DOC HARLEY: V-ROD AIR BREATHER BLUES

Doc Harley from the Service Clinic at Low Country Harley-Davidson to help you with the health of your motorcycle! This week he talks about Early V-Rod front air breather oil leaks.
SUBSCRIBE: / lowcountryharleydavidson
Doc Harley is a motorcycle technician at Low Country Harley-Davidson with over thirty years working on motorcycles. Over the years at the dealership he has worked on Harley-Davidson, Buell, and Triumph motorcycles with a few other brands here and there from trade-ins. There are thousands of how-to videos out on KZbin and other websites across the world. Doc’s goal is to help solve problems that people run into when using their service manual, share insights only found as a certified Harley® technician, and some of the tips he’s picked up over the years.
Wondering if Doc is real? Find out what’s happening throughout the week: / docharleylchd
What’s happening at LCHD? Check out our social media
Facebook: / lowcountryharleydavidson
Instagram: / lowcountryhd
Looking to upgrade: www.lowcountry...
Looking to meet Doc and the other members of the LCHD team? Visit us at:
Low Country Harley-Davidson, 4707 Dorchester Road, Charleston, SC 29405

[@daviddunn5264]

I don't even own a v-rod and it's still a great video. I wish HD still made them ... we had a state of the art HD factory in Kansas City, Missouri ... but no more 😕

[@dlat69]

Yes Doc is the man! My 2016 Muscle was showing the same build up, same area and had me concerned. Thanks for peace of mind because I've removed the lower air box changing plugs and battery. Yes more V-Rod videos please!

[@grahammason6466]

Me3

[@AMEXBLACK]

Thanks for the information. Recently bought a 2009 VRod Muscle. After putting her through her paces I saw some puddling of oil when I got back. No more then a few drops. When I traced it back to the breather location, I found your video and decided to tackle it myself. After opening it all up, it turned out that the brass breather tube HAD NO O-RING! Wow! Who knows if it was missing from factory or previous owner(s). So I went to auto part store, bought a variety pack and reassembled with the best o-ring. Haven't taken her out yet, but I doubt there would be any problems now. Thanks again!

[@Nikolay_Grigoryev]

I bought a used 2003 (Dec 2002) VRSCA. I don't know if it has been retrofitted but it does have a hose in that place and it is relatively easy to line up the airbox to the two hoses.

[@shaolinsaja8581]

Please keep the Vrod Videos coming! Very helpful.

[@rocket3me695]

YES! More Vrod videos please! Thank you Doc!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

👍 Thanks ~ Doc

[@rscrod]

check out rscrod

[@bluesriderDF]

Nice vid Doc. Very sad the V-Rod has been discontinued.

[@Mike-gp9tv]

I would like to buy a used v-rod and videos like this one help me become a knowledgeable buyer.

[@robertware8643]

I rode it 100 miles it didn’t die and the head light didn’t dim. I put it on a trickle charge right when I got back. It completed the charge in a few minutes

[@cjmueller5455]

I would have never figured that out. My guess would be gaskets

[@jackwood2328]

I already replaced a rear breather whole pipe because it was perished. Time to do the front and prevent this. Thanks Doc...!

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

Best bike harley ever made.

[@jonnycando]

HD gonna get back to building them some day I bet!

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

@@jonnycando they should. It was a different market.

[@rscrod]

Check rscrod on KZbin

[@rscrod]

Doc you need to look at the manual on vrods. Watch videos diy, at, rscrod You will need to remove the front and rear stock hoses and press fittings for the hoses. The updated hoses fit like a glove and you will never leak again. Always align the front hose first after you upgrade. The upgrade is a cheap fix and highly recommend to get rid of the oil leak.

[@hdVRODridersCH]

Harley-Davidson V-Rod is so exciting! V-Rod's engine becomes a Porsche at high revs!

[@Mytwistedvoices]

You should cover the later breather tubes as well. They are either splitting and show oil on the cylinder or they get reinstalled incorrectly. Pretty much do the same thing your showing us right here. Thanks for the video!

[@edharbas4828]

Thanks, Doc. Will definitely keep a closer watch on our 2003 VRSC breather system. If an upgrade to an 2005 system breather, as you mention, is an option would it detract significantly from the bike's future heritage value? Thoroughly enjoy and endorse all that wonderful information through the presentation of your videos, it's better than manna from heaven. Cheers, Ed.

[@41BeachComber]

Good info on that problem. Great video explaining it too.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks 👍...Doc

[@charlieryan1736]

Thanks for a video featuring the VROD 👍🏻

[@moooooooooooooony]

We need more vrod videos Doc.. mine is sputtering from rpm 4k to rpm 5k on 1/4 throttle on every gear

[@rws4353]

Sputtering sounds like a fuel pressure problem. My 2003 V-Rod had a similar problem due to a pin hole in the cross-over tube between the fuel pump and fuel filter.

[@SlightlyLessFat]

I have a 14 Muscle and it's the same. I just noticed oil on my right side (sitting on the bike) a small bit of oil. And yup. Exactly this. It's kinda made a mess of things with oil. It started on a longer road trip and didn't notice till I got home. Gonna change it all out. Seems like I can still get most parts for my bike.

