Motorcycle Repair: oil return, oil tank, oil return

Question
QUESTION: i just bought a 1996 fxsts. when i start the bike , the oil level gets higher as it warms up and starts to overflow the oil tank, only takes about a minute. i changed the oil and filter and the smae thing is happening.

ANSWER: You have oil weeping into the bottom end of the bike through the oil pump. If you have to much oil int he bottom end of the motor and you fill the oil tank, then when you start the bike it will over fill the tank. take some of the oil out of the tank and then start the bike. Let it run for a minute and then shut it off and check it.
Good luck happy riding
Mike

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

QUESTION: what will i do to fix the problem? replace the oil pump, or ??

Answer
In the oil pump there is a ball with a spring. When the bike is not running the ball is suppose to be held closed by the spring so the oil will not run into the motor, since the oil tank is higher than the motor. Over time the ball gets some dirt or some carbon and will stay slightly open. then oil weeps into the motor. It is located on top of the oil pump under a screw in plug. If you look at the top of the oil pump you will see two screw in plugs. Its the one in the back. You need to drain the oil, and remove the plug. Then remove the spring and ball. Makse sure the ball isnt pitted. You can take the old ball and put it back in the hole and with a pumch, tap it to reseat it. Then replace the ball and spring and that should solve the problem
Good luck and happy riding
Mike