Oil Pump Nightmare
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Oil Pump Nightmare
Recently was told my oil pump failed on my 2003 Road King Classic which caused major damage to the engine with 45K miles to the tune in excess of 5K to fix. I have seen 3 others with same problem and price tag. Is this a design problem and is it common?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: NYC
yes it is a design problem. the filter is on the pressure side of the oil pump and not on the intake side. not even a screen to stop metal chips from getting into the oil pump. going to pull my cam plate this winter as part of a cam upgrade and would be interested in knowing if there was a way to put a screen filter on the intake side. just bought some super duty magnetic drain plugs from cycle soultions which is about all you can do with out cracking the case.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,528
Likes: 6,407
From: Honah Lee
You read this ever now and then. What amazes me is not one ever has a picture to show of one that is torn up. I can believe something getting in the oil tank or system and starving the pump but even then it would have to be totally blocked to destroy it. Half starved the cylinders and lifters would let you know you had a problem. I would get a second opinion of the price. Toyota dealer told my son his 89 Toyota 22 R needed a new engine for a $5500 installed price tag. We put new piston pin bushing in it (the problem), some gaskets, thru in rings and bearing shells for about $300. Not sure if the pump pressure side has a screen but I know the return side does not. However the gears are hard like bearings and run in a precision aluminum housing. All automobiles have similar systems with little more then a screen. The item 108 baffle asby probably has a coarse screen in it in your oil bag mounted under transmission.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 10:28 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
The problem, more than likely, has nothing to do with which side of the oil flow the filter is on. The problem has to do with excessive run-out of the crank pinion shaft. When that engine is apart, if you elect to go that route, you will need the flywheels properly trued and welded to prevent re-occurrence.
Another option is to have the dealer send the engine to H-D for their rebuild program. Although I do not know if they weld the crank journal in the flywheels. Probably not.
Another option is to have the dealer send the engine to H-D for their rebuild program. Although I do not know if they weld the crank journal in the flywheels. Probably not.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
+1 There's a brand new 88 ci motor sitting at a dealer 35 miles away from me with a $3800 price tag on it.
Or look here http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
Whoever told you 5K really saw you coming.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: NYC
What amazes me is not one ever has a picture to show of one that is torn up.
I can believe something getting in the oil tank or system and starving the pump but even then it would have to be totally blocked to destroy it.
Not sure if the pump pressure side has a screen but I know the return side does not.
However the gears are hard like bearings and run in a precision aluminum housing. All automobiles have similar systems with little more then a screen. The item 108 baffle asby probably has a coarse screen in it in your oil bag mounted under transmission.