Motorcycle Repair: 79 harley fxe, pain in the butt, oil tank

Question
When I first start my bike I notice a large puddle of oil under the bike coming from what appears to be a large overflow hose hanging at the bottom of the bike. The flow will stop once the bike is warm and only appears to happen when bike is cold or has sat idle for about a week. Any ideas what is wrong and is anything major?

Answer
The problem is the oil tank sits higher than the motor. In the oil pump there is a ball and spring that closes when the bike is not runing. over time you can get a speck of dirt or some carbon on the ball and the oil weeps into the bottom end. When you start the bike, the oil pump cant pump the oil back fast enough so it comes out the vent. Once the oi is gone it stops. It doesnt hurt anything, just a pain in the butt!
I have taken a punch and hammer and lightly tapped the ball which will reseat it. Also, change the spring. this should help.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike