Hi Kevin..The oil return pipe comes up inside the oiltank filter (assuming you have one)..On top of the filter is a sprung loaded cap that is held in place by the oiltank lid when it is closed...
If you remove this cap you will see the oil return pipe inside the filter....
If you don't have the filter you can see the pipe clearly when you look into the oiltank....
The upper end of the pipe is blanked off but it has a 'cross drilling' through the side.
Remove the spark plug and start kicking..it may take 50-80 (or so) kicks before the oil returns to the tank if you are starting with a 'dry' rebuilt engine...
When it does you will see it coming out of the hole in the pipe...Not a spectacular spurt of oil but you will see it...
To be honest it is easier to see without the filter in place, so you should consider removing that temporarily while you check it all out....
Once you have something returning to the tank put the plug back in and start the motor...You may get a spurt of oil initially if any has gathered in the crankcase, but this will turn into a 'spit and bubble' return as soon as the oilpump has scavenged the crankcase...
Being a 'dry sump' engine the return side of the pump has a greater capacity than the feed side so it will empty the crankcase at some point and that's when you get the intermittent return.......Ian
email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com
If you remove this cap you will see the oil return pipe inside the filter....
If you don't have the filter you can see the pipe clearly when you look into the oiltank....
The upper end of the pipe is blanked off but it has a 'cross drilling' through the side.
.Ian
As always, Ian, thanks for your generosity in sharing information and your time. About how far down is that cross drilling in that oil return pipe? I have the oil tank filled with 5 pints (approx 3 US quarts) and perhaps the level might be obscuring the return hole? Is the hole half way down the pipe, 3/4 up the pipe?
Thanks,
Kevin