45 breather tube issue

[schmillen]

Hello! I have a 1942 Harley 45 that I've owned since 1976. The motor was rebuilt in the early 1990's and the bike has been sitting since then. It will start and run, but it throws oil out of the breather tube. Any idea what's causing that problem? Thank you.

[T. Cotten]

Welcome, Schmillen!

It is the nature of an elevated oil reservoir that over time, oil will find its way to the bottom, and purge when he machine is started.

In normal duty, the ball check in the feed pump does a decent job of preventing the cases from filling while sitting for a couple of weeks or so, but seat wear over decades shortens the time it can sit before it will puke when finally started. Its natural, and doesn't hurt anything but your driveway (unless there is a modern sprocket shaft seal).

Beware of crude attempts to repair the seat; It is often best to just drain the oil if the machine will sit for weeks.

....Cotten

[schmillen]

Hello Cotten:

Thanks for your helpful response. I appreciate it.

John Schmillen
AMCA #44157