Engine Oil Lines on a Shovelhead
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- Where the oil lines go on a Harley Davidson Shovelhead. From the tank to the pump. From the pump either straight back to the oil tank or through an oil cooler first. From the crankcase to the inner primary housing and the oil tank. From the primary housing back to the crankcase. From the oil pump to the primary chain. Don't forget the crankcase breather.
You can look at the diagrams all you want, but Mike going through it is twice as good. Thanks Mike
Cool. Glad you liked it.
Yes sir, I completely agree - Pacific Mike is a great addition to the HD manual, as we said in the military - a “combat multiplier”!
I have a 1983 shovel there are 3 spots for hoses on the inner primary what is the front connection for
I am wrenching for 40 years on Harleys, Mike you are one of the best teachers .
Greetings from The Netherlands
Wow. Thank You. Greetings
I bet you have a soft spot in your heart for that big old bench vise with the vintage copper/brass jaw protectors. Looking at that beauty brought back memories of time past.
Sure. I've had it a long time (like, 50 years). A friend of my dad's gave it to me.
I always slit an old hunk of radiator hose and wrap it around the two lines where they clamp behind the exhaust. Don't know if it's necessary, but it makes me feel better, LOL. Have noticed over the years it's gotten a little crusty like it's taken some heat a time or two. I always keep a variety of screw clamps in my tool bag also, man have they saved my bacon a time or two, LOL. Another great video, thank you gentlemen.
Thank You. Nothing succeeds like success. We do what works for us.
Mike, you are a life saver. I am a 1 Harley owner. Bought my '73 Police Special from the LAPD in 1978. Stripped to frame, rebuilt and rode until 1984. Been Garaged every since. Had the heads removed to be reworked for unleaded gas, and never got it back together. 2 Weeks ago, I put it on top of my list and I have run into lots of "where does this go, how does that work." Thanks for your videos, I'll send a picture of it after the rework the first time, and when I get it back on the road.
Cool. Sounds great.
thanks Mike I've been fighting this battle for a while. yesterday I thought I had them all hooked up properly just from diagrams I had and lo and behold I didn't. fired up the motor oils spurting out shut it down and found your video so now I'll try it again.
That's why I showed it. I hope it helps you.
Greetings from Australia..
I've learnt a lot from you.
I love my Shovelhead.
Thanks for watching!
The years of guilt I've had for not sealing off my primary is now gone. Thanks Mike.
Okayfine.
I still remember trying to figure mine out by using the service manual. To make matters worse, I installed an S&S oil pump. LOL. I sure could have used your video about 35 years ago. 😅
I was sure doing it 35 years ago.
I had a 61 with 63 external oil lines top end, S&S carb and Joe Hunt magneto ignition, on a ridged Santee frame and an old EL springer front end,..... Frankenstein motorcycle as far as the service manual info, lol. Luckily some old times had pity on my then 19 y/o self.
Thanks guys.
The real video we need is how he keeps this Shovel looking so beautiful. Not a drop of dirt or oil anywhere. Mine is always leaking somewhere and the oil attracts the dirt. Thanks for all you do Mike!
She's not as clean as she photographs. But, I do wipe her down pretty often and she's not leaking anything. Thank You.
I stayed up late to watch this when U posted it. Thanks Mike! I hope I dream about Harley's tonight...ZZZzzzzzz....🙂
.Thank You. I do.
Very comprehensive video Mike. I can't tell you how many times I've wished the photos, diagrams and explanations in my Harley Shovelhead service manual were presented a little more clearly. This is important stuff! Years ago a buddy of mine bought a chopper that had been quickly assembled prior to his purchase. He forgot to verify that the feed and return lines had been properly hooked up. Guess what? Yup! Seized the engine between his home and the highway! Lesson learned. Ride safe! Ride smart!
Thank You.
Man, you are gifted for teaching, your knowledge is vast too, most teachers don’t have the two; that makes them half teachers only. Keep it up🙌🙏
Wow, thank you!
Dammit Mike, I spit my beer all over the screen when you suggested to go to your tool bag and get a screw clamp to get home. Applying the "KISS " theory is foreign to many!!!! LOL Cheers from Beaver Valley Ont
Cheers
Thanks Mike! Great tutorial as usual. I love seeing the young guys keep interest in these beautiful machines. You have been such a great teacher as I rebuild my family's 1972 FLH.
And I appreciate you. Thank You.
I have a 71 FLH all original
Hello from Anaheim! Wonderful video, Mike - there is simply no replacement for your explanations and insights, and it gives us confidence that we are not doing something wrong when we are working with systems you have explained.
Awesome! Thank you!
