in this video, at the 2:45 mark I talk about the danger in doing something less aggressive than spraying the pistons directly with a cleaner...this danger goes up dramatically. Check out the video again, especially starting at the 2:45 mark.
Do y’all make a EBS that I can install on my twin cam and keep it as close to stock! I don’t want to have to put a EFI programmer on it.
To tell you what EBS will work with your set up we will need to know what Air Cleaner you have.
You can look at this link to a written report on how to choose the correct EBS for you- www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-external-breather-systems-ebs.htm
or
you can contact our Customer Service and they will help you choose the correct EBS for your setup;
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Thank you for commenting!
My brother swears by Marvel Mystery Oil for cleaning the carbon off the pistons. What's your take?
Never tried it.
Great information! Thank y’all!
Thanks for the comment, and good to hear you are finding the videos useful/interesting. 👍😎👍
I have a Screaming Eagle large flow air cleaner on my 2015 Road Glide. With this type of air cleaner system, does that mean I have no options to install an (EBS) external breather system????
We do make External Breather Systems for SE air cleaners. You can see them at this link- www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-496.htm
And here is a video showing an install of one- ruclips.net/video/uAmPC_kglJk/видео.html
I don't grasp the difference between my M8 117's stock breather which is external ad you talking about external breathing systems. Know what I'm saying?
The stock M8 107, 114, and 117 all push the hot, oily, oxygen depleted air thru the throttle body and into the combustion chambers. This reduces power, reduces engine longevity and results in tune instability. Here is a link to a video that explains the difference between your stock breather and an External Breather System- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
Back when lead was on the gas we would just put a trickle of water down the carb throat of old cars. On a bike I would suggest just a spray bottle to squirt some water in......steam will break up the carbon......you will see it come out the tailpipe.
If you get all that hot oily oxygen depleted air out of your intake the carbon build up will stop and eventually burn off on its on. Yes there are lots of ways to clean the carbon off this was just a video about how we clean it off and how we suggest that it be cleaned off.
Thank you for commenting! 👍 MB
Is this for bikes that ONLY have external breather systems? I have a 07 street glide with 31,000 miles and I noticed a light black puff of smoke during my winter month start ups and I don’t have external breathers
Bikes that have External Breather Systems do not have the oily buildup to be cleaned out that bikes without an EBS get. Bikes that do NOT have an EBS will benefit more from this.
You may find this video interesting/useful- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
What about the piston’s with all the build up that have been running external breather’s ?? There are many on the forums that ran external breather set up’s that still get a lot of carbon build up. I am on the fence about installing the external breather as my 114 does not puke or burn any oil.
I have not seen a *lot* of build up on pistons that run an EBS. If there is build-up, I would be very curious to know what was causing it (gas will not create a lot of build-up) and fix that.
Regarding your non-spitting M8, that is great that there is little to no oil. But getting rid of the oil is only one of three reasons to run an EBS.
The other two reasons are:
-Getting rid of the hot air, engines run better, the cooler the intake air
-Getting rid of the oxygen depleted air, the more oxygen in the air, the more power
You may find the following video link useful/interesting- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
btw, vented dipsticks and transmission covers are not an EBS, they still let some hot, oily, oxygen depleted air pass into the intake and combustion chambers.
how can you tell if you have lots of carbon buildup on your pistons other than taking the motor apart?? Is that the only way??
Borescope into the spark plug hole.
KP
@@DKCustomProducts Didn't think of that. great idea. thanks for the quick response
You are most welcome! 👍😎👍 MB
I asked this question on another post, what I can use EBS for Arlen Ness heavy breather ?
Hi Alex,
I do apologize if you asked this question previously and it was not answered.
I am not sure which AN system you are refering to as a "Heavy Breather" but if the breather bolts are a hex or allen head, that system would require modifications using the DIY kits found here...
www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-537.htm
The install procedure can be seen here...
www.dkcustomproducts.com/acl/diy-external-breather-system.htm
If they are not hex or allen head, please send a photo, link, or part number of the Arlen Ness air cleaner you have to our Customer Service and they will help you further;
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
Thank you for commenting! MB
Thanks for getting back to me I have the Arlen Ness Sidekick Air Cleaner
Yes, that Arlen Ness AC would need a DIY kit seen at the link below;
www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-537.htm
The install procedure can be seen here...
www.dkcustomproducts.com/acl/diy-external-breather-system.htm
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have;
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Thank you for commenting! MB
Seafoam goes in my bike during the winter months
👍😎👍
But first, Id like to seen some carbon build up verification method and technics for those wondering how much they have, besides head removal
Some folks use a borescope hooked up to their phone. Fairly inexpensive, and interesting to look.
