Hate to be a wet blanket, but I think most of us have also been assured by a Harley Rep at some point in time that there have been no reports of whatever the issue is we are talking about. Harley and most of it's rep's have a very large and well earned reputation for a lack of honesty and integrity. So while I hope they really have the situation fixed for all your sakes, I kind of doubt it. Case in point, how about the recent complete engine replacements from Harley (that Harley built, not the dealer) that sumped in the first thousand miles or thereabouts?
Pinning blame on the techs by claiming (without proof) that they didn't follow the instructions on aligning the pump when torquing the plate are pretty much horse excrement. Yes, there has been a requirement to align the pump since the first Twin Cam in 1999. I don't remember hearing about a sumping issue caused by pump alignment during the entire Twin Cam run, and we all know the techs weren't any more competent or meticulous from 1999 through 2016.
Jerry
Trust me, you’re not being a wet blanket. From a personal perspective, no one could be more skeptical than me after 3 engines and 2 stage IV upgrades. I’ve been patient since last Aug when the 3rd M8 engine was installed in my 2017 CVO limited. I have no desire to wait any longer since HD has had my money for the stage IV upgrade since Jan 2017.
So I intend to have them fulfill their obligation to properly install the upgrade to Stage IV that I paid for before this riding season gets underway. They have tried to fairly compensate me with a free 7yr ESP including wheel & tire coverage. Plus they have upgraded my SWR to include the stage IV kit for ESP coverage for the full 7 yrs.
I have the added advantage of a second bike, so while I go into the stage IV upgrade with open eyes, I also figure its their problem if they still don’t have it right.
I specifically requested that they state in writing that 1) there are no known plans to release an updated Stage IV kit, 2) there are no known M8 sumping engine failures using the latest oil pump and SB1450 install instructions. The Dealer Rep confirmed both of these requests in writing which was enough for me to pull the trigger on upgrading my 3rd engine back to Stage 4. The Dealer Rep and HD Tech Services will be onsite at my local dealership to ensure the installation will be done according to the latest instructions in the SB1450.
Will it sump again after proper installation with the latest oil pump?? Hell if I know! However I do know, HD has done their best to stand behind the bike and me as a customer. They fully understand that another failure is their problem to deal with. If they are OK installing a new stage IV M8 engine every year for the next 7 yrs, well then... I’m OK with a new engine every year too.
Hoping for the best but prepared for just about anything after dealing with 2 engine failures already.
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Topic: Sumping Question (Read 3000 times)