[@robs9324]

I have a 2013 night rod. It still has that standing tube. Did Harley revert back to the tube?

[@d3ag13]

I have an 05 vrsca and mine has the brass shell tube. Rear breather hose split on me the other day too which took me a while to find out that was the case due to oil leaking on the pipes.

[@mjagai1844]

Thanks Doc, this was very nice of you. Now I have to figure out why my 2009 vrod will not start. The battery is good but the light keep flashing

[@41BeachComber]

I have a 2003 model with 29,000 miles so far no leaks.

[@maxheadroom8097]

I have a 2012 10 year anniversary v rod and still kind of get the same thing but not as bad

[@laburranews9020]

Thank you for this help Doc Harley!

[@tulbanemoore8405]

Awesome, very useful info...thanks for sharing!

[@metalbob3335]

That almost looks like a Creedmore shell casing lol nice.

[@rscrod]

The older vrods should update to newer year system. On the newer ones the part that goes over the bullet lol...has a smaller and tighter fit. It tapers. If you change oring and still leaks from front cylinder, push bullet in and add hd grey rtv in hole with qtips. Let it dry over night. Good to go

[@recub13]

I had an 09 vrod with that exact issue. Looked exactly the same too. I don’t recall it being any different. I think the the heat makes the o-ring go bad. You have to be very careful reinstalling just as you mention. Not a great design.

[@josen1320]

My 2006 has the "rifle shell" breather tube design too. I don't think H-D ever redesigned it. My DOHC cylinder heads don't have "rockers" either, just cams.

[@recub13]

Jose Navarrete yeah the vrod is overhead cam. I think he may have misspoke or isn’t all that familiar with the vrods which surprises me.

[@cagataydemiran5407]

Thanks Doc. Harley from Turkey. I have a problem about my 2010 vrscdx front cylinder breather shell's rubber o-ring and I cannot find o-ring oem part in my country (official Harley Davidson services dont have any). Do you have a scale about this o-ring? i dont have a chance to find it. I must find another same size o-ring. Thanks for read.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

HD 11391K O-Ring measures ID 11.00mm, OD 15.80mm, height 2.50. The US O-ring that comes close is a 568-111 ( .424x.103)…..Doc

[@cagataydemiran5407]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson You are awesome. 👍 Thank You Doc.

[@CarlosEduardo-ed8zh]

Parabéns! Seus vídeos são ótimos.

[@moonlightsoldier8443]

I use a wooden skewer to guide the front breather

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for the tech tip….Doc

[@stevechoi7837]

Great educational videos. Thanks. I am one of those who need mid controller. No one can find it any more due to discontinued production by HD. Any suggestion or information about switching foward to mid parts land labor?..Please?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

A used set of 2006 controls. BL and Breathless Performance Products and Eurocomponents.....Doc

[@stevechoi7837]

Oh yeah? You got one? Or do you know who has it? Mine is 2005 CVO model with two pipe chrome exhaust. I am interested to buy it if it is surely compatible.

[@andreypolyakov529]

What is the part number of the breather O ring? I Have the same problem with oil leaking.

[@kevincraig8257]

That is one kwel bike never thought I cared for the vrod in the past draft tubes are a thing of the past they worked very well though

[@shotgunscott]

Can attest that those air breathers can cause oil seepage.

[@patrickbragisson7370]

Could you guys possibly do a video on the dreaded brake light switch on the 2002-2005 Vrods? There is no video showing how to properly replace on KZbin

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

That's cause we know you are working on your V-rod with a Factory Service Manual.Right?....Doc

[@patrickbragisson7370]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I actually didn’t receive my manual when I bought the bike. New ones are more than I’m willing to pay, and can’t even find a PDF file. Sadly, I have to rely completely on forums and KZbin videos

[@jobeta22]

Excellent video as always. Thanks Doc and Low Country.

[@jaymcdonald9514]

Thanks Doc! This was very helpful.

[@vanislandsteve]

Don’t have a Vrod but great advice.

[@mikefarmer2121]

had 03 12 yrs now, breather sucks, literally. The front tube was easy but the short back tube with clamp was impossible almost. in 18, bought a 05 Road Rod, soon as I saw the extended breather TUBE, I ordered it for my 03, so much easier!!!! you can just scoot the lower box over to work in there. Your welcome...

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you....Doc

[@BeaverDaveECV]

I wasn't sure how to get a message to you about a different issue. I commented on another one of your videos but it probably had too many posts and it got lost. I have a 2009 Electra glide Classic. And I wanted to know if I can add GPS to my stereo system. It's the stock system from that year. And also if I did add the factory type GPS would it be worth the money? Or is there a better system that I can use. Love your videos even once it don't apply to my bike but it's interesting. Hope to hear back from you.

[@leonpascos2284]

Have you ever made any vedios on a 2015 road king ?

[@hals5793]

Your info is wrong. The rifle shell was the improvement. The 2002 and 2003 had a straight heater hose type fitting in the head. The head still uses the same location and no different front cam cover as stated.

