Motorcycle Repair: oil leaking from bike, oil tank, oil line

Question
QUESTION: I just started my 1979 1200cc Harley Lowrider for the first time in two weeks and noticed a large puddle of oil underneath it coming from a hose at the bottom of bike. It this some kind of overflow hose and what caused this puddle?

ANSWER: What is happening is the same thing that happens to alot of other riders. Your oil tank sits higher than your motor. There is a ball and spring that is suppose to keep oil out of the motor when its not running. Sometimes the oil weeps past the ball or there is a speck of dirt holding it open. Oil get into the bottom end and when you start the bike the oil pump cant pumt it back fast enough, so it goes out the vent. Once its runs for a minute it will clear up. If it keeps doing it then you need to replace the ball and spring
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is replacing the ball and spring someting a novice could do or do you recommend having someone who is knowledgeable?
Thanks

Answer
you can do it. I is pretty easy. If you look at the top of the oil pump you will see two plugs. the one to the rear is the plug you need to remove. you will either have to pinch off the oil line or drain the oil. Once you remove the plug remove the spring. You will have to ue a magnet to get the ball out. Put int he new one and the spring and the cap and your set
Good luck and happy riding
Mike