Well, this is the longest my Harley has not been started in quite some time. I have been in and out of the hospital, weak, etc, and it has been darn cold! It is up in the high 30's today so I thought I would start the old girl up and warm her up good. I have a 5 watt aquarium heater and I put it in the oil tank when it is cold to pre heat the oil a bit. I also took the precaution of routing the oil blow by hose (sumping) into a gallon jug just in case. I fired the old Shovel up and she didn't blow a drop. No smoke either. just a nice smooth idle. Life is good.

The last time the bike sat unstarted for an extended period it puked at least a quart, but it had been sitting for a few years that time. I had sold it to a guy and when he passed his daughter sold it back to me. He put 10 miles on the bike. I was thrilled to get it back as I had always maintained it in top condition back then and sold it due to injuries that prevented me riding. It was in the exact condition that I had last owned it.

 

Pretty good luck there. If at all possible, try to go for at least a 20 minute ride to boil off any condensation in the crankcase. I always check for oil leaks around cork seals when I haven't ridden mine for a while.


carl

 

wow didn't think anyone use cork gaskets