Always love stopping by the garage have a blessed week my friend.
Thanks, you too!
Good view of your custom pipe configuration at the head.
Yes, Mike does a great job of showing this stuff. Thank You.
Those clamps make everything look so much more professional , nice and neat !
I agree. Thank You
Hay Mike, another nice option on those clamps, are the screw type worm drives that are made for EFI fuel lines. They clamp all the way around like the ones you like to use, but they don't leave your hose looking like your dog chewed on it. Thank you for your time ✌
Thank You.
Thank you Mike. It was a good explanation of stock Shovelhead oil lines. I usually go to the books first before I even ask the questions so I know what you mean. Be safe.
Glad it was helpful!
Mike produce so nice overlook of pipelines .... clear as a mirrow face . TNX
Thank You.
I'm putting my step dad's shovel back together after he became unable to. Your videos have absolutely been incredible to help me get up to speed on the shovel. Thanks Mike
Glad to help
Thanks Mike for the excellent work showing the oil lines with the oil cooler on a shovelhead ...
Glad you like it. That one's my own.
This is great. Can't stress enough to check n double check. Few years ago crossed up a couple of the lines and pumped a quart or two right out on the driveway through the breather. And we all had a big laugh.
Thanks again for your postings.
Good stuff!
That was informative. I don't own a shovelhead, but I'm a better Harley Davidson owner/rider/enthusiast for having watched this video.
Cool. Thank You
Good morning Mike still watching you work thanks for all the good videos.
O zone county Kansas!
Awesome! Thank you!
Yes sir, it was helpful. Thank you so much. Just got my first ‘83 shovelhead. Much appreciated. I’m learning a lot from your videos.
Glad to help
I would like to send you a gift if you would allow me.
Nothing big but something I think could help you out with the videos.
That's very thoughtful, especially after I read your next comment.
I pick up my mail at my friend's shop.
Pacific Mike @ American V-Twin
448 E. 4th Street
Beaumont, CA 92223
I just bought a Shovel head. Mike is like a teacher !! Much appreciated !!
Thank You. And congratulations.
Subscribed..! The clamp being referenced is called a PEX clamp, and there is a PEX tool for that clamp
Yes. It enters the oil tank at the top, where the cap is. Thank You
Greate explanation as always! I really love my Shovelhead that was made in 1971, so it got drum breake in the front :--) Many thanks Mike from Germany, this is where I enjoy riding my Bike.
Very cool! Thank You
Mike, the oil line with the T fitting is a vent not a breather. I'm a factory trained h-d mechanic since the 70's. I own & ride a '73 FX since 1974. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work. Dave H.
Well, I stand corrected. It is important to make the distinction in order to get a truly accurate understanding of how the system works. Thank You.
Great job Mike ... love the clamps , they look good and are easier then wormgear clamps . Makes for a clean factory install...if nothing else it’s about personal satisfaction....
You bet. Thank You
Mike thank you again! I was confused with my Shovelhead oil lines. I have a sealed primary, my oil lines have boats in them to sell them all I wasn't sure which one was the Breather but it was right, and I'm putting a filter on it. Thank you again! I meant to say plugs in them. I don't want to write a book but so far you help me with timing points front seals, adjusting the valves and now oil lines this bike was my brother when he passed away my nephew traded it for something. I went and got it back in a box! Sorry about the Mr Rogers thing LOL
Thank You. All's good with me and you.
Back in the day I bought my Fxe used at a decent price, the guy who sold it to me forgot to mention that at highway speed the oil warning lite would flicker and after I installed a pressure gauge at the pump I found oil pressure almost nill at 50 or so, Well after a little studying I found the oil lines were installed wrong after someone installed a oil cooler ,they had the pump sucking instead of being gravity feed from the oil tank . I did enjoy telling the previous owner of my find, enjoy your vids Regards
Thank You.
I agree 100 percent on the clamps.... specially on the fuel tank crossover pipe. It's attention to detail that sort the best from the rest
Thank You.
Congrats on 50 thousand. You made the Big Time 👍🖖
Thanks 👍
Thank you mike I have had my bike for 30 years and I still get that messed up you are great man.
Thank You
@@pacificmike9501 Would you believe 2 years later I had to watch this amazing video again lol thanks again Mike I forgot again!!!
Thank you, very clear explanation. I don't care for the screw clamps either.
Thank You
Nice demonstration Mike, clear as a champagne flute !! McMaster Carr is my go to for ALL fasteners !
Right on! Thank You
I have built this bikes from the ground. I have never done this before. Your videos. Have helped the last 3 years or since 2016. But I rebuild my motor and Trans. But I would like to have help on the small stuff. I'm a new guy to Harley Davidson I have had a vstar 1100 for years till I got this Harley and this has been my dream to bring it alive.
