My V-Rod Muscle Is Leaking Oil | What's The Problem?

[@jd9308]

Great video Brandon! Nothing seems to be simple and straight forward anymore when it comes to liquid cooled motorcycles. At least it's the airbox and not a gas tank you have to remove like on my Scout! I'm gonna put a new air breather on mine and chuck the factory one. Seeing you tackle your VROD has given me more confidence to work on my bike. Good luck on cleaning up the oil. Dawn dish detergent will work pretty good and should not harm any paint or shiney parts. Ride and stay safe down there in AL.

[@duckman2667]

I love the idea of using an apron while wrenching on my trucks, cars, and bikes. I'm sold. I will use your link. Thank you I have honestly never thought of using one before. Thank you.

[@BrandonBicasso]

👌🏾🤓

[@AW-fb8hr]

Use dawn dish soap to clean the oil off the cosmetic parts and brake cleaner for the engine.

[@just4grinz]

Brandon thanks for posting this video just have the same exact problem and as of now heading over to the continuation of your diagnostics and repair video and just like you I do have some hope it's not a head gasket or valve cover honestly your video was just a blessing thanks for taking the time to share this

[@gfunk63901]

I grew up with a rich dad and he bought a caddy seville and that was always stalling. Then he got smart and bought a caddy eldorado and that had problems. I was like I don’t know about cars but it seems like those are expensive cars to be having problems. That’s when rich biz owners and mob guys started switching over to other brands and marked the decline of caddy. Harley owners will put up with anything

[@BrandonBicasso]

Luckily, I didn’t buy mine new 😂

[@Ibrahas]

This is pretty much how it goes for me every time I get into some repair on the bikes or the car. Keep working it man you are doing great.

[@metaljoe107]

I had the same problem with my 2015 muscle. It ended up being that the front breather hose was just not seated properly. Previous owner did some work on it and didn’t plug it back down right. Definitely scared me and I also thought it was a head gasket leak.

[@GingersKing]

I love the design of the V Rod. I wish more bikes were made with the tank under the seat like that to lower the center of gravity.

[@BrandonBicasso]

There’s a few recent motorcycles that are using that design. More sport oriented though. FTR 1200 is one.

[@Motor_Cackle]

My old Suzuki Boulevard C90 has the tank under the seat.

[@nycrider1548]

@@BrandonBicasso and yamaha vmax

[@thetranfamily3910]

Gold wing

[@vinniemadrox]

To clean all that up, just use brake keen. With that air box off, it will be super easy. You don't have to worry about degreaser and a rag or a tooth brush. Just go through a can or 2 of brake kleen

[@johnreis1872]

Only problem with the Harley is it’s not your m109r😉. Keep up the wonderful content, and thank you for making great videos!!

[@BrandonBicasso]

😂😂😂 Good one! The 109 has some problems of its own I’ll be solving soon.

[@johnreis1872]

@@BrandonBicasso looking forward to it!

[@andrewluostari5592]

Hey Brandon I am a technician for adamec Harley In st Augustine fl the breather element in the lower box is not suppose to have zip ties on it who ever owned it before probably broke the clips and that can cause some blow by into your filter box. I would honestly ride it for a little while than check it out again if your still getting oil replace that. Head gaskets at that low of mileage you shouldn't have to worry about I've seen the cam cover gaskets leak but that's about it. Ride safe and keep the shiney side up bro

[@LookingForEntertainment112]

I had the same issue with my Buell XB12S breather hose coughing up oil during spirited riding. It fouled up the airfilter. I installed a breather delete and relocation. Problem sorted. It was an easy job 👍😁 Oh and your garage remodeling is looking great!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thanks, Wes! Being very proactive about getting it done. It’s shaping up nicely.

[@Mike_Jones68]

Great vid Brandon, love this style format. You really have a knack of reeling us in and bringing us along the journey here. Really like the tips and info sidebars. Def interested in how all this pans out here!

[@chrisdorio6750]

I have read this on some forums, common issue but Easy fix.

[@TheTyrone1981]

My old 09 muscle leaked from that hose pretty good after doing some maintenance one day. It ended up being I didn’t push the lower part of the breather box down hard enough to where that hose fit properly into the groove on the engine itself. The little rubber o ring wasn’t sealing properly. One good fist tap set it right in place and problem solved lol.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Oof. I’ll make sure I do that 😂😂

[@СобакаСутулая-ц5ш]

Так же было

[@cottagegrove5611]

Great video . Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle will get all if the grease and oil off without staining .

