I think I found the source of my bilge full of oil.

[Sandman251]

The 01' Sportster LE I just bought had about a gallon of oil in the bilge. Fresh pure oil. Looks like the tank fitting grommet is leaking for sure. While its not actively dripping now, oil squishes out from the top and bottom of the grommet. At some point it was leaking. Maybe a full tank might induce more of a leak.

More disturbing was the loose oil line that comes from the tank. The red barb nipple must not be big enough or the line had been replaced, or something. All I did was brush against the clear oil line and it came off. There was no clamp of any kind present. This, I believe, is the real source of the 1 gallon of oil I had in the bilge. With the hose off, the oil pours out.

I'm wondering if my bad compression #'s could have been caused by this hose coming off under power. The resulting oil starvation might be something to consider.

I've cleaned the bilge and will keep an eye on it.

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

Take the tank off, degrease the grommet and the outside very well, and silicone the hell out of it. Use a good quality silicone, like Hondabond (can be purchased from the dealer for $8 or so). I purchased a new grommet, and it just started leaking again. You can cut the hose back some and use a ziptie, or a worm clamp to keep the hose attached.

 

[howie099]

You can more than likely still buy the garments for oil tank yet. I was able to buy them for a 95' so I am sure you can get them for 01' so you don't need to silicone it to death. Buy all new oil lines for the boat OSD sells them by the foot in the yellow tygon type. They are 15 years old time for new lines.

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

You can more than likely still buy the garments for oil tank yet. I was able to buy them for a 95' so I am sure you can get them for 01' so you don't need to silicone it to death. Buy all new oil lines for the boat OSD sells them by the foot in the yellow tygon type. They are 15 years old time for new lines.

I bought a new grommet and it started leaking a few months later. Silicone stopped that

 

[howie099]

I usually buy new fittings also. I do it all when I do it. Breaking down on the water sucks. Mine stopped leaking after I bought both since you loose a little flexibility when you silicone it. Unless the tank opening is a little out of shape I would maybe put silicone on the outside of the rubber but not the inside where the fitting goes. The oil lines are pretty long on boats and can move more.