Oil tank emptying while sitting?

[Knotthed]

I need some trouble shooting help here.

1953 Harley 45 - after sitting for a period of time the oil tank is completly empty!

What could cause this? There are no obvious leaks like oil lines.

Could the oil pump check valves/balls allow all of the oil to drain out over time thru the engine cases?

Thanks in advance,

[Sargehere]

Yes, the check ball pressed on by the spring in your oil pump. Go by the Service Manual (do you have a service manual for 45s? Let me know.)
With the tank empty, take the oil pump check valve apart (cap screw off, adj.screw out, spring out, fish out ball with a leetle magnet "on a stick" and clean it. Put it back together per the Service Manual.
You now have a crankcase full of oil. Drain that, too, before starting it up again, or you may get oil all over.

[Knotthed]

Sarge,

Thanks for the response.

I don't have a 45 "harley" manual per say - but here is what I do have.

I have a 2" thick book titled 1940's military models WLA & XA operation maintenance specifications parts listings. I picked it up at a local flee market a year ago. I guess it is a "Harley" Book copywright 1985 after looking inside it just now.

So you think it is most likely the check balls? That was my best guess, but I am very green with the old bikes and in the process of changing that.

I cannot confirm that the engine is full of oil - where it is dripping on my floor suggest it is coming from the crankcase.

This is for my Dad's 53 Servicar.

Thanks again for your help!

Donald J Knott