[@HoosierDaddyScootz]

The potential cause of the oil could very likely be to overfilling. I don’t have a Harley,… yet but the Vrod engine is similar to the m109r. You know how bad the m109r hates to be overfilled ( left side puking). Great video! Glad you still have the m109r! Dawn is what I’d use to cut the grease. Should be neutral enough to not cause a reaction to the aluminum parts. Keep up the awesome work!

[@Dubb73]

I agree with you said 👆🏾👆🏾👆🏾👆🏾

[@screamingr1366]

No it’s not from overfilling. It’s normal on the VRod because of the crank case vent tube under the air box. If the tube/o-rings aren’t seated correctly or are worn out it is much worse than it should be.

[@krehlick]

I had to look twice at your video. I'm glad you figured it out. You mentioned you where nervous about being a head gasket leak but it seemed you were talking about the valve cover gasket. The head gasket is the next gasket going lower to the motor assembly, sort to speak. The one you pointed is pretty painless to swap, if it decides to leak one day

[@robjamescapel8891]

Jizer is pretty good for cleaning engines. Glad you found the leak.

[@davep2322]

Anytime you take the bottom breather box assembly, always make sure the crankshaft breather bullet is seated properly, has frightened a lot of vrod owners. great vid, love the space in your workshop,

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thanks, Dave! Will keep that in mind.

[@supakamario]

Whats the problem.....? It's a harley, duh.... ima victory guy couldn't resist 🤣

[@BrandonBicasso]

😂😂😂 Fair!

[@ronbailey8370]

I went through the same thing with my V-ROD. But still, the best Harley ever made. Peace..

[@haroldcotten1840]

Good diagnosis Brandon

[@SlightlyLessFat]

I haven't seen any footage past that sexy apron yet, roughly 1 minute in. But I am willing to bet this video is all about the rear crank case vent line. Damned things! Lets keep watching and see if I am a winning bet maker.

[@michaellowery928]

BB, loved every second! Thanks again for making us better mechanics...I say that tongue in cheek as most of us riders are no where near mechanics. Keep 'em coming!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Heck yeah. Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@ecrusch]

Brandon, remember, long Q-Tips, Pipe Cleaners, and long hemostats with a soft piece of rag snapped into the end of it will get you in all those small places that have the oil in them. You'll have that stuff cleaned up in no time. And you are right saying you might have gotten lucky. While you are in there, you should tighten down everything you can reach to the torque settings for it. Because things'll work loose. Your garage is going to look dope when you are done. peace. Eric in Kissimmee, Fl.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thanks for the tips, Eric! 💪🏾

[@screamingr1366]

The crankcase breather tube has o-rings that likely either wore out or, like mine, was not seated correctly allowing oil onto the top of the covers. I removed the rear hose and took the air box platform off. I sprayed it all off with brake cleaner and rinsed it quickly to avoid damaging my finish. No need to brush it out. The breather tube tower will vent pressure and allow some oil into the air box floor. It’s normal and just has to be cleaned periodically. Just re-seat the o-rings or replace if necessary. Haven’t had an issue since. The zip ties are to help stabilize the vent tower😂. It probably sits a bit loose and tightening it down helps direct the vented pressure and air to come out where it’s supposed to be. Mine is being held by bailing wire for the moment. The TAB aluminum’s air box allegedly eliminates this issue. Good video owning a HD will improve your mechanical skills for sure. 👍😂

[@BrandonBicasso]

Great tips! Someone will drop in and see this.

[@dirtroadfpvforlife2919]

Use brake cleaner I had rocker box leaking on my 99 evo softail. Brake cleaner or carb cleaner will get it off. My 99 softail looks like it came off showroom floor now.

[@BrandonBicasso]

That is a plan. Great recommendation.

[@sway0221]

Great job taking it on yourself... hopefully it's just the o ring.🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾

[@Doubletap6996]

Love the video I have a 2015 V-Rod Muscle And I had a bag on my front forks like you. But unfortunately I hit a pothole in the bag bottomed out on the front finder and I realized there's not enough room there . So watch yours to make sure it doesn't hit.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Oh dear. I keep my key fob in there 🥲

[@TD205]

Glad you found the source of the leak!! Should be a easy fix. Great hands on video!!👍🏿 Stay safe!!✌🏿

[@602North]

Great find and good thing not head gasket! Enjoyed the video Brandon.

