Just picked up a 76 fxe in fair cond, needs a few thing here and there, I rode it around the streets for @ 2 miles, pull in the driveway, notices oil dripping from the tank, wiped it up, went down the block and back, stopped eng and when I pulled the filler cap off, 4-5 oz of oil came out, was it overfull or is it backing up somewhere. I kicked it over again later and it was still trying to sqeeze out of the fill cap.

 

Did someone top it off BEFORE starting?

 

I'm going to drain a little, see if that helps, thanks. Having a hell of a time starting this bike, will turn over fine, but won't start when it's cold, probably need to look at the carb. Starts ok when warm.

 

Most likely overserviced,sometimes automotive type oil filters play h3ll on oil systems on a HD.Bike may have had oil in crank due to extended sitting and fresh oil change done without reguards that the crank oil has to go somewhere.

 

If you let your shovel sit, then open it, that will not happen. I service my own and if I ride then open it, it will so the same thing.... it has to have some pressure to make that drop in filter work...

Later

 

I have to believe the bike sat and got wet sumped. Oil was then added to fill tank. Start it up, oil in sump is scavenged and tank is now too full. Momma's shovel wet sumps (I haven't taken the time to lap the check ball) Being the concientous (?) rider, she will add a 1/3 or 1/2 a qt. Get to the gas station, oil on the tank, bike, and now the ground. But I's rather clean it than rebuild it.