1999 1200S; Dry Oil Tank / Oil in the crankcase
#1
1999 1200S; Dry Oil Tank / Oil in the crankcase
1999 1200S; Dry Oil Tank / Oil in the crankcase
After committing the sin of allowing the bike to sit too long, I noticed that the oil tank is completely dry. I am pretty confident that the oil has drained down into the crankcase, as it did not simply disappear.
Can anyone please share some insight as to what failed to allow the oil to drain to the crankcase? I do have a service manual, and the oil flow diagram notes an oil flow “check-ball” in the filter mount. Is this offending part, or is there another check-ball or valve?
Lastly, I intend to fix the problem (either myself (if any easy fix), or at the dealership), but is there any risk or harm in running it as is?
Thanks!
After committing the sin of allowing the bike to sit too long, I noticed that the oil tank is completely dry. I am pretty confident that the oil has drained down into the crankcase, as it did not simply disappear.
Can anyone please share some insight as to what failed to allow the oil to drain to the crankcase? I do have a service manual, and the oil flow diagram notes an oil flow “check-ball” in the filter mount. Is this offending part, or is there another check-ball or valve?
Lastly, I intend to fix the problem (either myself (if any easy fix), or at the dealership), but is there any risk or harm in running it as is?
Thanks!
#3
Yes, it's the "check-ball" that's letting the oil leak down. The check valve may be bad or just hung open from a bit of debris.
I would add 1 quart of oil to the tank and fire it up. Leave the cap off the oil tank and let the bike run at a fast idle for a few (5-10?) minutes keeping an eye on the oil level in the tank. YES, this may cause there to be too much oil in the system once the oil is pumped back up from the sump but you can suck the excess out with a turkey baster.
Once you have the oil level stabilized in the tank, I recommend 1/2 way between the ADD & FULL marks, take the bike out for a nice long ride. After you get back, monitor the oil level for several days and see if it's still leaking down. If so, replace the check valve.
Also, if you haven't changed your oil lately, you might want to do so, AFTER you have the oil back in the tank.
I would add 1 quart of oil to the tank and fire it up. Leave the cap off the oil tank and let the bike run at a fast idle for a few (5-10?) minutes keeping an eye on the oil level in the tank. YES, this may cause there to be too much oil in the system once the oil is pumped back up from the sump but you can suck the excess out with a turkey baster.
Once you have the oil level stabilized in the tank, I recommend 1/2 way between the ADD & FULL marks, take the bike out for a nice long ride. After you get back, monitor the oil level for several days and see if it's still leaking down. If so, replace the check valve.
Also, if you haven't changed your oil lately, you might want to do so, AFTER you have the oil back in the tank.
Last edited by cHarley; 02-22-2010 at 03:07 PM.
#4
What he said. Excellent post. Softails and sportsters have had this leak down problem forever. Sometimes it will only take a few weeks and you can tell that the oil is lower in the tank. I wouldn't even add oil, just leave the oil fill cap off and watch the level come up after you start the engine.
Bwana
Bwana
#5
What he said. Excellent post. Softails and sportsters have had this leak down problem forever. Sometimes it will only take a few weeks and you can tell that the oil is lower in the tank. I wouldn't even add oil, just leave the oil fill cap off and watch the level come up after you start the engine.
Bwana
Bwana
I say better safe than sorry, even if you have to remove the excess later.
#6
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#8
Nothing has failed that is normal, the check ***** leak on all the old bikes, that's why they tell you to start and run the bike before changing oil or you will over fill the oil bag and it will blow oil all over the place on startup.
You guys got to stop giving advice when you don't know what you're talking about on the older bikes.
Sure hope this guy doesn't go out and waste a bunch of money now trying to fix something that's not broken.
You guys got to stop giving advice when you don't know what you're talking about on the older bikes.
Sure hope this guy doesn't go out and waste a bunch of money now trying to fix something that's not broken.
#9
Nothing has failed that is normal, the check ***** leak on all the old bikes, that's why they tell you to start and run the bike before changing oil or you will over fill the oil bag and it will blow oil all over the place on startup.
You guys got to stop giving advice when you don't know what you're talking about on the older bikes.
Sure hope this guy doesn't go out and waste a bunch of money now trying to fix something that's not broken.
You guys got to stop giving advice when you don't know what you're talking about on the older bikes.
Sure hope this guy doesn't go out and waste a bunch of money now trying to fix something that's not broken.
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