[@Icemn1k]

you might want to look at left air filter on the M109 the oil gets suck up the same way, The hose behind the key is where it will start sucking oil if you over fill, Long term it will settle in the air box and when put the kickstand down a few drips on your motor

[@BrandonBicasso]

Good point for folks stopping in. I did clean mine out when I did my maintenance last year. It’s about time I get a new gasket for that as well.

[@evil_musclemuscled3814]

Hopefully all is good with that beauty

[@soganoflarider]

Nothing better than a good ol head scratcher when it comes to tinkering with motorcycles........ The satisfaction of success afterwards makes all the headaches (and knuckle busting) worth it. 💪🤪👍

[@icemanlol119]

Leaking Harley never disappoints

[@quickshoe6]

Always something, get er done ✅

[@BrandonBicasso]

We definitely doing that!

[@HonestWarrior]

I'm having this EXACT issue with my Vrod Night Special 2011. Going to follow your video and see If that's the issue. When running I can see the oil moving below the breather. Fingers crossed great video!!

[@ut1004bp]

Looks like the oil is coming up from a crankcase vent. You might want to do some research on crankcase venting and/or oil catch cans.. otherwise your air box is the oil catch Can and oil mist will make it back into your intake.

[@dhilton72ify]

Double up that o ring! Replace it when you replace the rear breather tube.

[@dhilton72ify]

Also a little oil I the air filter is normal.

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

man those zip ties are factory HD brah $100 a piece 😂 as far as the oil, bama doesn't have oil R us ? they remove it all 🤣🤣🤣🤨 jus playin well fine vid good sir !

[@BrandonBicasso]

😂😂😂😂

[@Andy.H.H.]

On that blue connector in the front of the air box, if you push down on the wire (spring) the connector should come apart. No need to remove it.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Ah. I’ll consider that next time. 👌🏾

[@exlimited3938]

Thick rear end loving person here🍑...Sorry to hear this Brandon. That is an interesting design for that part @ 14:39 with the o-ring at the tip. You just push it down in there but there's nothing squeezing the rubber to make it leak proof. They should have made a tap that screws into that hole so a hose and clamp could be used. About to watch your next vid on how the stealership lied.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Ayeeee 🍑 gang 😜 No hard feelings. We making it right and learning.

[@tomedwards159]

plug hole, use non flammable brake clean, blow off with air. will remove oil.

[@SlightlyLessFat]

Ok. Further watching, the front breather is my guess now.

[@jasonshortphd]

Check the maintenance manual. They might recommend the breather hoses be replaced every XX years. On a lot of my bikes its four years, same for brake hoses. It’s good preventative maintenance.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Good point, Jason.

[@СобакаСутулая-ц5ш]

Менял прокладки на обеих крышках, это делается легко и просто, не скидывая мотора)

[@marcteleki2801]

what about using alcohol spray and use pressure air maybe will work what do you think love your video my first time I see the inside of the V rod

[@BrandonBicasso]

Absolutely. Each of those would work.

[@bikegeist]

Oil be waiting patiently for the next video. :D

[@texastanker]

Join a Vrod FB group or forum, everything is normal, just clean, no need for parts. Stock air cleaner, which means probably no tuner, if it has one, it will be under the rear seat.

[@kendil22]

I'm a big fan of carburetor cleaner for cleanup, if you can't use that I have no idea. I've been looking at the Rocket 3 or xdiavel... but I may just have to hunt down a good low mileage vrod or night rod. I don't really want to drop 20k + on a bike lol. There are some nice low mileage vrods in my area that are significantly cheaper and I've always loved the looks.

[@BrandonBicasso]

I'm thinking like you. Carb cleaner along with dawn dish soap as others have recommended. And I to want a XDiavel lol. Pinnacles of the muscle bike community comes with a cost $$$.

[@paleridersteelhorse4923]

I bought several sets of tools so that I could have a set in the house, garage and barn and I still misplace them lol. Nothing better than oh that's where I put that 🤣

[@BrandonBicasso]

I lose so much time just looking for stuff. I hate it so much 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@anibal7069]

I have a 05 v rod and it has a similiar if not the same set up (in that area) as your muscle it seems, mine does not have zip ties like that by the velocity stacks. I would look more into it !

