what would cause oil to build up in the oil bag on a 1985 road glide ? I'm thinking the feed line is clogged or the oil pump is not functioning correctly ..... any suggestions on other possible reasons ?

 

I assume you didn't add any oil correct? If it was sumping, and you added oil thinking it was low, once the sumped oil returned, the bag would be over full.

 

If the oil level is too high in the tank, then there is simply too much oil in the tank.

Remove some oil.

 

Never check the oil on a cold motor because from sitting it can return to the case, which is not that uncommon. If the scavenger side of the pump is working fine then you should be ok. Check it after it has run a while and if it's over full then, Like Dan said, You simply added too much..... Check out this vid...

 

Hey Wildhare, Have you had this Evo a long time or just got it ? If the Bike has been using Dino oil, since it left Milwaukee, it could have clogging oil lines, like a human heart ? It could also have a very dirty oil filter ? If the bike has been on a diet of Dino oil for 30 years, & you just started using Synthetic, it will start cleaning your motor, globs of crap could be clogging your oil filter. I'd pull the return line at the tank, stick it in a bucket, start the bike, see if any oil is returning to the tank. Only use good name brand 30 micron oil filters! I'd check the feed, return & vent oil lines, for kinks, etc. There's got to be an easy solution to this problem ! The stock oil breather gear is plastic, it usually gets replaced with a steel one, with any cam work ? Good Luck, BJ
PS, Try some Bosch B4478 spark plugs, awesome !
PSS, Or it could be as simple as a weak check valve, letting oil seep into the sump, you adding oil when cold, which gets pumped out of the motor, overfilling the oil tank ?

 

This is ridiculous. It has nothing to do with using conventional or synthetic oil...

No matter what type oil has been used since it was made, the oil lines and crankcase will be clean, as long as proper maintenance was done.

 

 

As stated, always check the oil after running a short time as it can dribble into the cases on an 85 bagger.. If you don't and top off the tank you can have too much oil in the oil tank. The little check ball in the pump might not be seated properly or there is something wring with the spring that holds it in place. If one of these issues occurs, the oil will slowly drain from the tank into the motor.

BTW they didn't make a Road Glide in 85.. Only an Electra Glide Classic and Tour Glide.

 

Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF. Got family in Colorado! I think you will find you have a Tour Glide, the Road Glide came along a lot later. We have a dedicated Evo section, where you can meet up with fellow owners. As for your oil issue, the chaps above have dealt with that. Let us know what you find.