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Milwaukee 8 Oil Pump Recall: Should You Worry? Let’s See!

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Chase Manhattan

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Owner and Editor at The Wrench Network

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There have been recent discussions surrounding the Milwaukee 8 oil pump recall, which has left many Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners concerned. But do you really need to worry? This article will dive deep into the issue, providing comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision.

What Was The Milwaukee 8 Oil Pump Recall?

The Milwaukee 8 oil pump recall was not an official recall but a service bulletin (M1450) issued by Harley-Davidson. The company identified an issue with the oil pump in certain 2017-2019 Milwaukee-Eight engines. This condition, known as “sumping,” can occur during extended periods of high RPM or under heavy engine load, leading to a loss of power or even potential engine component damage.

Related:
> 12 Dreaded Harley 107 Problems
> Is The Harley 114 A Good Engine?
> Harley Milwaukee 8 Problems
> The Worst Harley 117 Problems Get Fixed

Here's an example of the oil pump that goes bad on Milwaukee 8 recalled engines. This picture also includes new cams, lifters, and a cam plate.
The oil pump, seen on the right, is the point of failure seen in Milwaukee 8 recalled engines. Depending on when the issue is caught, a full rebuild may be necessary. The replacement cams and lifters can be seen to the right.

What Happens If This Issue Is Ignored?

Ignoring the sumping issue could lead to severe engine damage. Sumping is when excessive oil builds up in the crankcase, causing the flywheel to travel through the oil. This results in power loss and potential engine component damage with extended use under these conditions. If ignored, this could lead to engine failure.

Related: Harley Davidson Engine Rebuild Cost

What Is Oil Sumping?

Oil sumping, or wet sumping, is a condition where oil, instead of returning to the oil tank, builds up in the crankcase and cam gearcase. This excessive oil creates friction and power loss. The issue is common in the Milwaukee-Eight engines due to the stock oil pump’s inadequacy. Here’s a video of the issue in action:

What Is A Dry Sump?

A dry sump system is a method to manage the lubricating motor oil in four-stroke and large two-stroke piston-driven internal combustion engines. The dry sump oiling system is designed to store the oil in a separate tank, rather than in the engine’s bottom, as in a wet sump system.

Is There A Wet Sump System?

Yes, there is a wet sump system. A wet sump offers a simpler setup where the oil is stored in the bottom of the engine. However, this system can lead to issues like oil slosh and windage, which can rob horsepower and limit engine speed.

To illustrate the difference between a wet sump, and dry sump, here's an infographic detailing the differences.
Here’s an illustration showing the differences between a wet sump, and a dry sump, system.

Were All Milwaukee 8 Engines Affected? If No, Which Ones?

Not all Milwaukee 8 engines were affected. The issue applies to all 2017 – 2019 Touring, CVO, Trike, Touring Police and 2018 – 2019 Softail model motorcycles with a Milwaukee-Eight engine.

Related:
> Harley 107 vs 114
> Harley 107 vs 114 vs 117: A Milwaukee Bound Shootout
> Heritage Softail Problems: A Tumultuous Trip Through Time

How Many Bikes Were Affected?

The exact number of affected bikes is not publicly disclosed. However, it’s known that the issue affects all markets.

Related: Twin Cam vs Milwaukee 8: Harley Motor Shootout

Will Harley Fix The Issue For Free?

Harley-Davidson has not announced a free fix for the issue. However, they have provided a diagnostic procedure for determining if sumping is occurring and recommended replacing the oil pump with a new one (part numbers 62400247 or 62400248) if sumping symptoms are present.

Symptoms Of The Issue To Look Out For

Some of the symptoms of sumping include loss of power or high intensity engine braking during extended high RPM use, excessive oil blowback from the crank breathers inside your air intake, and excessive oil splattered along the right side of your bike while riding hard or long distances.

Related: Harley Breather Bypass Procedure

Should You Worry About Getting A Bike With A Milwaukee 8? (Probably Not)

Despite the sumping issue, the Milwaukee 8 is a reliable engine. If you plan to buy a bike with a Milwaukee 8 engine, it’s recommended to check if the bike has any sumping symptoms. If the bike is from the affected years (2017-2019), you might want to consider replacing the oil pump as a precaution.

Related: What Year Harleys to Avoid

Recap of Main Points

The Milwaukee 8 oil pump recall was not an official recall but a service bulletin issued by Harley-Davidson to address the sumping issue in some of their engines. Ignoring this issue could lead to severe engine damage. However, not all Milwaukee 8 engines are affected, and with the correct precautions, you can enjoy your ride without worry. Either way, here’s a copy of the service bulletin, as issued directly by Harley:

Milwaukee-8-Oil-Pump-Recall-Service-Bulletin-as-Issued-by-Harley-DavidsonDownload

Conclusion

While the Milwaukee 8 oil pump issue is a concern, it’s not a deal-breaker. With the right knowledge and precautions, you can continue to enjoy your ride. Always remember to regularly service your bike and keep an eye out for any signs of sumping.

Related reads:
– Harley M8 Oil Capacity Guide (All Sizes Explained)
– Harley M8 Primary Oil Capacity (All Engine Sizes Explained)
– The Best Oil for M8 Harley Engines Gets Revealed (Complete)

FAQs

In this section, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Milwaukee 8 oil pump recall.

What exactly is the Milwaukee 8 oil pump recall?

The Milwaukee 8 oil pump recall isn’t an official recall but rather a service bulletin (M1450) issued by Harley-Davidson. It addresses an issue known as “sumping” in certain 2017-2019 Milwaukee-Eight engines, which can lead to power loss or potential engine damage.

What Does Oil Sumping Mean?

Oil sumping, also known as wet sumping, is when oil accumulates in the crankcase and cam gearcase instead of returning to the oil tank. This buildup of oil can cause friction and power loss, especially in Milwaukee-Eight engines due to the stock oil pump’s limitations.

Were all Milwaukee 8 engines impacted by the Oil Pump Recall?

No, not all Milwaukee 8 engines were affected. The sumping issue pertains to 2017 – 2019 Touring, CVO, Trike, Touring Police, and 2018 – 2019 Softail model motorcycles equipped with a Milwaukee-Eight engine.

What are the signs that my bike might be experiencing sumping?

Symptoms to watch out for include power loss or intense engine braking during prolonged high RPM use, excessive oil blowback from the crank breathers inside the air intake, and oil splatter on the right side of your bike after hard or long rides.

Read next: Harley Oil Breather Problems? I Have The Answer!

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