I have a 1996 Sportster 1200 with the Screaming Eagle intake and exhaust. It currently has 15,000 miles on it. About every 5,000 miles it starts dripping oil from the air filter. The mechanic that has been working on it says it's common for the breather to soak the air filter and it starts to drip when saturated. Is this normal or is this excessive blow by? Should I be concerned?

The problem that you are talking about is normal for a sporty. If you are only talking about a few drops. Just take a rag and wipe the air cleaner off and enjoy the bike. If it gets too excessive then you might have a problem with the umbrella valves in your rocker boxes.

OK. Thanks. I guess it's not "excessive". It only drops a couple of drops here and there, but if I let it go too long it starts to puddle up on the bottom of the air filter housing. If I let that happen it starts to drip onto the exhaust. I've been just cleaning the air filter when I notice oil on the housing.
I just wasn't sure if it was normal or something to worry about.

Is it that specific vintage?

I had ironheads and one other Sportie in the 1980s. None of those, nor my current 48, ever spit through the air filter. My Dyna did once. But never again. Could it be from an over-fill?

It is basically the same as the PVC valve on your car. There is a fix that can be used but it takes some mechanical ability to do. I would just ride it and every month put it on your calendar to clean it up before it makes a mess.

The issue with me is that if it spits while on the road,some of it splashes onto the rear cylinder's exhaust pipe guard/cover. I've had some road debris burn onto my front pipe that required WD-40 and a 0000 SOS Soap Pad to remove.

If it's chronic, why not have the mechanic replace this valve at the next tune-up? I'd hate to be on a long trip and find that the problem got worst.

Is it the evap chamber valve not closing that causes this? Which valve are you talking about? It would be helpful to know in case it does get worse.

Sorry, guy, I wish I knew. "Modern" bikes are alchemy to me. I'm not sure I even understand 'electric starters.'

I hit the bike shop for coffee even in winter. I'll get a part number if I can.

Like I said in my previous post it is the umbrella valve in the rocker box covers.

Duh, my bad. got it. Thanks.