Here is a link to a written report that you may find interesting, plenty or photos and some videos that you may find useful. www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-external-breather-systems-ebs.htm
What kind of EBS system I should use with an Arlen Ness Air filter?
Thanks for looking at our parts. 👍
Any of the DIY systems will work with an AN BS intake. You can see them here- www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-502.htm
Feel free to email or call with any questions.
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Hey guys! Thanks for the content as always. What do you recommend for my 2016 Dyna Low Rider S w/ the Screamin Eagle breather? Bike only has 2600 miles, and that intake is oily.
Thank you for the comment and question. Glad you're liking the videos.
You can either get an air cleaner that is made for an External Breather System, like what is linked here- www.dkcustomproducts.com/air-cleaner-intake-c10-361.htm
Or you can add a breather to your SE A/C. Here is a video on how- ruclips.net/video/uAmPC_kglJk/видео.html
Here is a link to the different kits available- www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-502.htm
Do you guys sell a catch can kit that will work with the stock intake on my 2022 road glide ST (heavy breather intake)?
I believe that that Air Cleaner would require modifications using the DIY kits found here...
www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-305.htm
The install procedure can be seen here...
www.dkcustomproducts.com/acl/diy-external-breather-system.htm
You can also take a look at our report we made on choosing the correct EBS for your Air Cleaner at this link -www.dkcustomproducts.com/getting-the-right-external-breather-systems-ebs-for-your-bike.htm
OR
Here is a video on choosing the correct EBS - ruclips.net/video/85jEZjX6Dhw/видео.html
Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions;
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Thanks for commenting! MB
Hey guys, just seen the video. Can I install the external breather system on my M8 EFI? What mods do I need to do and use? Could you send me a link to products to purshase?
You would need to email our Customer service team pictures of your backplate and Air Cleaner so that they can see what EBS will work with your setup!
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
We will gladly help you choose what EBS you will need!
Thanks for commenting!😎
Ride in heavy rain. The water getting into your intake will steam the carbon off. I have also misted with water and a spray bottle.
Great point! Thanks for the comment and insight!
I got a question sir, i just bought my first Harley used,well it seems to stall at on tskeoff, kinda poofs though throttle body also could this be my problem to being dirty,?
It is near impossible to diagnose something when not in person. Sounds like it could be a too lean condition, or even some bad gas.
Well, I talked to a mechanic in my area , he said he d bet money a vacuum leak, he said this things are nortouis for that
Yes, a vacuum leak would make a too lean condition.
Thank you, I also heard the same thing, thanks again for yt reply
Do you guys have a kit for arleen ness monster sucker? I always see them for the big suckers but didn't know if they have the same backing plate as the monster sucker. Bike is a 15 fxdb.
I am 90% sure that the EBS at the following link will work. But double check with Dwayne or Natalie at the contact info below to make 100% sure.
www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-494.htm
Contact info:
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
The Minute you change to an External Breather its going to run better
It definitely helps when your bike can breath! Glad you are liking your EBS!
Thanks for commenting!
So do you have to retune the bike after putting on Ebs and air filter from you guy?
It depends on what year and model bike you have.
If it is an M8, no retune is needed.
If it is a Sportster or Twin Cam and still has the OEM tune, it needs to be richened up, even if not adding an EBS and free flowing air cleaner.
If it is a Sportster or Twin Cam and already has a free flowing air cleaner, and already has a good tune, then you should be good to go.
Check out these videos, you may find them helpful/interesting.
ruclips.net/video/2BpGbBnfMkY/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/0vbTkRvFa80/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/gOeJ6Mx_mQo/видео.html
Feel free to email or call with any questions.
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
@@DKCustomProducts 2016 ultra limited
@@charlesmc1841 Yes, you would benefit from retuning that bike, regardless off air cleaner & EBS.
@@DKCustomProducts my local shop is about 15 mile from me will it hurt the engine if i do the EBS and high flo air filter then ride it to the shop to get retuned?