Sounds like an adventure to me.
Thanks for the great videos you've made. Especially the ones about Shovelhead engines! Thanks again, and greetings from the Netherlands.
Glad you like them!
Just bought my first shovel head. Enjoying your videos. Thanks 🙏
Thank You. Glad you enjoy them.
The service manuals are a must have but it never hurts to keep a Chilton or Haynes manual handy to decipher, plus the photos are usually helpful.
The bigger your library, the more information you have.
@@pacificmike9501 so true, back in the day when I was young and dumb videos like these would have speeded up my learning curve for getting and keeping my old 61 pan up and running. 😎👍
Thats the way they're supposed to go on the pump.. My problem was fitting the oil lines to a softtail oil tank! That one was tough to figure out! She's a runner again,and with the new oil change with straight 50#,she sounds like she's supposed to! Ride safe,and keep those two wheels down,Mike.. Peace.
Thank You. Take care.
Watch all your videos Mike. Thanks for what you do. Just picked up a 68 FLH. Starting on it soon. Been sitting for about 20 years.
Great project. Thank You.
Love the Carburetor. Great videos as usual
Me too. Thank You.
Mike, when can we order merchandise and support the channel? I need a sticker for my toolbox and a t-shirt!
We're kicking ideas around now. Thank You.
You do really nice Work Mike ! But I still think You missed your calling ! You’ve got a voice for radio buddy ! I mean that as a compliment ! Love your vids. Very knowledgeable and a great resource to a lot of us gear heads. Thank you for sharing. Hope to see you at a swap meet someday.
Thank You. Glad to help. Hope to see you.
Those clamps give that professional look. I can tell your a real mechanic because you have the right tools and you use saliva as a lube ! Thanks
Wow, thanks!
Thanks for your wonderfully informative videos. I was having a puking problem after changing out my transmission and running new oil lines. Little did I know that I had switched the primary return line with the atmosphere breather line (rookie move, especially since I've had my 79 FLH 80 CI for roughly 37 years!). Your explanation of the oil lines set me straight! Thanks again!
Glad to help.
Mike, as usual a plethora of great information...
Glad you think so!
Well said!!! I'm a Triumph guy,and the primary return is a great idea. Just my 2¢...
I like the original circulating system. I find it works fine. But, the newer setup, I think, is even better. A complete oil bath with a wet clutch is pretty cool.
Appreciate all your shovelhead info.
I've had three and an iron in almost 40 years of riding . I always catch nuggets of information and reminders when I see your videos.
Thanks a million Mr. Mike . ✌
Glad to help
Oil is the heart of the bike
The oil pump is the heart. The oil is the blood.
Thank you for this, the aircraft stainless lines I installed are shredding by the clamps. Going back to rubber, so 3/8 are the ones. My stainless oil lines been on since 1985.
I'd say it's time. Don't cut yourself taking those things off..
Thank you, Mike, this answered my question really well. Turns out the 85 FLHP has a standalone primary, no fitting at the bottom of the inner primary and a close look at the oil lines there is no tee off either, now running clean oil happy days. Love your work. Paul.
Yes. Strange changes in transition years. Glad you were able to figure it out.
Great video and thank you for the easy to understand oil line routing. I've been kicking around the idea of putting a oil cooler on my shovel. I just used the last of my 50 WT oil and will be converting to multi-vis next oil change. Even gave her a new plugs, condenser and points. She's a Happy Lady. Ride Safe.
Thank You. Glad you liked it.
Thanks for the routing how to, starting system wire routing on a Shovelhead FLH has also been a problem, wish I'd learn to take pictures before I take stuff apart 😁
Wiring is serious stuff. Take it slow.
Always good info. I love how clean the older bikes are and hoses and wires are all nicely routed. Newer bikes just have so much wire and coverings.
It's a different time. Thank You
I came here to see how you run the oil lines to the cooler, very nice and tidy. I notice the dual brake rotors up front, I badly want to do that to our 78 FLH and 09 Heritage as we are always 2 up. Thanks for the lessons.
It's a very late pair of fork legs and 2000 something calipers. Go to TH-cam, then pacific mike, then (when you get to our youtube Homepage), click on the word videos. You'll find our video on the front brakes. It takes a bunch of stuff to do it. There are about 320 videos.
@@pacificmike9501 thanks for that.
That's how mine go... thanks to YOU from previous videos... : )
Excellent! Thank You
I agree with you 100% that the stock setup is fine. That's how I set my shovelhead up too.
Thank You.
