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[spydglide]

They did say that there were oil "deposits" on the rear plug

Don't like the sound of that.  [smiley=nervous.gif] spyder

[Twolanerider]

Don't like the sound of that.

[103RKyeehah]

JCZ, Sounds like my problem exactly.  I'm burning more oil than I should be and the rear plug is showing shiny black after each ride.  Front plug is normal though.

I didn't have any tests done like you did though.  I'm just wondering if we have the same issue??

Thanks

[grc]

Got my bike back from the dealership.

[103RKyeehah]

Hey I just wanted to share an update with my 03 SERK on the oil issue.  After my most recent 1600 miles, I ended up burning a little less than a full quart after 1000 miles.  This was after riding mostly highway speeds with a loaded bike.  It was also under pretty "unspirited riding" conditions.

I'm pretty comfortable with that amount of consumption.  Anyone disagree?

Thanks

[CVOJOE]

This was on the Twin Cam discussion board, it's the 'official' sheet from H-D on oil consumption issues, and although it's marked for 2004-2005 it should apply to all 103's in general I should think. Here's the link:

http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/harleyhog2/Diagnosing_Oil_Consumption_August _10_2005.pdf

[103RKyeehah]

Thanks, CVO. I did read that but wanted to let people know of my recent experience.  Especially since I complained about it earlier in the post and on my "Modified 103 needs help" post.

Nice to know it is considered normal.  Now all I have to do is get rid of my 257 cams and I'll be better off.

[JCZ]

JC,

The most likely culprit for your oil consumption is the valve stem seals.

[Twolanerider]

Had my bike in for another 2500 mile service and the plugs were fouled again.

[syclone]

Sounds like we might have a "new" valve seal problem. On 05 bikes, H-D went to beehive valve springs and changed the valve and stem sizes and hence a new seal, which doesnt seem to work , so they now have an "updated" seal to correct oil consumption.
But...103 CVO motors dont have beehive springs...we have the good old double wound springs with the normal tried and true seals all twin cams have used before the changes in 05 on the 88" motors only.

[DavidB]

Hey I just wanted to share an update with my 03 SERK on the oil issue.

[sefatboyscott]

05 SEFATBOY , 2 thousand miles, burns zero oil.

[JCZ]

My 103 burned less than 1/2 of a quart in 4300 miles. But this was only after the intake valve stem seals were replaced un warranty. Before that was done my rear plug would be shiny black in 200 miles. My mech also found the rattle I was hearing as the bike ran through the gears. The front jug was out of round and over bored from the factory causing piston rattle.
Dave

Interesting Dave.

[JCZ]

Got my bike back today.  As I was picking it up I noticed a note by the mechanic on the service ticket.  It said "valve spring hitting rocker box........clearanced the rocker boxes".

Now that I get home with it and started thinking about it, kind of got me to wondering.  That was a completely stock motor...........how were the valve springs hitting the rocker box cover?  Gotta take some parts down there tomorrow for Terrie's bike..........I'll have to ask some questions.