All of the oil leaked out of the oil tank. It started out as a few drips and progressed to the point that a week later all of the oil drained out in 5 days.


2009 Sportster XL883C, Stock


Possible causes. This started in June of last year. The previous October I put the bike down when I left the highway in a corner and the bike slid out from under me when I hit the dirt. Speed was between 45 and 55. It jammed in gear (3rd). My buddy that helped me retrieve it got it to shift again. I rode the bike a few more times before the snow fell and then started riding it again in April. I rode it almost everyday in May and the first week or so in June when the leak started. The bike has been parked since.



I purchased a swing arm lift from Harbor Freight. When I set it on the lift it sits the bike straight up and down as opposed to leaning on the jiffy stand. When I did this, a bit more oil leaked out. The leak appears to fall under the bike about centered on the rear master cylinder but more to the right side of the bike.

Oil tank is empty, this puddle formed when the bike was set vertical on the stand.


Puddle formed in less than an hour. Oil tank was empty when set on the stand. Scratches on the battery cover and the gas tank are from it being laid down.


I am not sure how to proceed. I was thinking of pouring in part of a quart and then watching to see where the oil leaks from or maybe just start pulling the oil tank out and inspecting it for damage or cracks and checking the hoses.

Any suggestions on where to start or how to proceed??

I do have the service manual, that was ordered 2 days after I purchased the bike.

 

Check the oil drain hose. Make sure it's tight and has no holes in it. That would be my first check

 

YEP what he said

 

The oil tank drain hose was all oily, the hose above it was dry and clean. Took a pair of cutting pliers and removed the hose clamp then removed the hose. The section of hose that goes on the tank is hard and brittle. I found a crack running around the diameter of the hose below the clamp. Will get a new hose ordered from the store tomorrow. I think I will also replace the sleeve that the hose goes through. I don't imagine that it is too expensive. The bottom of the hose was kind of chewed up but still soft and pliable. It was also fairly clean and dry so I don't think it was leaking there.
Thanks for the suggestion on were to look. Will get it back together and let you know if there are any other issues.

 

I'm pretty sure those years had plastic oil tanks...it's very possible that it cracked when you laid it down and got worse over time. See if you can score a used tank and replace the whole thing. I'm sure they're cheap used.

 

Well the replacement oil drain hose showed up yesterday. Got it installed with a new sleeve as well, the old sleeve looked fine but was only a couple of bucks so I figured I would replace it as well. Changed out the filter and added 2 quarts and fired it up. Checked the oil level and it was between the marks with it cold. Ran the bike for a bit to get it warmed up and the oil level didn't change. Checked it after work today and no new oil spots under it. Got an appointment to get it inspected tomorrow so hopefully I will be on the road this weekend.