Thanks Mike, Never met ya but love ya and your videos. Your just like who I hang with. 👊
Thank You. My best to you and yours.
I just picked up a '67 and it still has the original oil line configuration, unlike all the other "simplified" ones I've had. I thought it was so cool to see that, and I think it's cool that you run it, Mike!
Thank You.
Awesome stuff! I re-ran my oil lines. i made sure there was less resistance and clean sweeps. The less bends , The better! she runs @175 all day long!(unless im sitting in traffic)
Good stuff!
mike great video , those pinch clamps are really good and do a great job.
Thanks 👍
I just picked my first shovel a couple of months ago, and I found this very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
By the way, Shovelheads are like any other Harley Big Twin. They will go as fast as you build them to go. They will ride as well as you build them to ride. They will handle as well as you build them to handle. They're the ultimate "canvas for your creation."
@@pacificmike9501 I bet! I find that it's much more involving to work on them than an evo too. But it's not that bad.
No, it's great. It's just older style machinery. They managed to make the Evo with less parts and very little "fitment" required. Believe me, a "handfitted, loved together" old motor is something very special and an awesome experience to ride. We keep learning how to do them even "better," and there's no end to it.
Thank you Mr Mike. Your an amazing teacher
Glad you think so!
P.S. a really well done & informative video, you really do a good job on all of the service & tech videos you present here on YT. I may have 50 years of wrenching, fabbing, building & riding, but I don't claim to know it all. So I watch them to learn new things I hadn't known before, and sometimes I use them as refreshers for things I haven't done in awhile
I'm learning every day. I laugh at myself for the "old things" I'm still learning. It's definitely "never ending." If we're lucky and act right, we all get to learn from each other. Glad you enjoy our stuff.
@@pacificmike9501 You remind me a lot of some really great bike wrenches, machinists & fabricators that I both worked with & for over the years, it's become a really sad commentary that most so-called 'bikers' & big-buck customizers these days rely either on what they find in the latest big name parts catalogs, or in making overpriced, one-off parts that those of us financially challenged folks can never hope to copy because we don't own several hundred thousand dollars worth of CNC lathes & milling machines. I still find myself going to yard sales, motorcycle swap meets, transfer stations, and scrap yards looking for potential parts or just inspiration.
So many that brag about the rise of custom bike parts like apehangers & don't have any idea that the original versions came from the chrome tubing for the chairs from these "malt shop" dinette sets made back in the mid- 1950s. All it took to make a set of your very own involved a hacksaw & the snap throttle from a Limey bike like a Triumph.
That glorious time span from 1945 until the early 1970's were the real golden days of garage custom fabrication for motorcycles...
If you get to go to the "Born Free" show in Santiago Canyon CA, you'd be amazed at what the "kids" are doing today. It does my heart good.
Thanks Mike your Videos makes my Weekend 👍
Thank You
Thanks for the very good explanation of the oil lines, if someone can’t follow that then they probably shouldn’t be on a bike.
We all learn a little differently. I try to make it easy. It isn't always easy to explain. Thank You.
Nice!! This helped me a lot. Got a project where they did it the wrong way and I was doubting I was getting silly. This confirms I’m not lol. If you do one in the future, a panhead oil pump always give me doubts haha
I'll remember that.
Hi Mike
My 71 has the crankcase vent with a tee fitting for the rear chain oiler… so there is a little hose from the rear chain oiler fitting on the pump to a tee on the crank case breather hose fitting that is routed to the rear chain…
It works…
Not in any books as far as I can tell…
Great video BTW
Yes, it does. That's only part of the system.
Very clear and informative, thanks again Mike.
Glad it was helpful!
I realy appreciate your videos, I get inspired. Now I decided to start using the crimp hose clamps on all my bikes. It makes even more sense on my Japan bikes since they generally have very litle space for screw clamps!
Cool.
Hey Mike!!!! I've gust subscribed to your channel , had a great teacher who owned a biker bar and was a mechanic and genius when it came to Harleys ,RIP. But it's always nice to brush up on what you know, and I find your videos informative and enjoyable , Thank you and look forward to more , Ride safe, RUSS
Wow, thanks!
Very good clear instruction Mike thank you 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Great "and there it is" vid (with the usual high quality visual efforts), but I think the best part is the "afterthought" on the inner primary drip line. Nothing prevents cursing and tool tossing like doing sub-assembly work where it's easy, rather than waiting til you need tentacle fingers and stalk mounted lobster eyes to get it done. I also concur on crimp hose clamps, they're the current "gold standard" of hose fasteners, at least in such close quarters use.
Thank You. Well said.
