TP Engineering's Pro Series Smart Pump

it is almost unfathomable to think that Harley’s Evolution engine has been out of production for 22 years. From 1985 through 1999, it powered everything from Dressers and Softails to Dyna’s and FXR’s. As one of the most successful engine offerings from Harley Davidson, it also has the distinction of being the one most often imitated. It is also the one that had the most aftermarket support.

While the Panhead and the Shovelhead were in production for decades longer, the Evolution carried much of the DNA from its elder siblings forward. Even after production ceased in Milwaukee, companies like TP Engineering, S&S, Merch, and Ultima all produced the EVO engine for use in everything from West Coast Choppers to Texas Ironhorse Choppers to Big Dogs too. Some are still in production today.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Pre-Evolution engines and EVOs up until 1992

Article And Photos By: Jason Hallman

all utilized a “puke” tube or “roaddraft” to help alleviate crankcase pressure created by the up and down [stroke] of the pistons and the swing of the crankshaft flywheels. In 1992, Harley introduced cylinder heads with vent holes that allowed that pressure to be routed back into the air cleaner assembly and consumed by the engine. This created another [newer] problem that we can get into at a later date, but for now, I’d like to discuss what is called “sumping.”

If you have ever started your Harley engine [big twin] and had to immediately throw a pan under the motorcycle because oil was “puking” out of it…then you have experienced sumping. This oil system vented to the atmosphere via a hole in the crankcase with a hose attached is also a great way for water to end up in your engine should you ever have to ride through water or (heaven forbid) your bike be in a flood.

While sumping is common, it is not “normal” and indicates a faulty check ball and spring assembly in your engine’s oil pump. When you park your bike and turn off the engine, the check ball in your engine’s oil pump should essentially seal off the outlet (return) side of your engine’s oil pump and prevent oil from returning to the engine crankcase through the outlet side of the pump.

Let’s take a minute and look over how your Harley engine’s oil pump actually works:

First off, there are two basic oil system types in combustion engines. The first is called a “wetsump,” and the second is a “drysump.” In a wet-sump engine, the engine’s oil is stored in the engine in an oil pan or bathtub type reservoir attached to the engine. The oil pump circulates the engine oil through the engine to clean, cool, and lubricate the engine bearings and other components. There is usually a filter attached somewhere in line to filter the engine oil either

before the oil circulates through the engine. This pump is a singleArticle And Photos By: Adam Thompsonstage pump and relies on pressure rather than volume.

In a dry-sump system, the engine oil is stored in a tank away from the engine, not inside it. In fact, most Harley engines rely on volume, not pressure to feed the engine components with adequate lubrication, cool the engine down internally, and keep everything clean as possible. In a dry-sump system, the oil pump works differently. The pump operates as two separate “stages” or pumps in one. The first stage of the pump circulates oil through the engine and the second stage pumps the used oil back to the reservoir to be stored until it is needed again. There are several advantages to this type of pump. There is only one real drawback, the infamous check ball sumping issue that puts too much oil into the crankcase when it is not needed. Once you start the engine up, the pressure pushes the oil out the puke tube and on to your nice clean garage floor. Now, if you are thinking: “My Evo is newer than 1992, so this can’t happen to me”, you are wrong. In fact, it may already be happening. Because your engine is vented through the heads, you will have no idea that it is happening on a regular basis because the oil just ends up circulating back to the oil tank, and you’re none the wiser. Here is why it isn’t good for your bike. For starters (I love puns), when your engine is full of oil, it is difficult for the starter motor to turn over the crankshaft through the thick oil. This over taxes the battery, the starter, and wiring on your bike. It can also cause your engine to hydro-lock. This is costly, and it is often more cost-effective to just buy a new engine. Tom Pirone from TP Engineering in Danbury, Connecticut, has a fantastic solution called the “ProSeries Smart Pump.” It is a gamechanger for sure. First off, it filters the engine oil before circulating it through the engine. Harley EVO engines filter oil only after it is run through the engine. The Smart Pump does a great job of managing pressure and volume while allowing the use of 10-micron filters for maximum filtration. It is 100% made in the USA from billet aluminum and polished to a mirror finish. The Smart Pump also features a patented threevalve system to deliver oil to the crankshaft during idle. What really makes the Pro-Series Smart Pump different from every other pump on the market is its stainlesssteel check valve that positively eliminates wet-sumping upon engine start-up and absolutely prevents oil from leaking into the crankcase during storage.

