Valve seals...curious.

[plongson]

My 05 FLHRCI has about 28,000 on it. I've put 21,000 on it in 18 months (bought used with 7k). Front plug was always darker than rear and progressively got to where it actually had some serious black deposits on the electrode.

My thought was the front intake valve guide (notorious on 2005's) was defective and hence the gunking up. I got to where I was bead blasting the plug and was considering a top end rebuild and BB kit.

Over the last few months I've had some serious road tours totalling several thousand miles with many open road romps in Nevada where I held 85-90 for extended periods.

Fast forward...This morning I pull the plugs to inspect and what do I find...Both plugs look GREAT. The font plug has ABSOLUTLY no indication of any oil fouling!

First time I EVER heard of a seal healing its self. Its running like a raped ape and now I'm reconsidering the whole big bore project.

Maybe it wasn't the seal, but rings?? Either way, I'll take what I can get!!

[rob71458]

Was it using oil before? Sometimes a good romping makes the engine happier.

[plongson]

It was using a little, nothing excessive, but this morning with 2800 since the last change it hasn't used a drop. Still midway on the stick.

It might revert back to its old ways, but I'll take while I can get it!!

['05Train]

My valve guide seals leaked just a little bit, then stopped for a while, then got to the point that I was going through a quart of oil every 500 miles or so. I don't know that any harm will be done if you leave it alone, but it was a PITA for me.