Oil Tank Empty
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2006
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Oil Tank Empty
Hello,
Is it normal for the oil to slowly leak down from the tank in to the engine if you don't ride for a while?
I own a 2003 fat boy, I was going to go for a ride since it has been a while and right before I started the eninge I cked the oil level and had no readying on the dip stick what so ever. So I took a flash light and shined the light inside. HOLY #%@&%< there is no oil, the light shiened all the to the bottom of the tank,It is all gone. I am thinking the oil is sitting in the bottom of the engine because my bike does not leak any oil and I am sure I would have caught an oil leak that big before the tank ran empty. What do you guy's think is going on.
Thank you
Is it normal for the oil to slowly leak down from the tank in to the engine if you don't ride for a while?
I own a 2003 fat boy, I was going to go for a ride since it has been a while and right before I started the eninge I cked the oil level and had no readying on the dip stick what so ever. So I took a flash light and shined the light inside. HOLY #%@&%< there is no oil, the light shiened all the to the bottom of the tank,It is all gone. I am thinking the oil is sitting in the bottom of the engine because my bike does not leak any oil and I am sure I would have caught an oil leak that big before the tank ran empty. What do you guy's think is going on.
Thank you
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: Oil Tank Empty
If you are absolutely certain that there is oil in the engine, then I am reasonably certain it won't hurt to crank the bike as the oil will fill back up the oil tank.
However, wait a bit and hopefully some really big time smart guys on this forum will give you some better advice.
However, wait a bit and hopefully some really big time smart guys on this forum will give you some better advice.
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RE: Oil Tank Empty
Well guess what, I took a chance and started the bike and immediatly turned it back off, Cked the oil tank and sure enough the oil started to reappear. I started the engine back up and the oil tank filled up slowly all the way. Is this normal to happen ?
BTW KBFXDLI, you were right all the oil was inside the engine. Thanx
BTW KBFXDLI, you were right all the oil was inside the engine. Thanx
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Oil Tank Empty
ORIGINAL: Sergio
Well guess what, I took a chance and started the bike and immediatly turned it back off, Cked the oil tank and sure enough the oil started to reappear. I started the engine back up and the oil tank filled up slowly all the way. Is this normal to happen ?
BTW KBFXDLI, you were right all the oil was inside the engine. Thanx
Well guess what, I took a chance and started the bike and immediatly turned it back off, Cked the oil tank and sure enough the oil started to reappear. I started the engine back up and the oil tank filled up slowly all the way. Is this normal to happen ?
BTW KBFXDLI, you were right all the oil was inside the engine. Thanx
You might have some dirt or other obstruction holding the check valve open (or it just leaks) and allowing the oil from the tank to flow into the engine when the bike sits. If you aren't a DIY wrencher I would call your dealer and see about getting it fixed. I think there is a repair described in one of the wet sumping posts. (me, I'd have it fixed). JMO...Good luck.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 642
Likes: 3
From: Southern California
RE: Oil Tank Empty
Glad it is running now for you.
My only question is how long has it been since you last ran the engine? One week, one month, or one year?
And, now that you have run the engine recently, keep an eye on how fast the oil tank drains back. You may have had a chunk of debris in the check valve that has now been flushed through. Check the dipstick a few times in the next few days and see if the oil is draining back into the engine.
Before I'd take it to the shop, I'd do a little homework on it first.
My only question is how long has it been since you last ran the engine? One week, one month, or one year?
And, now that you have run the engine recently, keep an eye on how fast the oil tank drains back. You may have had a chunk of debris in the check valve that has now been flushed through. Check the dipstick a few times in the next few days and see if the oil is draining back into the engine.
Before I'd take it to the shop, I'd do a little homework on it first.
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RE: Oil Tank Empty
hello Taildraggerdave,
Actually the last time I rode the bike was this past Saturday,but before Saturday it had been about 2 month. I just came back from my garage and it has been 4 days since my last ride and you can already tell were the oil is about 1-2" below normal level. Again it has begun to drain back in to the motor. How can this be fixed? I am a DIY guy and would love to resolve this issue if it is not noraml. You mentioned there is a cked valve. Can the valve be cleaned or should I replace it.
thanx
BTW, nice bike.
Actually the last time I rode the bike was this past Saturday,but before Saturday it had been about 2 month. I just came back from my garage and it has been 4 days since my last ride and you can already tell were the oil is about 1-2" below normal level. Again it has begun to drain back in to the motor. How can this be fixed? I am a DIY guy and would love to resolve this issue if it is not noraml. You mentioned there is a cked valve. Can the valve be cleaned or should I replace it.
thanx
BTW, nice bike.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: Oil Tank Empty
If you don't have a service manual for your bike, get one out at the Harley shop. It will give you the detail of changing the check valve. If I went to the trouble, I'd just replace it.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Oil Tank Empty
ORIGINAL: oldgeezer
If you don't have a service manual for your bike, get one out at the Harley shop. It will give you the detail of changing the check valve. If I went to the trouble, I'd just replace it.
If you don't have a service manual for your bike, get one out at the Harley shop. It will give you the detail of changing the check valve. If I went to the trouble, I'd just replace it.
Me too! I'd just change it out wth a new valve unless you want to try to flush it out but that can be a mess. If it's an o-ring problem a new valve is probably easier. Are you still under warranty?