massive oil leak

[davbr]

Your very kind assistance required again.
I have searched the message board but cannot find anything similar to what i have just experienced.
I have not started my 58 A7ss for about four weeks. I had a leaking rocker box cover which has taken a while to get round to fixing. Anyway today i finally replaced it and when i started the bike, which as usual started easily, oil literally poured out from underneath the bike. I stopped the engine staright away and there was a huge puddle of oil under the bike. I could not tell where the oil was coming from at all and when i checked the oil tank it was virtually empty. I did start the engine again to see if i could determine where the oil was coming but when i did so much was coming out that i stopped the bike as i did not want anything catastrophic to happen. I did not check the oil level before i started it first time.
You thoughts/suggestions would be greatfully appreciated and if you can tell me it it something really straight foward that would be even better!

[MG]

Hi!
They all do that, Sir  
This is the result of wetsumping, the oil drains down from the tank into the engine, and when started, it is pushed out of the breather (exiting through the breather hole behind the primary chaincase). The only remedy (except an oil tap in the feed line with all associated perils) is to check the oil level in the tank before starting and if necessary, drain the engine and refill the tank. An alloy sump plate with drain plug is a good investment therefore.

Cheers, Markus

[davbr]

Ahh thats it then, had read about it but never experienced it. I must admit I never realised it would be that dramatic.
So drain remaining oil, refill and all should be fine?

[MG]

Yes.