Just the facts. Sump plug breather

Hi guys (and gals), I am following this slaughter from ringside. As far as I know, no patent or some other IP has been violated here, and if so, anyone is free to copy whatever idea is floating around. From my point of view , and having reviewed both products, the two sump breathers are different products aiming at slightly different needs. With all the other breather designs available, especially from Jim, the sump breather was kind of a logical development, n'est pas?

Having said that, credit is always due to the person(s) who had the idea first, and presenting erroneous quotes in the interest of selling goods is certainly unethical and should be condemned. So, even if thoughts are free, I think Jim would do good by apologizing for not giving JC credit for the idea, at least.

I would like anyone to consider his/her words carefully. Loyalty to one or the other should not be used as a lever. Remember, we are a small community and need to remain friends even after a disagreement, which I trust can and will be resolved. Let's help each other rather than adding fuel to the flame.

- Knut

I can't remember exactly what Leo Goff told me about his breather but when I bought parts for my first reed valve breather from Napa in the 1980s it was a EGR petal reed valve. Comstock said above that Leo did not use a reed valve. If that is a fact then to my knowledge I was the first to develop the reed valve breather for Nortons. It has been suggested that I should have asked Comstock for permission before offering my version of the reed valve breather. Since it was my idea in the first place I shouldn't need permission. I had no objection with Jim coming out later and marketing his version.

I may be unable to fight against someone as powerful and respected as Jim Comstock. In fact I have a great deal of respect for Jim Comstock's achievements and the advancements he has made. But he should recognize the difference between what he truly owns/invented and what he only thinks he owns or has invented. This is not the first time that two minds have come up with the same idea independently.

I no longer have the original reed breather I developed in the 80s and I'm not going to drag anybody else into this just because I showed it to them or described it to them back then. I never intended to cause any trouble for Leo Goff. That's why I took down my first post and I apologize to Leo.

I have been selling reed valve breathers for years. The reason I offer this altered design is because I ride an Atlas and I wanted a shorter breather that didn't hang down so far on on a vertical engine Norton where it would be vulnerable to damage. It took me years to figure it out and it took a little "out of the box" thinking. I managed to shorten the profile, extend the height of the center tube, condense the overall size and keep it simple with only two exposed screws. It wasn't easy. I thought people would be happy to see it as an improvement and an advancement.

In the end I think the most important thing is what is available on the market. I have every right to sell this breather and I don't see any ethics violations in what I'm doing. Do you want loyalists or free choice of products? This is a free country remember?

I'm staying out of this but after a long silence it is nice to hear from Mr. Comstock and apparently he's feeling pretty good!!!

"In the end I think the most important thing is what is available on the market. I have every right to sell this breather and I don't see any ethics violations in what I'm doing."

Somehow I didn't think you would.....

But it's nice know that me, just one guy working out of a tin pole barn in his back yard and sticking to "old fashioned ideals" is looked at by you as a "big guy"

Thank you both for the breather history. We can all make our breather choices and I know which way I lean. There will be a poll later. Just kidding and closing this thread down. Stay tuned for next weeks episode, oh and cheers,