Does the Harley D wet sump like the English bikes?
I have a Norton that is known to wet sump. If the bike sits for a period of time, it is advised to drain the sump and pour the oil back into the oil tank.
I can guarantee that my 05 Fatboy does not register oil on the stick after sitting for 4 months now.
I have heard to start it and not rev it til the tank fills and this will not cause any issues. Yes, No?
Thoughts, opinions?
I know in the summer if it sits for more than 2 weeks or so it starts to drain the tank. Please no BS about it sitting for 2 weeks.

 

Maybe this will help ya?? Best I could do. Maybe the experts will chime in.
http://www.ertproducts.com/WET_SUMPING.html

 

Yes the softails and sportys do wet sump, just start the bike and look in the oil tanks while the bike is running to verify that the tank is filling back up, perfectly normal and will happen anytime the bike sits for a while

 

Aren't most Harleys dry sump?

From Wiki (whatever thats worth)
Harley-Davidson has also used dry sump type lubricating oil systems in their engines since the 1930s.

 

Yes, Harley's are dry sump, "wet sump" is a condition where oil has leaked by the check ball and accumulates in the crankcase. When the engine is started the normal evacuation design can't handle the extra oil and blows out the breathers.

 

Shovelhead used to do it with the stock oil pump. S&S oil pump in it now...no more.
I've seen Evos do it...so far mine hasn't.
Haven't seen a Twinkie do it...at least not one with the later hydraulic tensioner set-up.

 

arn't the twin cams in the touring line wet sump?

I know I don't have a oil tank on my EGC

Steve

 

No, all Twin Cams are dry sump. The oil tank is just in a different place, The oil pump is still in the cam chest.

Mark

 

As stated, the Softails are "dry sump" This is where the main oil capacity is in the oil tank.
Wet sumping occurs when the oil from the tank bleeds down into the engine and drains the oil tank. This causes pressure when starting and can damage seals and force oil out of where it normally should not go. Like out the seals and rings. My question was does running the motor with the tank mostly empty do any damage to the engine or does it pump back up into the tank with no issues.
Just wondering.

 

now I am talking TC88's as that what I have, but the TC88 is a wet sump, the TC88B is a dry sump. so not all TC are dry sump.

Steve