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeah, mine is rigged 😂

[@lukeatadelaideperformancee8052]

Great video bro. You have a very good style of delivery, very easy to watch. I need to learn that haha. Im doing some big mods on the turbo 109 shortly. I'll try and get a video together of all that. I need to put some effort into my content but too busy with builds

[@BrandonBicasso]

Was just watching your turbo builds. I had a M50 as my first bike. Seeing a turbo set up on the 109 is fascinating considering there isn’t a bolt on kit available. Hella cool. I’d consider doing that to my own if I had the know how.

[@lukeatadelaideperformancee8052]

@@BrandonBicasso maybe we can work something out

[@stevecusson5103]

Def check oil level also, too much will make er spit.

[@BryanMoreno_]

Not sure if it’s the angle, but is that front breather hose cracked around the bronze fitting? Also maybe leaking through there

[@BrandonBicasso]

Definitely is

[@jeffjones4071]

Steam cleaner will probably get to all those hard to reach places. Without using any cleaning chemicals

[@TdotTube]

I got a night rod does this happen to all vrods or is it a muscle only issue lol

[@BrandonBicasso]

It can happen to them all.

[@TdotTube]

@@BrandonBicasso oh damn

[@BrandonBicasso]

@@TdotTube well, lemme clarify. On 2013 year models and probably models before it, it can happen. Not sure when Harley fixed this problem.

[@TdotTube]

@@BrandonBicasso mines a 2012 🥲

[@SlightlyLessFat]

Hot water and blue Dawn dish soap. Let it soak and break that oil down. Use a cheap ass paint brush to agitate and wash it off. Those o-rings on the velocity stacks need to be pushed down on top of those allen head bolts. Its a safety measure to keep those bolts from coming out and being in places they shouldn't. All of the parts you need are still available from your HD parts department and they are not expensive. I used purple power not thinking and it was a bloody nightmare!!

[@screamingr1366]

Wait til you start changing lights or anything for that matter and your CEL pops up with all the DTC’s! That’s a good time! The electrical systems on these V-Rods are very sensitive, more so than any other bike I’ve owned. Use only HD replacement parts…fair warning! I know first hand

[@ranchotresmarias8207]

I have the same problem in a night rod, did you just change the oring?

[@BrandonBicasso]

That and the throttle body gaskets

[@ranchotresmarias8207]

@@BrandonBicasso thankyou very much

[@BrandonBicasso]

@@ranchotresmarias8207 actually, I replaced the front hose on the air box too.

[@ranchotresmarias8207]

@@BrandonBicasso sorry one more cuestion you buy the original piece or only put an universal oring?

[@BrandonBicasso]

@@ranchotresmarias8207 I bought original parts from HD. Parts total was around $25 including the other pieces I replaced.

[@yoshit9819]

My shovelhead is a rolling oil leak.

[@BrandonBicasso]

You love it tho.

[@yoshit9819]

@@BrandonBicasso you know it

[@773superprguy]

It's a Harley-Davidson it's supposed to leak oil- Every Harley-davidson owner 😂

[@BrandonBicasso]

😂😂😂

[@sgtbanjo]

why not use breakclean...spray it on and it works perfect.

[@organichotdog3807]

Honestly, an oil leak at only 5k miles is pretty disturbing, even for a used bike. Also, I recommend installing a peg board to organize your tools.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeeeah, I thought the same. I've had similar issues on my '07 M109R, but nothing this bad. Also, the peg board accessories should be here today. Ready to get these tools on the wall!

[@davidvaughn7778]

Sitting for a long period of time is often very hard on gaskets and o rings. I had an 04 sportster that I bought with 5k miles in 2011. Within 1500 miles the base gaskets were leaking. It's the nature of the beast.

[@davidvaughn7778]

My current project sat for close to 16 years at the last owners house and at mine for 5. It's a 1977 Yamaha Xs650. The ENTIRE engine was leaking. I tore it down to case halves, cleaned out all the ancient oil and sludge. Cleaned it all up with shop rags and brake cleaner. Scuffed up what could and painted it all silver with black jugs. I have it back in the frame, but have yet to wire it, and put oil in it to start. The cylinders still had the cross hatching from machining and all the bearings are ball bearing rollers. It spins smooth like it should. I really think someone bought it new, dropped it and never rode it again. Like I said, it's the nature of the beast.