Mike your a legend all your videos are so helpful thanks and look forward to more videos
Thank You. Go to our TH-cam Homepage and click on the word "videos." 340 more will pop up with thumbnails and titles.
Another great instructional vid, Mike--much appreciated.
Glad you enjoyed it
This information is absolutely golden! Thank you
I'm glad if it helps you. Thank You.
Very interesting, thanks for sharing. Cheers from France
My pleasure! Cheers.
Great video. God bless and stay safe
Thanks, you too!
About to install a belt drive on an 82 shovelhead. Was wondering how to take care of that chain oiler, get it again Mike comes through with the clutch
Cool.
Excellent video!
Glad you liked it!
Great video Mike. You answered two of my questions - wet primary and run ATF and what clamps to use when I put my primary back on. I'm following your lead and stick with the stock primary drip system and going with oetiker clamps. Love your videos and all if your wisdom. Thanks!!!
Glad it helped
can you make a video about how you keep your machines so clean
Maybe it's OCD he is so neat about everything in a good way
@@ttjbiggunner2025 Nah, the trick is to make things clean tidy when you build a bike and just stay on top of it - the cleaning - after you ride it.. i.e. don't let it get dirty in the first place ! Not riding in the rain helps but if you are constantly checking the bike over then you find little problems before they become big problems and just give things a wipe as you go - using the wife's furnature polish leaves a little wax on things and that helps when you wipe the bike over.
I do wipe them down a lot.
I've been playing with the Shovelhead like crazy. If it looks like I just wiped it down, it's because I did. The Panhead's been getting most of the work to do. She looks clean from a distance. And, I wipe this stuff down before videos.
Thanks Mike awesome explanation beats the diagram hand down!
Glad it was helpful!
Love your videos Buddy, thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Another great video, thanks Mike
You are very welcome. Thank You.
Thank you so much. I've been watching your videos for quite a while I always give a thumbs-up and I am subscribed I've been wanting to learn how to do the lines on my Shovelhead for a few years now the book that I have doesn't really show much thank you I will share this video with all my friends as well
Awesome, thank you!
Just had Busted Knuckle redo my 73 flh oil lines, bent shifting fork, ignition switch etc. THANKS BOB 🤙
I need an oil cooler! My ol girl gets pretty warm.
Also trying to figure out how to mount my moose horn rear pegs like you have. I don't have bolt holes for them so I'm gonna have to cobble something together.
Good luck!
@@pacificmike9501 I'm gonna need luck most likely
Most people weld steel blocks to the frame by duplicating the ones Harley installed on Shovelheads slightly newer than yours. Mine is a 77 and came with the mounts already there. Those brackets you call "moose horns" came out on the 78 FL models. I like 'em because they adjust up and down for different length passengers.
@@pacificmike9501 Ok that's what I was thinking about doing, I've tried to find pictures of the frame blocks to no avail. I think my brother's shovel has them I have to check. Thank you
You bet. I take a lot of pictures with my phone. Those "blocks" are just squarely cut with 3/8 threaded holes in them. Pretty easy to fab up and look like it came that way. I buy a lot of "scraps" from metal suppliers.
You sure have some well done n informative videos. Even I understand them. Good job sir, thank you
Glad you like them! Thank You.
God bless you my friend . that was beautiful sa
Thanks for visiting
Another awesome video. Thanks Mike!👍🏼
Thanks for watching! Go to our youtube homepage and tap on "videos." About 325 will come up.
Always 👍🏼
Thanks for sharing Mike 😃👍it was interesting to see.
Thanks for watching
Mike, always thank you for your videos. Very instructional and timely. So, on to a request. My shovel is starting to leak oil on the rear rocker box. Not bad yet. At some point I would like to replace the gaskets on both cylinders. I would like to have all my ducks in a row before I start. Mainly, all the gaskets & seals I would potentially need. I am going to go into this hoping that all is well with wear on all parts after disassembly and inspection and just replacing the gaskets. Oil tube seals, gaskets, carb intake manifold rubber bands. I am sure I am leaving something out. Kind of a video on preparation for tackling certain tasks (rocker box gaskets in this case) Thks
We show all of these parts on our "playlist" about Shovelheads. Go to our TH-cam homepage and click on "playlists."
Great video! Kudos to your camera man! I need to see a video on shovel head transmission shifting very hard, mine is shifting hard. Can shift by hand but sometimes it seems to lock up and not want to shift with the foot! I have a 77’FXE superglide.
If it's not the fault of the clutch, you'll have to go inside.
Thanks for the clamp tutorial. There's a reason HD doesnt use hose clamps. Theyre a PITA, thanks.
Thanks for the info!