2018 M8----Sumping? Failures?
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 4
From: Md
Good to hear. sounds like we'll both be riding stage 4 M8s that have the latest oil pump design and latest installation instructions. Make sure your shop follows the LATEST SB1450 installation instructions. The shop can easily end up using an earlier version of SB1450 by mistake. There are 7 versions.
1) Initial release July 15, 2017
2) Update July 7, 2017
3) Update July 21, 2017
4) Update July 25, 2017
5) Update Oct 18, 2017
6) Update with added Dealer Required Action for Install Oct 24, 2017
7) Update with added Dealer Required Action for Install Nov 15, 2017
If they aren't using the instructions "precisely" as outlined in SB1450 dated Nov. 15, 2017 or newer, you might still have issues. Insist that the shop is using the latest SB1450 with the latest design oil pump.
1) Initial release July 15, 2017
2) Update July 7, 2017
3) Update July 21, 2017
4) Update July 25, 2017
5) Update Oct 18, 2017
6) Update with added Dealer Required Action for Install Oct 24, 2017
7) Update with added Dealer Required Action for Install Nov 15, 2017
If they aren't using the instructions "precisely" as outlined in SB1450 dated Nov. 15, 2017 or newer, you might still have issues. Insist that the shop is using the latest SB1450 with the latest design oil pump.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 35
Likes: 19
From: AZ
Thats great information, thanks man. Ill make sure they use the Nov 15th SB1450 instructions. While theyre in that area, I may have them blackout the pushrod and tappet covers and whatever else they can get to without charging me labor, or a minimal fee, while its already apart and under warranty.
I went down to my dealer and said can you tell me if I have the latest. The service guys couldnt figure it out. What can I give them to help out?
Also did you just find out you didnt have the latest and then ask to have the latest installed? Or did you start having an issue?
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 35
Likes: 19
From: AZ
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 4
From: Md
How did your dealer know if you had the latest?
I went down to my dealer and said can you tell me if I have the latest. The service guys couldnt figure it out. What can I give them to help out?
Also did you just find out you didnt have the latest and then ask to have the latest installed? Or did you start having an issue?
I went down to my dealer and said can you tell me if I have the latest. The service guys couldnt figure it out. What can I give them to help out?
Also did you just find out you didnt have the latest and then ask to have the latest installed? Or did you start having an issue?
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,310
Likes: 1,079
The parts guy looked up when they received the pump ordered for my bike along their Stage 4 kit. It was in September 2017, thats before the latest service bulletin, so its definitely an old version. As far as finding out, its only because I had an issue with noticeable power loss a few days ago. Also when I checked the oil level, it didnt even show on the dipstick, and 2 days prior it was full. Before a few days ago, I had no idea what sumping was. Saw it on the forum threads but didnt pay much attention to it, and I felt bad for riders it affected. And now its me
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 4
From: Md
You wont be the last. I was one of, if not the first, stage 4 M8 to report sumping Spring 2017. I expect many more reports of sumping as we get into the 2018 riding season and M8 bikes with oil pumps from before Oct 10, 2017 start building miles and understanding what sumping feels like in the early stages of failure.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,310
Likes: 1,079
Im sure youre right. Its just incredibly disappointing, I was going to buy a 2017 when they first came out, but the mods I needed for fit (FBI Drop Seat kit, Baker Reverse) werent caught up at all because everything was completely different with the new M8. By the time they did, it was mid-season and both my dealer and I wanted to do the work in the off season, along with winter discounts. I bought the very first 18 that my dealer received, then took it in with 100 miles on it for all the work they were doing. 4 months later, which I expected, I finally got it. And now this sh*t.
With the SE performance heads, bigger SE injectors, bigger SE throttlebody, larger cylinders and pistons, youll have the foundation of a terrific, powerful engine. All youll need down the road is a simple cam swap, exhaust upgrade and tune and youll have an easy 130/130+ engine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6,085
Likes: 6,445
From: East TN
FWIW, the HD dealer rep Ive been dealing with has stated very clearly that there have been no reports of any M8 engine sumping with the latest oil pump that ALSO was installed using the latest updated bolt torquing procedure outlined in the latest SB1450. Im confident he would not lie but theres also probably very few bikes and very few miles of stage 4 M8 builds using the latest oil pump and install instructions to have much confidence. At least not yet.
My bike is about to have its 3rd engine upgraded to Stage 4. Ive held off since last Aug on the upgrade that HD owes me hoping the engineers resolve it. I do not want to miss another riding season without the performance. Theyve given me a full 7 yr ESP including wheel and tire coverage at no charge. They have also added the stage 4 kit to my swr so it will also be covered for the full 7 yrs.
They have tried to make the bike right. If they fail again, well its their problem. Who knows.... if it keeps failing, Ill just keep getting the latest designed engine they release each year. Hopefully thats not the case but I wouldnt rule it out.
My bike is about to have its 3rd engine upgraded to Stage 4. Ive held off since last Aug on the upgrade that HD owes me hoping the engineers resolve it. I do not want to miss another riding season without the performance. Theyve given me a full 7 yr ESP including wheel and tire coverage at no charge. They have also added the stage 4 kit to my swr so it will also be covered for the full 7 yrs.
They have tried to make the bike right. If they fail again, well its their problem. Who knows.... if it keeps failing, Ill just keep getting the latest designed engine they release each year. Hopefully thats not the case but I wouldnt rule it out.
What is yet to be seen is did Harley Factory put the old oil pump in the engine when they built it this year? Did the Factory follow their procedure?
I thought it was fixed with the latest pump, until they take his motor apart we will not know.