1980 Low Rider. Inherited from Dad, new to this....

Went to start it up, sparks shot out the side. Replaced starter relay and it's connector, negative battery cable. It started but then this happened (see pic). I've been told this is normal but this seems a bit excessive. Also the wife has a concern that the positive battery terminal was fairly hot to the touch after shutting down. I believe it was just from cranking it over (I forgot to turn the engine switch on for a hot minute) but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Next up, oil change, and new tires and then I believe I'm ready to ride it for the first time.

 

Been sitting for a while had it?

Had the oil drained down from the tank?

 

Maybe a month in between the last two starts, maybe two before that and then I know the bike didn't get ridden for a year and a half but don't know if it was started in that period as it was in my dad's possession at that time.

I don't know enough to answer the second question. I can tell you I started today for a minute or two and it didn't do that at all.

 

there are certain older models of Harley where over time the oil can drain down past the oil pump from the oil tank into the crankcases. It's know as sumping for obvious reason. Then when the engine starts the oil in the sump gets blown out, from the breather I think and ends up over your shoes.
I don't know if your bike is known to do this, but it seems to me thats whats happened.

 

It is somewhat normal if it has set up for a long time....the more you ride it, the less it will do that. Dirty nasty oil seems to sump easier than clean oil...pretty much if the bike has been sitting for more than a couple of weeks...put a pan under it before you start it. Since it didn't do it the next time started it, you don't really have any problem to fix.

 

Ok, cool beans. I just needed a little reassurance. Dad's prized possession, don't want to **** it up. It's really all i have left of him.

Thank you.