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techtalk:ih:engmech01b [2019/06/03 21:01] hippysmack [L69-E71 cases] |
techtalk:ih:engmech01b [2023/12/19 22:49] (current) hippysmack [1975-1985 Belly Numbers] |
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| ====== IH: Engine Mechanicals - Sub-01B ====== | ====== IH: Engine Mechanicals - Sub-01B ====== | ||
| - | ====== Ironhead Drain Plugs ====== | + | [[techtalk:ih:engmech01c|Click Here]] to reference the Ironhead Engine Case Identification page in the Sportsterpedia. \\ |
| - | ===== '76 and Earlier Cases ===== | + | \\ |
| + | ====== Engine Case Numbers ====== | ||
| + | The engine VIN, also called engine number or serial number, and can be found on a pad in the "V" between the cylinders. \\ | ||
| + | Motor serial numbers are on the left side of the motor from 1957-1969 and on the right side of the motor from 1970-1985. \\ | ||
| - | * **The plug on the bottom left of the photo is the primary drain plug**. ((Shadowdog500 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=806833&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain&page=2)) | + | From 1957-1969, motorcycles were titled to the engine only. Starting in 1970, motorcycles were titled to the frame instead of the engine. \\ |
| - | * It is only used when draining the primary / tranny oil. | + | But if your frame and motor were born together the numbers will match (and possibly save you title hassles). \\ |
| - | * **The one above it in the photo is for the transmission**. ((Shadowdog500 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=806833&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain&page=2)) | + | |
| - | * Since the transmission shares the same fluid with the primary, and the primary plug is lower than the tranny drain plug, there is no reason to remove this one. | + | |
| - | * **The plug to the right center of the photo is the (crankcase drain plug)**. This is the one everyone has problems with. ((Shadowdog500 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=806833&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain&page=2)) | + | |
| - | * (It has been said that ) this plug was never meant to be an actual case drain (in street engines). It's purpose has been somewhat of a debate. ((piniongear of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=806833&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain)) See more below. | + | |
| - | |{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:ih_drain_plugs_by_shadowdog500.jpg?direct&400|}}| | + | There are also casting numbers as well as stamped numbers in various places on the engine and early frames, but they are not motor numbers. \\ |
| - | | Drain plugs in a '75 case ((photo by Shadowdog500 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=806833&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain&page=2)) | | + | Casting numbers do not indicate the year of your bike, only the date the part was cast. \\ |
| + | For instance, on a 70s bike, there are still quite a few -52 (the first year of the K model) numbers. \\ | ||
| + | (leading the uniformed to advertise all sorts of later model parts as K model parts) \\ | ||
| + | Decoding the motor number / VIN will tell you the year of the motor and hence the gasket set you should buy. \\ | ||
| + | Often, riders add later parts, especially items like transmission doors and oil pumps because the later castings have been improved. \\ | ||
| + | Just because you have a later casting number on a part of the motor does not mean you have a later motor though. \\ | ||
| - | * **Primary Drain Plug**: 1/2"x20x1/2" ((Scooter_Trash of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1616804)) | + | The casting date simply tells you the month the part was cast. This is not the same as the day the assembly was made. \\ |
| + | Casting dates can help confirm that factory cases on a 1976 motor were not cast in 1978 for instance. \\ | ||
| - | **So, if the only plug out of the three you'll ever need to remove (theoretically) is the primary drain plug, what is the purpose for the other two plugs**? | + | **1975-1985 various engine number locations**: \\ |
| - | * ** Transmission Drain Plug**: 1/2"x13 | + | 1975 model casting and stamped engine numbers: ((photos courtesy of Carson S)) \\ |
| - | * **Crankcase Drain Plug**: 1/2"x13 ((sevenyears of famine of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1461031&highlight=stripped+primary+drain)) | + | {{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1975_sportster_various_engine_numbers_-left_case_by_carson_s.jpg?direct&300|}} {{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1975_sportster_various_engine_numbers_-right_case_by_carson_s.jpg?direct&300|}} {{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1975-e1984_sportster_various_engine_numbers_-right_bottom_case_by_carson_s.jpg?direct&300|}} \\ |
