Motorcycle Repair: oil leak/pouring, vent tube, david answer

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1975 sportster 1000 and oil seems to come up through the vent tube and also the filter hose. i just got this (project) i'll call it, rode it home, no leaks ..other than the normal. and now...when i start it oil just pours out....did i grab a basket case, or a long costly project? thanks..
David

ANSWER: After it runs for a minute does the oil stop running out?
Mike

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

QUESTION: It stops pouring, BUT!! it still kinda sprays out some. I guess the bike has been sitting for awhile, and so after I got it, I rode it home and no leaks, THEN I started it periodically and it just started. Someone told me the oil pump is bad, or it does it because it has sat for a period of time. I hope it's not a costly fix.
Thanks
David

Answer
There is a check ball valve in the oil pump that is suppose to close when the bike is not running. If its leaking through then oil get into the bottom end of the motor and when you start it the oil pump cant pump it out fast enough, so it comes out the vent. I would keep ridign it and it might clear itself. If not then you will have to remove the ball and clean it. It might have a speck of dirt or carbon on it
Good luck and happy riding
Mike