[@Cris-ot5zm]

Can you help me with the sku part numbers for the rubber ring and the front hose breather please? I was trying to look for it but I can't find it. Thanks!! Great video!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

11391K is O-ring 29504-05A front tube Thanks ~ Doc

[@jaimeb.384]

Any steps needed to store a Vrod for summer?

[@aircooled2068]

Buell and v rod coolest bikes ever!

[@robertware8643]

I’m going to do a fuse check first

[@ShakemanCamaro]

Doc, is it of the utmost importance to change the gasket that sits between the intake and the breather box? Mine appears in the same shape as the bike you're working on. Not in the best of shape. Can I go without? Great video 👍

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Gaskets help seal the space between 2 harder surfaces. If you go without you run the risk of a leak. In this case it would be unfiltered air going into your intake.

[@intelin123]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson causing what?

[@martinhallberg2283]

I have a 2016 nrs, and mine look like the one in the video, not a hose from the top rocker.

[@harleycrasher8396]

My v rod blew 2 crank case hoses and oil and white smoke all down the highway. Used thicker rubber fuel hose and clamps and never did it again. Other than that fat ass rear tire wearing out so fast it was a fun bike.

[@night_shade1x]

Cant figure out this issue I have. Bike lags boggs out in 4th and 5th gear until im on the throttle hard. my local harley shop wants me to dyno it and thats expensive. Do you think putting a new air cleaner on it would help? it has slipon Vance and Hines pipes. Not sure what to do any help is appreciated

[@ralphfogle1662]

You might want to get the ecm flashed for the proper fuel mixture for those pipes. It would probably fix the issue.

[@celestinoburgio2256]

Hello Doc, I have the same V ROD like in the video and even the same issue. Could you please send me the spare parts number of the O ring and the breather? Thanks in advance Regards Tony (Italy)

[@robertware8643]

The light on my gauges flash and go out when I give it throttle then it idles high. The idle slows the instrument light goes back on and the engine light goes on for a few seconds then goes off. Do you know what might cause it.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

loose ground wire at battery, failing battery, charging system failing are a few suggestions...Doc

[@robertware8643]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thanks DOC

[@AdrenalineTheory]

It actually happens on all years with the vrod. The design didnt change as described in the vid. Amatuer...

[@zf4hp24]

You are correct. My 2014 Muscle still has the "shell casing" with the O-ring inserted into the front cam cover which mates up with a grommet on the underside of the air cleaner box. The HD parts manual shows a different front cam cover with a fitting and a rubber hose leading to the air cleaner box. Another tell-tale sign you didn't reassemble the front breather or it didn't seat properly - you'll hear the front valve train clacking away. Nothing loud, but definitely noticeable if you're familiar with the normal sound of the engine. Has a hollow, thumping sound. Great vid, Doc. The only other problem I've heard about on the Revolution is the transmission selector shaft seal.

[@joezednick3197]

Great tips Doc!!!

[@mauriciomontoya9677]

Hello, I am having that exact problem on my 2014 Vrod, can you please give me the name of the part I need ? I am having issues with the front breather, but I can’t seem to find it anywhere.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

These parts are found in 2005 parts catalog. 29601-05K Tube assembly. 11391K lower o-ring. 29504-05A top front breather tube. Thanks ~ Doc

[@srok62]

That blue silicone is a no-no on the throttle body

[@robertware8643]

it’s a 2013 V Rod muscle

[@gregw8232]

Hubba-hubba. Both V-twins I've had leak at the bottom of the rear jug and where it mates to the block. Bad gasket design or not enuf clamping force. It washes off.

[@intelin123]

My 2012 v rod sputters stalls.dies in 1st gear.if i get it on 2nd it stalls and misfires

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Sounds like an air leak at the manifold. I also am concerned with the fuel filter condition and spark plugs. How old is the battery? and are the connections tight?....Doc

[@intelin123]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson it started acting crazy right after putting fuel.

[@intelin123]

I got a code p0113 for ait sensor.i put new one in and still runs like shit but code does not come up. I replaced fuel pump only.havent replaced fuel filter yet and spark plugs. It has 10k miles.

[@albertocuriel7155]

Hi! Low contry! I have an 08 VROD with the same issue! first i tought it was head gasket! But now I want to discart! This posiblity! 🙏! You know if! HD# 29504-05A Have incluted the ORING & tube! Thanks in advance!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I can not confirm the o-ring comes with it....Doc

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Doc.

[@3percentmick705]

How bout a video on carburetor cough?

[@franciscosandre8613]

Thank sir !!! 👍

[@gucci4871]

Great

[@bambur1]

WTF both my 03 breathers are rubber hose. Thats an actual bullet shell.

[@melwindiaz9354]

Mine too

[@mountaindew8042]

👂👀 👍🇺🇸

[@enlightened-ze3zs]

Does he remind anyone else of dennis raider? Lol

[@paulrevere4326]

V-Rod Sucks! I'm old school.......

[@obscuroabismo666]

I have concerns sometimes when I push rear break, it sounds bad like a two metals in friction but I changed the brake lining and does not appears a issue.

[@grahammason6466]

Thanks Doc