| - | * The drain on the pre1977 [non-mini sump] engine is under the flywheels, and was intended as a case drain. ((Racepres of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1950691)) \\ The 57 and 59 parts catalogs do specify "crankcase drain plug" while all others just read "drain plug" in the crankcase sections. ((hippysmack)) | + | |
| - | * We used either the pre'77 or we put one into '77-+ cases so that when racing, we could pull the plug in the pits to see how much oil was in the bottom end...helping to determine how much more restriction or bypass of feed oil we needed to eliminate, because the oil pump could not get rid of it. ((Racepres of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1950691)) | + | |
| - | * If you are not requiring that knowledge, or don't intend to do anything about it anyway. | + | |
| - | * According to one theory, the hole was needed for the casting and machining process only and the plug was never meant to be removed after it was installed at the factory. The MoCo couldn't provide information on exactly how the hole was used during the manufacturing process because AMF did not keep good records and also a lot of records were lost during the transition back from AMF. ((Shadowdog500 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=806833&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain&page=4)) | + | |
| - | * Another theory is that people think the plug under the crankcase is a drain plug like you find on a car's oil pan and they remove it to drain excess oil collected in the case. ((piniongear of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=806833&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain)) | + | |
| - | * However, dry sump engines, like Harleys, drain from the oil tank, not the crank case. ((Tracker of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1512540&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain)) Draining your oil tank and refilling it there is all we need to do for changing our oil. The amount of oil sitting in the bottom of the cases is trivial, and that lower drain plug is notorious for stripping and not worth the hassle. ((antsap of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1512540&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain)) | + | |
| - | * A car is a wet sump system which most people are familiar with. | + | |
| - | * Once removed, the plug will not tighten up again because the crumbly threads have stripped out. | + | |
| - | * Right behind the plug sits the flywheels. | + | |
| - | * You have about 3/8" of air space between the wheels and the end of the plug. So a tap is not going to be able to get through to establish new threads. | + | |
| - | * The best way to fix this correctly is to dismantle the entire engine and split the cases. Then you can tap out the hole but a better fix is to weld it over. | + | |
| - | * Most people just use JB Weld to do their fix (?) and let it go at that. | + | |
| - | * The depression in the pic below is from the boss on the plug smashing the case on over tightening. \\ Then, one time when the plug got removed, that piece of stressed aluminum broke free. ((Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1864035&highlight=stripped+threads&page=6)) | + | ===== 1957-1969 Engine Serial Numbers ===== |
| - | * The same thing can happen to the threads. They can break free upon removal of the plug for the same reasoning above. | + | |
| - | |{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1967_crankcase_drain_1_by_ss396.jpg?direct&400|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1967_crankcase_drain_2_by_ss396.jpg?direct&400|}}| | + | Noted serial numbers with their respective dates as stated in service bulletins. |
| - | | Crankcase Drain Plug on a 1967 XLCH ((photo by ss396 og the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1864035&highlight=stripped+threads&page=5)) || | + | |
| - | * Note that there will be no seal effect here because there is no surface for the plug boss to contact. ((Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1864035&highlight=stripped+threads&page=6)) | + | * 62 XLCH 2481, September 21, 1961 (shipped from the factory) ((TSB# 453 dated October 13, 1961)) |
| - | * Oil will travel past the thread gaps and with no sealing surface, it will leak. | + | * 62 XLCH-2549, September 15, 1961 (shipped from the factory) ((TSB# 454 dated December 4, 1961)) |
| - | * That means a gasket may not effect a seal as there is not much for the gasket to squeeze against. | + | * 65 XLH 1768, September 10, 1965 (new shock adjusting cam) ((TSB# 494 dated, September 15, 1964)) |
| - | * In this case, some kind of pliable sealer (one that won't rip the threads out if you need to remove the plug again) smeared on the threads of the plug before installing it may work. | + | * 65 XLH 7359, April 30, 1965 (new spark plugs) ((TSB# 515 dated June 11, 1965)) |
