Oil spots

[JosephJoe]

Gentlemen,

After starting my FLH ' 70, I hold my hand just behind the exhaust and noticed there came out little oil spots.
Do I have to worry about that?

Thanks in advance,

Joe

[T. Cotten]

Joe!

Late models aren't my specialty, but since it is similar to my '65s, I must ask:
Had the machine been sitting for a while?

Oil has a habit of draining from the tank into the motor, and making a mess when started.
With the factory design, it can clean itself up in a matter of a few dozen miles. If you have alterations like seals for a belt drive, etc., it can be a headache.

Let us know more...

....Cotten

[JosephJoe]

Cotten!

I ride my bike on regular base, once a week.
The spost are very fine, like pinholes.

Joe

[T. Cotten]

Joe!

Golly, if it isn't sumping, its 'sumpin else', I guess.
What do your plugs look like?

....Cotten

[JosephJoe]

Thanks for your reaction Cotten,

The plugs look pretty good, coffee brown.

Joe

[Rubone]

Joe,
Is there anyplace any oil leaks on a pipe joint or into a port? Fine oil mist can be carried in the exhaust that originates from other than within the engine.

[JosephJoe]

Hi Robbie!

I can't think of anything.
Could it be a leak of the valve guides?

Joe

[Rubone]

Joe,
If the guides allow oil into the exhaust port it could blow a bit out upon initial start up, but as it comes up to temperature it would normally vaporize and perhaps puff a bit of smoke. Does it continue to do it after riding for a while or only at first start?

[JosephJoe]

Robbie,

Indeed, only at first start when the engine is cold.

Joe

[T. Cotten]

Joe!

Another common spot for oil to enter the combustion chamber is at the headgasket around the drain holes from the heads.
Just like intake guides and the like, only a tear-down would tell.

....Cotten

[JosephJoe]

Gentlemen,

Thanks you for sharing your knowledge.

Joe