What was the problem with the Shovelhead engine?
Throughout the Shovelhead’s run, the engine had many different changes made to it to improve power, cooling and oil consumption. The engines had only 10 fins for cooling, which caused them to run hot. Another problem was that oil would pool in the cylinder heads, causing it to leak into the valves and burn oil.
What kind of oil is in a 1975 Shovelhead?
Bought a 1975 Shovelhead a while back from a very shady character and among other things, when you start the engine, it starts puking tons of oil all over the floor. There is a braided metal line about 6-8″ long with a small filter on the end of it.
Why does my shovel blow oil on the ground?
If you let the bike sit over the winter and oil drains past the check valve, when you start it in the spring it will blow the oil out the breather. This is somewhat ok. It is when you let the bike sit for a couple hours or a day and it does this that it is a problem. My shovel used to do this.
What to do if your SHOVELHEAD is leaking oil?
These two systems have historically taken the blame for oil leaks. According to Shovelhead USa, both the primary and chain oilers can be plugged without harming the motorcycle. Re-torquing or tightening bolts on a Shovelhead is a common practice due to the amount of vibration from the motor.
Bought a 1975 Shovelhead a while back from a very shady character and among other things, when you start the engine, it starts puking tons of oil all over the floor. There is a braided metal line about 6-8″ long with a small filter on the end of it.
What causes an oil leak in a Shovelhead?
The culprits can include worn head gaskets, the valve cover on top of the engine or the oil pump. The Shovelhead was equipped with automatic oilers in the primary and for the chain drive. These two systems have historically taken the blame for oil leaks.
When did Harley Davidson stop using the Shovelhead engine?
The Shovelhead soldiered on until 1984, when the Evolution engine—essentially new aluminum head and barrels on the old crankcases—began to take over. A serious effort was made to call it the Blockhead, but the factory wanted a little more elegance and their constant reference to the “Evo” motor won out.
How did the Shovelhead motor get its name?
In 1966, Harley-Davidson unveiled the powerful Shovelhead motor, which took its name from the coal shovel shape of it’s rocker covers. Although workmanship on the this motor is believed to have suffered during Harley’s temporary merger with American Machine and Foundry Co.