| - | * If you use Teflon tape, you'll need to reduce the torque applied to the plug to keep from overloading the threads with wrench force. | + | * 66 XLCH 6117, January 13, 1966 (fillet added at the base of the countershaft low gear boss, right crankcase) ((TSB#537 dated March 22, 1966)) |
| + | * 66 XLCH 10611, produced after August 10, 1966 ((TSB# 547 dated October 24, 1966)) | ||
| + | * 69 XLCH 5921, November 4, 1968 (new 19 tooth transmission sprocket) ((TSB# 582 dated December 17, 1968)) | ||
| + | * 69 XLH 9070, produced January 3, 1969 (timer weight springs changed) ((TSB# 562A dated May 1, 1969)) | ||
| - | ===== Oil leaking around crankcase oil drain plug ===== | + | ===== 1970-1985 Engine VIN Numbers ===== |
| - | * 1st thing to do is to make sure its the plug. It can be the case seam near the plug. If it is the latter, don't mess with the plug. Look for a weeping case seam and cracks between the plug threads and the case seam. ((Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1864035&highlight=Ironhead+Crankcase+Drain+Plug)) | + | * A new numbering system was issued for both the engine and frame. \\ (first year referred to as a Vehicle Identification Number or VIN) \\ The same VIN number is stamped into both the engine and frame. \\ It consists of a model code, a serial number, a manufacturer's identification, and the model year. \\ The factory VIN (serial number) on the engine does not have anything to do with nor is it used for the title / registration. \\ It did serve at one time as warranty information. However, now it does suffice for at least one point of engine identification. \\ Due to folks altering these numbers from time to time, the number alone doesn't always mean anything toward the actual year/model (unless factory stamped). |
| + | * Motorcycles were produced in batches and the VINs were consecutive thru the different batches of different models. \\ There were no set number of same model bikes in a batch (no 50 or 100 XLH models per batch deal). \\ For instance, Service Bulletin M-736 reveals a long list of VINs produced from June 7, 1978 to June 14, 1978. \\ Also revealed in that bulletin is the fact there was a year model change within that 8 day time frame. \\ So the year model change for case production was the 2nd week in June, 1978. \\ A few numbers in-between were left out of the bulletin but the VINs start at (FX) 2A**75920**H8 and end at (XLCH) 4Al7621H9. \\ In those 8 days (6 work days) and in this order per the VIN sequence, produced were; | ||
| + | * 17 FLH 1200 (2A 75921 H8-2A 75943 H8) | ||
| + | * 1 FX 1200 (2C 75961 H8) | ||
| + | * 5 FLH 1200 (2A 75969 H8-2A 75975 H8) | ||
| + | * 38 FXE 1200 (9D 75983 H8-9D 76025 H8) | ||
| + | * 3 FLH 1200 (2A 76027 H8-2A 76030 H8) | ||
| + | * 1 FLH–80 (3G 76036 H8) | ||
| + | * 38 FXS 1200 (2F 76040 H8-2F 76102 H8) | ||
| + | * 34 FXE 1200 (9D 76103 H8-9D 76142 H8) | ||
| + | * 12 FLH–80 (3G 76143 H8-3G 76160 H8) | ||
| + | * 2 FXE 1200 (9D 76173 H8-9D 76174 H8) | ||
| + | * 9 FXS 1200 (2F 76180 H8-2F 76199 H8) | ||
| + | * 11 FLH 1200 (2A 76201 H8-2A 76226 H8) | ||
| + | * 30 FXE 1200 (9D 76227 H8-9D 76350 H8) | ||
| + | * 5 FX 1200 (2C 76352 H8-2C 76380 H8) | ||
| + | * 20 XLH (3A 17392 H8-3A 17497 H8) | ||
| + | * 1 FLH 1200 (2A 17501 H9) | ||
| + | * 94 XLH (3A 17502 H9-3A 17737 H9) | ||
| + | * 17 XLCH (4A 17404 H9-4A 17621 H9) | ||
| + | |||
| + | In an effort to date (somewhat) factory issued engine VINs, a list is being compiled below of engine numbers verified through service bulletins. \\ | ||
| + | IF your VIN is listed below (or even before or after dates), it may help deciphering app dates. \\ | ||
| + | The list may also help to establish a range of VINs within specific times frames as defined by the MoCo in the TSBs. \\ | ||
| - | |{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:ih_oil_drain_plug_1_by_ss396.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:ih_oil_drain_plug_2_by_ss396.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:ih_oil_drain_plug_3_by_ss396.jpg?direct&300|}}| | + | |**1973 Models**||| |
| - | |Leak around oil drain plug. ((photo by ss396 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1864035&highlight=Ironhead+Crankcase+Drain+Plug)) In this instance, the case seam appears to be weeping oil.||| | + | |XLH/XLCH|3A or 4A, 42100H3 to 50000H3|Produced between October 31, 1972 and March 25, 1973 ((TSB# 651 dated June 27, 1973))| |
| + | |FX|2C 12100 H3 to 19200H3|:::| | ||
| + | |XL/XLCH|3A or 4A, 45311H3 to 46787H3|Described as an initial production of 1973 models ((TSB# 650 dated May 15, 1973))| | ||
| + | |XL/XLCH|3A or 4A, 60000H3 to 60130H3|:::| | ||
| + | |XLH/XLCH|3A or 4A, 40000H3 to 50772H3|All 1973 XL and XLCH motorcycle frames will require corrective modification ((TSB# 656 dated February 11, 1974))| | ||
| + | |XLH/XLCH|3A or 4A, 60000H3 to 71568H3|:::| | ||
| + | |**1975 Models**||| | ||
