I just read Dr Twins thread about the chain tensioners on the early twin cam's and how the lack of oil destroyed the tensioners and bearings..

After sitting for a little over a month and before starting my 07 fatty with the "96.7", i checked the oil and there was nothing showing on the stick.. i was like WTf, i know it was ok when i parked it last. i then realized all the oil must have drained down to the crankcase and pump.. i was reluctant to start it with nothing showing on the stick, but with no obvious Valdez like oil spills on the garage floor, i knew it had to have oil in it. I started it up and ran it for about 5 minutes with no strange noises. I still shut it down to check the oil level and it was right were it should be. Since everything seemed ok i then went on for a long ride to get all the fluids, whl brg grease etc flowing again..

My question is, is this normal for all the oil to drain down and how much damage is being done internally?

Since its fuel injected and starts at the drop of a hat, should ya remove the spark plug wires and crank the engine over for about 10 seconds to get oil flowing to all vital parts ?

 

Yes it is normal for the oil to "drain down".
Dealer said "don't worry about it, oil pressure comes up real quick and won't hurt a thing."

 

The oil tank still has oil in it, just the level is low. I always check mine with a flashlight if I am concerned about it.

 

Not unusual for the oil to do that. After my bike sits all Winter I don't bother checking the oil since there is no puddle underneath. I start it and let it warm up with a 10-20 minute ride and then check it later.

 

There is a back flow valve at the oil tank on softails to prevent the oil from settling in the bottom of the engine.Some of them leak and over a period of time that oil bag oil ends up in the bottem of the engine. Is it normal? NO. Is it serious? No again.

If it is cold, thick oil around the crank "may" put extra strain on the battery/starter.

Barry

 

Seems to be a common thing. Oil leaks past the valve and goes to the crank case.
From everything I have read, it really doesnt hurt anything. Let it run for a couple of minuets and it fills the tank.

 

If you pull you plug wires and spin the engine you'll more than likely trip some diagnostic codes. If you have a couple of old plugs laying around use those but ground them to the cylinders. The carb bikes are real simple to spin, just don't open the fuel petcock and leave the enrichener in.

 

it seems like it would be a good idea for the oil tank to be down low possibly even under the engine or trans. (dyna owner ,sarcasm intended)really thou not a problem unless you gas it hard right after starting.

 

It will not throw codes, at least not in my bike. I do this before first startup in the spring.

 

That is a nice feature since you don't get much if any sumping and don't have any external lines to deal with.