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I have a 97 Sportster 883 custom and yesterday when I took off from a stop sign the bike just died so I pulled over and tried to start it but it would start then die and I noticed the second light from the left on my light bar was on,and I checked the oil reservoir and my oil level had risen
All I can say is HUH???? This just leaves wondering, why did it die out? Did it restart? With heat, like from a running engine, oil will expand. That's why ya check the oil cold.
If the oil light came on when the engine died, that's normal. My oil light comes on almost immediately after I hit the Engine Stop switch. These bikes have almost no residual pressure due to roller bearing design, and operate more on oil flow than pressure.
I does not sound like an oil issue, more of an ignition issue. Or, a fuel issue. You have a vacuum operated fuel petcock, I would check that to see if it's working and the vacuum line in good shape. Also, a clogged pilot jet in the carb can give the same symptoms. When was the last time the carb was refreshed and the intake manifold seals replaced?
Your ignition module may be of the "nose cone" variety (1997/98 through 2003) which is well known for failure due to heat. These can be replaced and upgraded. But, you need to check for spark. Pull the plugs, hold to the head, and turn the bike over.
Its fuel or ignition. It does not sound like a compression or engine problem from your description. Fuel, spark, compression. The basics.
Oh, and welcome aboard!
John
Last edited by John Harper; May 7, 2025 at 06:17 PM.
IIRC, H-D recommends and HDF members are pretty unanimous that you should check the oil on a fully warmed up engine, just after you've shut it down, so the oil is hot and as much as possible in the oil tank. Oil will drain down into the case (each bike seems to be different on this) on a cold engine, so you might see the oil too low if you check it cold, when it's actually fine. That's how guys dump in an extra quart of oil and wonder why it's gushing out of the oil tank after they warm up the engine on a ride.
OK guys, a clarification on the cold oil check. I've lived with mine for many years and check it cold. I know the level on the dipstick full and check to see that it's less than 1/2 qt low. Check hot and right on the spot. Besides, them damn Big Shots don't make it easy to check oil hot.
Even Willie G knows...a Harley, being a "wet sump" system, requires checking the oil, Fully Warmed up..ie, heat saturated, in order to get any Clue of how much oil is in the thing!
Or, do Not even regard the Manual...and get on with the method Grampa used on the Tractor!
No worries tho...the Harley Engine Will Rid itself of Excess... wether you notice or Not
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