It will not. 15 miles is not enough for it to even be fully warmed up. You're good to go on that.
Curious about that M8 wiht 5000 miles, would you say that's abnormal and maybe he was overfilling oil or something. Cuz it shouldnt be that bad right? Not saying that an EBS is not worth it, I've already ordered mine from DK and should arrive this week. Just curious if you know a little more details about that piston build up.
Yes, that is more than is typically seen on an M8 at 5000 miles. Could have been the way he rode, or could have been the conditions he rode in, or it could have been bad OEM cylinders or faulty piston ring installation at the factory.
That said, while it is not typical, it is not rare either. We have seen many like that (not all).
M8's have had some problems with rings installed wrong at the factory, they have also had some problems with out of round cylinders.
Sorry we do not know more about what the actual root problem with his was. because he replaced cylinders, pistons and rings with a big bore kit.
Always feel free to email or call with any questions. We appreciate your business, and I believe you will be well pleased with your EBS.
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
My 2019 had to have a complete top end rebuild with only 13,000 miles on it. Carbon building up was so bad it was making a noise from the piston hitting. The piston rings were installed wrong from the factory. Had to fight like heck to get the extended warranty to pay for it. They said carbon build up is not covered. Wasn’t until I brought up the rings being wrong from the factory that they covered the work. I now have an external breather and vented dip stick. 😢
Does this do the same thing as a trask transmission top cover?
It does Not. Only an External Breather System, like seen in the link below, completely eliminate all hot, oily, oxygen depleted air from going into the combustion chambers.
www.dkcustomproducts.com/breather-systems-c21.htm
Vented dipsticks and transmission cover vents do NOT take the place of the breathers.
There is still hot, oily, oxygen depleted air being fed into the intake.
The folks that sell vented dipsticks and trans cover vents, have it right in their product description that they do not prevent all that crap from going into your intake.
Here is a copy and paste from the Trask website- "This will reduce the oil exiting from the head breathers..."
IF you have an older M8, with the older oil pump and you are concerned about sumping...OR, IF you have a built engine with higher compression, then it may be beneficial to do an EBS And a vented dipstick or trans cover vent.
@DKCustomProducts I got you. What part of the engine do the vented bolts actually vent?
@@hughjanus590 Here is a video showing the way HD's venting system is routed- ruclips.net/video/x61yu0HKW5c/видео.html
6 oz of mystery oil with it does good things.
Yes, once you have an External Breather System installed, a lot of guys like the Marvel Mystery Oil. It has been decades since I used any. I cannot speak to whether it removes build up or not.
Thank you for commenting! KP
I have a 2022 SgS and took off the stock air intake. I went with the Arlen Ness 90 Degree Monster Sucker. I noticed that I no longer have the tubes that came off the engine heads that would redirect the oil back into the air intake. Where is this oil going now. Also now that I don't have the hoses to do that, am I going to cause an issue for the bike?
With the Arlen Ness 90° Monster Sucker from what I can tell the hot oily oxygen depleted air is going back into the intake.
We do have a DIY external breather kit you can use with Air Cleaner, but it does mean drilling into the stand offs and tapping them and routing the hose from there.
Here is a link to the DIY systems that we offer -www.dkcustomproducts.com/diy-external-breather-systems-548.htm
Although this video link I am about to share with you is not the same Air Cleaner the installation process if very similar and the the video may be helpful- ruclips.net/video/uAmPC_kglJk/видео.html
Please feel free to contact us with any questions;
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Thanks for commenting! MB
@@DKCustomProducts I am hoping I don't have any issues...I have had the intake and filter checked several times after long hard rides and I get little to no oil residue in the breather entrance or around where it would come in anyway....so nothing right now.
Even if you do not see any oil, the air is still hot and oxygen depleted.
You may find these two videos interesting/useful-
ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
Even though this next video seems to be only about exhaust....there is a very relevant part where we talk about the importance of the intake charge- ruclips.net/video/nB0XDQVjH9Y/видео.html
How not to get carbon = venting crankcase vapors to atmosphere not the intake. That also phuques up MANY thousands of car and truck intake manifold passages where the goo bakes into sludge. HD crankcase venting problems were solved before WWII and dumping oily vapor into a perfectly good combustion chamber just inflicts what piston rings and valve seals exist to prevent.
