Sumping workaround for long layovers…
Supporter
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 483
Likes: 485
From: The Late Great Golden State
This is interesting to read. I have not noticed this with my Harley other than it smoking and puking a little oil after sitting for awhile, but still having plenty of oil in the tank. But I am dealing with wet sumping on a Norton Commando I have just acquired. On this particular bike the tank will fully drain into the sump in about a week. Nortons are notorious for this, and it seems to be related to aged oil pumps. If I am not going to run the bike for more than a few days, I will try to remember to siphon the oil into a large glass jar to be saved and reused, and put a “no oil” note on the bike. One problem with starting Nortons with a sump full of oil is excess pressure that can blow out the seal between the engine and primary…..is also the case Harleys?
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 554
Likes: 359
From: Bristol, CT
This is interesting to read. I have not noticed this with my Harley other than it smoking and puking a little oil after sitting for awhile, but still having plenty of oil in the tank. But I am dealing with wet sumping on a Norton Commando I have just acquired. On this particular bike the tank will fully drain into the sump in about a week. Nortons are notorious for this, and it seems to be related to aged oil pumps. If I am not going to run the bike for more than a few days, I will try to remember to siphon the oil into a large glass jar to be saved and reused, and put a “no oil” note on the bike. One problem with starting Nortons with a sump full of oil is excess pressure that can blow out the seal between the engine and primary…..is also the case Harleys?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 574
This is interesting to read. I have not noticed this with my Harley other than it smoking and puking a little oil after sitting for awhile, but still having plenty of oil in the tank. But I am dealing with wet sumping on a Norton Commando I have just acquired. On this particular bike the tank will fully drain into the sump in about a week. Nortons are notorious for this, and it seems to be related to aged oil pumps. If I am not going to run the bike for more than a few days, I will try to remember to siphon the oil into a large glass jar to be saved and reused, and put a “no oil” note on the bike. One problem with starting Nortons with a sump full of oil is excess pressure that can blow out the seal between the engine and primary…..is also the case Harleys?
Supporter
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 483
Likes: 485
From: The Late Great Golden State
It’s actually engine oil getting past a seal and going into the primary case. The prudent thing to do seems to be to get the excess oil out of the case and back into the tank before starting the bike. I think it is only a problem when there has been lots of oil getting into the case. Nonetheless, from what you’re saying it doesn’t sound like this sort of thing is a problem with Harleys.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 554
Likes: 359
From: Bristol, CT
It’s actually engine oil getting past a seal and going into the primary case. The prudent thing to do seems to be to get the excess oil out of the case and back into the tank before starting the bike. I think it is only a problem when there has been lots of oil getting into the case. Nonetheless, from what you’re saying it doesn’t sound like this sort of thing is a problem with Harleys.
Dumping the oil on the last ride of the season ( normally my last oil change) and refilling the following season is easiest.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 435
From: australia
I haven’t heard of sumping & eliminating upon startup causing if the same seal issue you mention. Re HD if any unwanted oil is migrating to the primary it is because of a bad main seal - behind the alternator at the crank. Ruined a primary belt that way on a previous one.
Dumping the oil on the last ride of the season ( normally my last oil change) and refilling the following season is easiest.
Dumping the oil on the last ride of the season ( normally my last oil change) and refilling the following season is easiest.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 554
Likes: 359
From: Bristol, CT
Im 1400 miles away from my garage, escaping to FL during most of the cold weather and take only 1 of 3 bikes when I do. The cold up north here makes 50wt thickly-difficult and can drain heavily on the battery to turn over. Whenever I had to start a bike here in frigid weather I set a space heater aiming at the oil tank for 12+ hours prior. The Twinkie and Evo Sporty fare better starting in the cold.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 435
From: australia
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 960
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From: USA
I do not believe that they sump from sitting, but there have been some sumping issues while running.