Crankcase vent

[bobducati]

This is the stock crankcase breather on my '98 FE. It seems to do it's job OK but it weeps just a bit requiring a small amount of cleaning after 100 or more miles. Other than the bling factor, what's the approved solution and why?
Thanks.

[Hyperpasta]

Good question!

I'd put a clamp on that hose and be done with it for now!

[dizzyg44]

I haven't had much problems with it myself...But I went to the autoparts store and got a little red/chrome cone filter from the ricerboy section and removed the hose and crap under the seat. I used a film canister lid and some good plastic glue to seal the hole on the airbox. Much cleaner look.

[TVR1979]

I replaced my vent/hose with a K&N fliter years ago. Last year I noticed oil specks on my shock and back of the engine. Thinking it was either a bad breather, or worse yet, blowby from my engine getting tired, I first replaced the breather with a new one from STM. After spending $65 I found out it was coming from my oil fliter not being tight enough. The bottom of the engine wasn't covered in oil, that's what threw me. Oh well, the new breather looks nice. Live and learn. If your crankcase is over filled, you will get blowby also.

[chris900ssie]

I also have an STM. But only because the standard Ducrappy part detonated. coming apart whist riding dumping oil all over the exhaust (lots of smoke and susequent cleaning) and the rear wheel (thank god for the hugger!).

Chris

[fraz]

My stock one has finally met it's match and I just bought the Nichols breather. I have a modded airbox so I have a piece of radiator hose and a small K&N filter atop it. If there are any more leaking issues once I get the bike back together, I will fab a catch can. I may do this anyways.

[MikeDeB]

I went with the STM and a K&N filter kit from MotoWheels. The OEM breather was weeping a bit hence the replacement. I also left the K&N filter dry so it wouldn't spray pink oil all over the place when the engine is running (which happened to me on another bike when I did oil the filter). The airbox plug that came with the filter kit was epoxied in place so there are no leaks in that area. Also, since removing the breather plumbing I no longer get a milky oil sight glass. YMMV.

[bobducati]

Thanks for all the good replys, guys. I ordered a Nichols from CaCycle Works. Sure is a fine looking piece.

[mouser830]

My local Seattle Ducati dealer said the K&N filter breather does not give enough backpressure and when in front wheel up mode will a.leak and b.cause oil starvation.

OK I did not go into detail with tham and argue the point based on the engine design and etc etc etc.

So I ran a tube from the case up under the seat and then installed the K&N, looked like shit and so I started over.

So to still have just the K&N filter breather right at the case but increase back pressure here is what I did and it works great.

I took a piece of gray PVC used as electrical conduit that is just the size of the ID of the K&N, cut a length to fit into the K&N, so that the K&N still slipped over the crankcase spicket.

After test fitting, I removed the PVC from inside the K&N and at near the top I drilled 4 small holes around the perimeter to let air flow in and out through the PVC. i.e. a restrictor.

THis is clean and looks great and works great if you cannot picture this email me. scottd132@hotmail.com

Scott