Yep, it is crazy how government agencies think they are reducing pollution by venting internally, when all it does it make things wear out prematurely, AND makes for worse MPG. So more parts have to be made (which causes more pollution than is saved from venting internally.)
Here is a video on the subject- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
I ruined a set of rings in a sportster (73 xlch) with to much seafoam so don't over do it with to much
Agreed, should run the amount recommended on the label, or less.
To each his own, my dealings with seafoam, I wouldn't put it in a push lawn mower.
Wow, sorry you have not had good experience with it. It has been very helpful to me on quite a few occasions.
To further my knowledge base, can you share what your dealings were with seafoam?
Thanks. 🏍
@@DKCustomProducts sure, I have a 1982 Honda goldwing aspencade and filled the carburetors with seafoam, the bike set for a while because I had some medical problems, I thought that'll be fine it'll just do a better job cleaning the carburetors, finally when getting back to the bike, I had to drain the crabs four or five times after filling them with gasoline. I finally got the bike started up and had to learn across the bike to get to the throttle and the bike was running very badly, I looked down at the muffler and it was cherry red, I switched off the bike and cooled it down with a fan . It ended up at a shop so I go to the shop when the carbs are dismantled and I was asked have you been running either (not sure about the spelling of that) the diagrams in the carburetors was kinda like tar. I guess I left the seafoam in to long. My bike is a Honda and a bike over 10 years old the Honda shops won't touch them. I guess I was lucky to find that shop. Anyway, after getting everything on the bike fixed or replaced I spent something like $4,100.00 on it and I did have to get the muffler recromed. The bike is in mint condition and right now if I could ride, I wouldn't be afraid to ride to California. I think the carburetors were probably about $1,000.00 to be rebuilt. Anyways, I really don't have anything against seafoam, I'm just afraid of it.
Thank you for the information. Very useful to know. 👍
I use seafoam about every 10-15 fillups
Not a bad routine! Thanks for commenting! 👍😎👍 MB
What is abs?
They are saying EBS and it stands for External Breather System. You can see a written report on the EBS at this link - www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-external-breather-systems-ebs.htm
Please feel free to contact us with any questions;
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB
Why can’t I just plug the breather holes coming out of the head before it gets to the intake of the carburetor
Because that is how crankcase pressure is vented. If you plug them you will blow seals and/or gaskets.
What you can, and should do, is get an EBS that stops that hot, oily, oxygen depleted air from routing into your intake. Here is a video on the subject you you may find useful- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
@@DKCustomProducts thank you for preventing me from making an expensive mistake!
Glad to help!!! Thanks for commenting!
i've seen many other vids about using seafoam and by far there are more that condem it than recommend it! ,,,,,just sayin
Yeah, I've seen a few vids and articles too. They never offer any proof, and just talk about what they like or what they think. Whereas, I have actually experienced the benefits of using it, and have seen many videos and reports where folks show the beneficial results.
Regarding breaking up carbon deposits on the pistons or in the throttle body....as stated in the video, better to use an EBS from the get go, but if you don't, just riding will eventually get rid of most of them, and if you want to speed it up, then use sea foam. For getting a bad tank of gas, it works Great!
Water misting down the intake while hot and running has been used for decades
Yep, I was taught to do that over half a century ago...and a lot of folks (most) do it with zero issues. Over the years I have seen only a couple that had a piece of carbon break loose and mess up a valve seat. My preference is to not have any build up to have to clean up. 👍
You may find this video useful/interesting- ruclips.net/video/EfDeFZblMck/видео.html
Seafoam? I’ve used it in many applications on a lot of engines and my experience using seafoam has brought minimal success as far as results. What I’ve found that works remarkably better believe it or not is Marvel Mystery oil. In the gas and in the oil. Yea, it may sound crazy but the MMO stopped all surging in my small engine and SeaFoam did absolutely squat. Just sayin. That engine is 25 yrs old and purrs like it did new. Just sayin.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that Marvel Mystery Oil has worked so well for you. Different products can yield varying results depending on the engine and situation, so it’s always helpful to hear what others have found effective. Your insight might help others looking for solutions! In this video we were just showing one way of helping burn off carbon build up. Thank you for sharing and for commenting! 👍 MB