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My Shovel sat for 10 months after an accident, I knew she was going to sump. I kicked her through a half dozen times, all I heard was the gurgling. Put a pan under the breather, fired her up, pissed out maybe a pint. Not really a big deal if you know it is going to happen and you are prepared. I put the pan under her for the second start up, maybe a drop. After that we were all good again.
Flathead does not sump anymore after the rebuild, pump was lapped etc. Good luck.
Try it after 3 Years... that is how long I was "Down"... poor shovel... even at one drip a Day... that's alot of oil!!!!
Turned out to be a more interesting thread than I expected. Like I mentioned it sat 6 months over a long winter layover. Nothing other than one drop long after it was shut off after a ride ever came out the breather. Even after sitting about 2 months and starting it. Since my last oil change coincides with my last ride I may just drain the oil tank & change the filter this year. Put a note on it and refill before the first ride in ‘24. Some of the suggestions were really smart. The oil pump had been properly rebuilt with the seat lapped…etc.
May be unusual for most shops as I understand it but I received the detailed mechanics notes to give me insight as to everything encountered. Some folks here might find them interesting as it reveals what condition this bike was in as purchased after sitting 12+ years. I have 3 pages of detailed shop notes from the tear down to the build and the first 50 miles ridden. The printed invoice has every part, material and the item price. It’s a good thing my garage space is limited and full or I’d be looking for another classic 🏍️🏍️
I have good relationship with this shop and the mechanic who does this work on all the vintage and antique bikes that come in. There are other mechanics in the shop but only Mark whom I trust worked on my shovel from start to finish. The shop owner is second generation of this family business est 1969. I recommend stopping in and checking out the antique bikes on display in the showroom. Many iconic models and the place is welcoming to those just stopping by for a look-see and a cold drink.
Solid mechanic with a bit of OCD in the mix, very good combination when you need one. When I was doing motors I'd do build sheets, spec everything as it came apart, the added the new numbers as it all went back together with any extra notes depending on the build.
I never had any problems forgetting to turn the valve on since I have two of these flags; a small one on the valve and a large one on the handlebars.
I've seen these oil shutoff valves for sale where they have a switch incorporated in them. This can be wired such that the ignition (or electric start) only works when the oil valve is opened.
I myself take the oil out at the end of riding season, and put in fresh oil and filter when the winter is finished. During the season I don't have issues with sumping...
I really don't understand why people don't just fix the problem,
a new S&S pump isnt expensive, other makes are even cheaper, and will cure the problem 100%
and also give you peace of mind that you getting oil to your motor,
oil pumps don't last forever and is the heart of your motor, if it's sumping it is a good indicator that your pump is getting old or has something in your oil that has stuck the check ball, and will be less efficiant overall,.... if you don't want to change the pump, at least remove it, check it, rebuild it and seat a new ball & change the springs,
it's not hard or rocket science,
even without mechanical skills, if you follow the factory workshop manual, it shouldn't take much more than an hour to change out..
Thanks for the lead and link. I ordered a set. I was also one who used needle nosed vice grips to pinch off hoses.
Got the idea from an industrial item I used at the car plant the clamp off air lines when you couldn't shut down the main or some idiot didn't put in a shutoff to do line side repairs. They are a bit big for bike work.
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