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I have a new to me 1945 45WL bobber/chopper. I have started it and ran it probably four times for short rides. Need the practice to get my shifting down. The last time I ran it, after it cooled down, I washed it. I started it afterwards to make sure I didnt get any thing wet for a short idle. That was a couple of days ago. This morning I wanted to take it for a ride. During the two primer kicks, oil pumped out the rectangular slot (breather tube?) on the right underside. I never had this problem before. What causes this and how can I prevent it from happening again?
Also, what is a good source for a manual.
some info is missing - is the engine top end new - if so the pistons rings are still seating and as such then - the engine breathing system is not able to evac totally
then you could have an oil pump ball not seating totally this if one drop of oil by passes every couple hours even in a week think how much oil is now in the lower unit
only place it can go being over whelmed is the vent grate - get use to it and keep a pan under it all the time and even starting - the primary also has a spill drain that will mark your in and out of the garage and what direction your going
can is be fixed yes - but you need a gray beard that works on that type maching
Keep a pan under the bike is the best advice. never start her indoors unless you must, sometimes instead of dropping the oil she will burn it and turn into a smoke machine for 15 seconds. They leak oil, truly you need to get used to it, good luck and we like pictures.
If it was just a small amount I could and would expect that. On Saturday, when I went to start it, on the two primer kicks it pumped oil out. I would say about a cup or more. I then drained the cam chest and let it sit. I thought I would try again on Sunday. I had the same outcome, three kicks, probably pumped out almost a quart. Always looks worse. Saturday would have been about the fifth time I have started it. I have only had it a week. The other times I did not have this problem. I probably only have ridden it about 20 miles. That is why I am hoping it is just the check valve stuck and the ball is not seating. There is a valve on the oil feed so it must dump it as soon as the valve is opened. As far as I know the top end is not new.
I talked to the seller this AM and he is going to come and pick it up, fix it, and make it right. The bad news is he went to Sturgis and won't be back till mid August.
I knew this would be a learning experience, didn't think I would have to learn so much so fast. I do have manuals on order.
Thanks to all who responded! John
Yeh the previous owner put a shut off on the oil line, apparently sumping has been a thing. I would get rid of that, only takes one time forgetting to turn your oil on and you will be doing a complete motor.
Best thing you can do is ride the bike, they do not like sitting. Sitting makes the crank case fill up as the oil goes past the check. You can chase your tail on that one for a long time, and she still may do it. Bike is 75+ years old.
Honestly riding the bike, getting all of the oil to temperature and flowing to all the places it is supposed to is the best thing. If she has to sit for a long time (winter) just know she might puke and have a pan at the ready. Leaking oil, sweating oil, smoking and leaving drips marks everywhere you go is part of the charm, seriously. She just may want exercise, good luck.
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Dumped some oil