TP Engineering manufactures the Pro-Series Smart Pump for all big twin Harley engines from 1973 through 1999. You can purchase one at your local brick and mortar independent motorcycle shop, and you can find more information at www.tpengines.com

The Pro Series Smart Pump features highly polished billet housing.

One way to know that your engine’s oil pump is “sumping” is to drain your engine’s crankcase. Our engine had over 16 ounces in it, which is about two times too much!

Only a few tools were needed for installation. Once the old pump was removed and the gasket surfaces cleaned, we used primary gasket alignment pins to ensure the new pump housing would go on effortlessly.

It is best to use a proven assembly lube like Red Line to prevent any galling on initial start up

Once the housing was installed, we used some more assembly lube to lubricate the outer gearset in the housing.

Both gears are in place, and we can now install the outer housing gasket The outer housing gasket is now in place and ready to install the outer housing feed cover.

Once the outer cover is installed and the lines are installed, make certain you follow the instructions word for word to prevent cavitation.

Never remove the top allen plugs. Those are factory installed to spec and need no service.

Article By: Heather Callen

in the world of motorcycle art, traditional paint and graphic work can sometimes be overshadowed because we are exposed to so much quality product these days. But when it comes to complimenting design, use of color, balance, and the execution of airbrush and pinstriping work, today’s paint slinger truly has to be a multifaceted artist. We found such a person in thirty-nine-yearold Kyle Ireland, proprietor of

Kyle’s Kustom Colors. Ireland has been creating art for as long as he can remember.

Kyle recalls his mom being a free spirit with a unique charm and a tendency to gravitate towards artistic people, exposing him to hot rods, motorcycles, hippies, fabricators, artists, and adventurers along the way.

Ireland’s love of motorcycles

began when his stepdad offered to build him a custom motorcycle if he learned to ride a bicycle. So, they got him on two wheels when he was just four or five. Kyle remembers their German Shephard nipping at him every time he fell down! Now, that’s a great reason to learn to stay up on two wheels! Needless to say, he got that custom motorbike for Christmas that year. Kyle has been in the body and paint business in numerous forms for a little more than two decades, starting in a body shop when he was just seventeen. He’s worked on everything from painted aluminum boats to horse trailers. Ireland has been a body and paint tech and has worked in hot rod shops and more.

A decade ago, Kyle hung his own shingle. For the first few years, he did a little bit of everything focusing on collision, hot rods, and motorcycles. He’s ASE certified, ICAR certified, Dupont/Axalta certified, and PPG certified. To say that Kyle has experience is an understatement. How many people can say they sprayed over 2000 gallons of white single stage urethane in one year?

However, in 2013 he built an Evo Chopper in remembrance of his mother, who had passed the year before. That process became a catalyst for change in Ireland’s business. The relationships he cultivated throughout that build really opened his eyes to exactly how much he loved motorcycles and just how much he didn’t like the direction his business was heading. Despite making money and building a successful business, he wasn’t happy. It was then that he began restructuring to focus more on two-wheeled art. He traveled more, sought out more likeminded people, and put more energy into the work he enjoys. In 2018 Kyle downsized and now specializes in custom motorcycles paint, repair, and matching factory aftermarket finishes and graphics.

Kyles says that his love of motorcycles in all different forms, their history, and the genuine nature of the people involved in the culture keeps him going. He says he most looks up to and aspires to be like the ones that paved the way and continue to pave it every day of their lives. You know the ones that he’s talking about, “The ones that could have made a lot more money or gotten more recognition working on cars or doing something else but followed their passions. The ones that don’t make excuses and truly follow their hearts.”

When asked how he feels about the direction he is headed and where he is now, Kyle recalls a quote from one of his mentors, Gene Winfield, when he said, “Every day is a school day.” So, every day he works to progress in some way. He’s grateful to be able to do what he does, where he does it, and who he does it for. What a great attitude!

As you can see, the success Kyle has is completed earned based on the art he’s putting out. If you’re not following him, you should be, so go check him out on IG @kyleskustomcolors. Better yet, order yourself a commission!