I've ridden around the neighborhood and changed the oil twice now, still getting the milky light brown but I think it's getting better. Tried running some extra out by taking the filter off, undoing the plugs, and letting the engine turn over just a few times. Hoping another change or two should do the trick. She still sounds and runs well even with the mix but I don't want that to fool me. Still going to keep it in the neighborhood/really local in case anything happens. I need to get some seafoam and any other additives running through just about everything to clean up as much as possible.

I still haven't found time to take apart the old starter to see if I can bring that back to life yet but hoping to get to it soon!

 

Maybe try using a lower weight high detergent oil once or twice to sort of wash it out?

 

Perfect explanation!
You are correct, in that it emulsifies. The zinc in the oil, causes the blend to appear "milky."
The zinc is part of the oil's additive package.

 

@PovertyRider That's what I'm doing at the moment though not necessarily by choice. My extremely close Walmart ran out of cheap 20W-50 5qt size (using cheap until it cleans up "completely") so I'm using slightly lower weight. I've changed it now about 4-5 times total since the first day and it's getting slightly better with every change.

 

might throw in some SeaFoam, that will save you a small amount of oil

 

I wonder how much oil it would take to completely fill it then blow it out under pressure using a shop-vac?
Even possible?

 

I'm glad you got it going, I would just use the cheapest oil you can find, and get it warmed up really good then drain it as It will be thinner and take more of the moisture out of it. As far as it running, it doesn't sound right to me by your video. Under the bike there is also a plug together supposedly waterproof electrical connector that mounts to the frame. I would unplug that also and blow it out with air or use an electrical contact cleaner. It is under the bike mounted to the frame by where you are draining the oil right inside the frame rail, there is a little pin that holds it there, push the whole connector toward the front of the bike I think and then disconnect it and clean it. If it doesn't slide forward then try back but it only moves a very small amount to release it.

 

You can remove the return line to the oil tank and put in drain bucket and run the engine until the oil is clear. You will have to keep adding oil to the bag to keep the level up.

 

 

Glad to hear you have your Sportster running. Perseverance does pay off. Congrats