[@uncleshaunof5]

Brandon some weird thing i was unsubed and had to resub make sure your peeps are checking the sub status. Keep the shiny side up all

[@jbradkilpatrick]

It’s a Harley, right?

[@aboutmyfathersbusiness8324]

I'd Simple Green the engine, et sit for (10 minutes). Hose off with "cold) water as hot water gets into connectors. Leaf blow the engine dry. Ride it. Repeat two more times. Should have most all the oil off. Simple Green eats metals if you leave it on overnight; beware.

[@Valorcycle]

Do the gloves allow you to fit your fingers in the tight spaces (yea I know how that sounds) or let you do more delicate/dextrous movements? I've found some of my gloves are too bulky so I cant wear them unless im just wrenching, which isn't really where I need them most.

[@BrandonBicasso]

The MPact gloves are thicker with the rubber portions so might be a tight fit in some places. The regular ones I used mostly were pretty thin. I’m not allergic to getting dirty 😂 but I do enjoy not having oily hands or stained nails.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Also, Kinky. 🤓

[@heavyonthewrist2666]

Bro they all do it just keep the breather hoses seated and in good condition..

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeah, it was just explaining for the people who didn't know.

[@beabt1]

In case it hasn't already been said, your coolant level looks to be pretty low.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeah, I noticed that as well. I’m considering doing a full flush. Probably hasn’t been changed since the bike left the manufacturing floor.

[@beabt1]

@@BrandonBicasso I have the same VRod model as you. There should be a quicker way of checking the coolant than the drawn-out procedure that is required. No big deal but for a 2 sec check it takes too much time.

[@tomedwards159]

those are Harley Zip Ties....

[@BrandonBicasso]

Seriously? 😂😂

[@BikesBeardsAndBrews]

Why is the VRod leaking oil? Easy, see that Harley logo on the side of the bike? There you go! 😂

[@BrandonBicasso]

Y'all killin' me with these Harley jokes, lol.

[@BikesBeardsAndBrews]

@@BrandonBicasso I think it's allowed because I have a Harley, either that or I'm a horrible Harley owner...or both, let's go with both

[@OutbackOutlaw]

👍🏾💯

[@jeffreylonigro4081]

Poor V Rod…thinks it’s a Shovelhead!

[@mironkorzalko7761]

It's not a problem.... it's a Harley!

[@BrandonBicasso]

😂😂😂

[@mikekosar6135]

It’s A HARLEY…!!!😄🤣

[@BrandonBicasso]

Def facts, lol.

[@ronlheureux7623]

Brandon, WASH YOUR HARLEY! I think you get sent straight to Hell for not ding that regularly. I thought that I was going into cardiac arrest when you told us that in one year you never washed it. Ok, so, have you thought about making your life easier and buying the shop manual? Saves a lot of guesswork and wasted time and emotions. I know that they aren't inexpensive, but in the end, life will get easier. There is an old saying: "Work smart, not hard". PS: I'm a grandpa, so lecturing you youngins is second nature.

[@BrandonBicasso]

😂😂😂, yes I have the shop manual.

[@ronlheureux7623]

@@BrandonBicasso I'm reminded to never presume.

[@pastorjohnculbertson661]

V rod motors are a lot like Detroit diesel engines they like to leak oil

[@seancarroll8326]

A Harley that isn't leaking oil is out of oil.

[@seancarroll8326]

Great video BTW!

[@BrandonBicasso]

LOL, thanks Sean!

[@kurtinfl]

Not a great idea suggesting that people can wear mechanics' gloves as motorcycle gloves. While any glove is better than no glove, they are not protective equipment.

[@BrandonBicasso]

I see it a different way. Many riders don’t use gloves and there are many gloves on the market that offer little to no impact protection. These gloves (while not specifically designed for motorcycles) offer more protection than gloves I’ve owned. Including the gloves I have that are made of leather and I broke 3 fingers in when I wrecked. So, they aren’t perfect but definitely are better than nothing for the price.

[@7thsignthenorthcoast146]

Harley problems lol

[@BrandonBicasso]

😂😂😂