If it just unbolts with no major engine removal or unbolting, YES replace it as welding oil soaked aluminum
is just nasty.

 

YES replace it as welding oil soaked aluminum is just nasty ... Yep ... Done some "shady" repairs in the past ...Welding up pans can be a pain in the posterior, especially aluminum :<(

 

I hate to say it but to me the edges of that hole look like something made that hole from the inside, however the picture is a little blurry where the hole is.

 

There's nothing more permanent than a temporary fix.

 

I agree that something came up from the road and hit it. It is very symmetrical though. You can see a secondary impact just to the lower right of the hole. Looks like a (.)

 

If it were my bike i would be looking at the Baker extra capacity pan. Lot of $$, but lots of labor to install, so why not ? I just figure you got it off might as well fix it right and in the process make it better.

 

Ask yourselves what could come out with such force from an oil pan?
The crank is not in there like a wet sump.
It is just an oil reservoir. AFAIK.
If something came fling out of there VIA from XMSN , -like I said I think it would be noticed.'
BUT
Being something whacked form the outside it might be worthwhile to take the pan off and inspect for
other FOD.
Like said if pans are just a bolt on discipline-just do it.

 

Don't matter if the pan comes off easily or not, it has to come off. If what ever made that hole is in there i wouldn't take a chance at running the engine. Unless i had enough coin for a new S&S 124 laying around.

 

Funny, thats what i said above you.....LOL

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/15-Harley-D...d=151474458970