i replaced my trans oil about 8 months ago. I was recently doing some work on the bike and tried to start it for the first time this year. it started to spit oil from the overflow tube that comes from the trans. it has done this before whe i just filled the bike up, but it is it okay that it is now doing this again, 8 months after i filled it up?

thanks for your response

 

Check the oil level in the primary using the oil level bolt ...



Bike must be level. I use a piece of 2X6 under the side stand and a tie down to the wall of my shop. Let oil run/drip out until it stops. Note that the correct amount of oil is 1.5 pints, 24 oz, or until it stops running/dripping out this hole.

With bike sitting perhaps on the side stand for an extended time engine oil can migrate over to the primary. I do not recall the details of how. Check the engine oil level - if it has gone down this will also confirm.

According to the factory parts catalog the vent for the trans was not installed until 1977. Your 1972 should not have one; it should have the internal oil transfer valve. Are you referring to the crankcase vent on the right side opposite the generator? If this is the case then your bike has "wet sumped", which is normal for a bike that has sat for an extended time. This is again an oil migration, this time past the check ball in the oil pump. Same solution.

If you do have the trans vent it is thru a hollow bolt on top of the transmission case, under where the solenoid would be on an XLH. The tube should run up under the seat then back down along the frame so that fluid does not get out of it.

 

You are correct on the crankcase vent on the right side opposite of generator. that is exactly what it is. The bike has been sitting for a couple of months so i am sure that is the problem. thanks IronMick, you are a lifesaver on this website

 

Ooops, i err'ed when i said same solution. Here is the skinny on wet sumping ...

Engine breather 101 / Crankcase Vent 101