| + | |XL/XLCH|3A or 4A, 10000H5 to 51760H5|Front brake caliper mounting bolt defect showing affected models ((TSB# 709 dated March 22, 1977))| | ||
| + | |FX|2C10000H5 to 2C51760H5|:::| | ||
| + | |FXE|9D10000H5 to 9D51760H5|:::| | ||
| + | |FL/FLP|1A24439H5 to 1A48750H5|Safety Defect, inspect for wheel spoke breakage ((TSB# 695 dated November 7, 1975)) \\ TSB issued November 7, 1975| | ||
| + | |FLH|2A24439H5 to 2A48750H5|:::| | ||
| + | |FX|2C24439H5 to 2C48750H5|:::| | ||
| + | |FXE|9D24439H5 to 9D48750H5|:::| | ||
| + | |XLH|3A24439H5 to 3A48750H5|:::| | ||
| + | |XLCH|4A24439H5 to 4A48750H5|:::| | ||
| + | |**1976 Models**||| | ||
| + | |XL/XLCH|3A or 4A, 10000H6 to 55388H6|Front brake caliper mounting bolt defect showing affected models ((TSB# 709 dated March 22, 1977))| | ||
| + | |FX|2C10000H6 to 2C55388H6|:::| | ||
| + | |FXE|9D10000H6 to 9D55388H6|:::| | ||
| + | |XLH/XLCH|3A or 4A, 31727H6 to 50376H6|Rear brake shoe linings with defective adhesive bond \\ Produced January 5, 1976 to May 20, 1976 ((TSB# 702 dated May 28, 1976))| | ||
| + | |**1977 Models**||| | ||
| + | |XL/XLCH|3A or 4A, 10000H7 to 26346H7|Front brake caliper mounting bolt defect showing affected E1977 models ((TSB# 709 dated March 22, 1977))| | ||
| + | |XLT|2G19844H7 to 2G26346H7|:::| | ||
| + | |FX|2C10000H7 to 2C26346H7|:::| | ||
| + | |FXE|9D10000H7 to 9D26346H7|:::| | ||
| + | |XLH/XLCH/XLT|3A/4A/2G 27940H7|New breather valve in late 1977 models beginning app October 15, 1976 \\ App date corresponds to VIN listed ((TSB# 708 dated December 1, 1976))| | ||
| + | |XLH|3A51694H7 to 3A51717H7|(24) Produced Friday June 24, 1977 ((TSB M-716 dated August 26, 1977))| | ||
| + | |:::|3A51739H7 to 3A51799H7|(61) Produced Monday June 27, 1977 ((TSB M-716 dated August 26, 1977))| | ||
| + | |:::|3A51820H7 to 3A51834H7|(15) Produced Tuesday June 28, 1977 ((TSB M-716 dated August 26, 1977))| | ||
| + | |**1979 Models**||| | ||
| + | |XLH/XLCH|Mixed numbers| Engine numbers from January 9, 1979 to February 8, 1979 were mixed. \\ [[sportster_history:99xx-01a#vin_info1|Click Here]] to read more on the 1979 Exception| | ||
| + | |XLH|3A10001H9 to 3A12067H9|Produced between February 15, 1978 and March 22, 1978 ((TSB M-727 dated April 11, 1978))| | ||
| + | |XLH|3A17502H9-3A17737H9|Produced in the 2nd week of June, 1978 ((TSB M-736 dated July 31, 1978))| | ||
| + | |XLCH|4A17404H9-4A17621H9|:::| | ||
| + | |XLH|3A56358H9-3A57166H9|Produced and shipped from 3/22/1979 to 3/30/1979 ((TSB M-747 dated May 1, 1979))| | ||
| + | |XLH|3A53871H9| | ||
| + | |:::|3A57901H9-3A57928H9|Produced and shipped between March 30, 1979 and April 19, 1979 ((TSB M-751 dated June 29, 1979))| | ||
| + | |:::|3A58103H9-3A58144H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::| 3A58406H9-3A58413H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A58528H9-3A58540H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A58541H9-3A58621H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A58664H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A58667H9-3A58707H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A58746H9-3A58789H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A58905H9-3A58937H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A59068H9-3A59087H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A59155H9-3A59204H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A59339H9-3A59378H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A59412H9-3A59429H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A59530H9-3A59560H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A59663H9-3A59670H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A59856H9-3A59870H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A59987H9-3A59046H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A60083H9-3A60103H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A60379H9-3A60410H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A60623H9-3A60661H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|3A60913H9-3A60935H9|:::| | ||
| + | |XLS|4E58285H9-4E58292H9|:::| | ||
| + | |:::|4E58665H9-4E58666H9|:::| | ||
| - | <blockquote>If your plug is a factory unit, and you can spin it in or out (once initial torque is broken) all the way by hand, you have no problems. As long as you don't over tighten it. Clean and install the plug with blue locktite. Then don't tempt fate again by removing it. If you want to try to remove / break plug loose, use 1/8 turn max. If you can spin out by hand see above. If it gets too tight to remove by hand after the initial 1/8 turn, GINGERLY put the wrench to it. If you feel even the slightest unusual resistance- stop (personally what I'd do is use a 5/8 deep socket only (no ratchet) in my hand. If I can get it out by doing that I MAY be safe for a no hassle re-install). Get whatever sealant you feel comfortable with in the small gap. then re-tighten GENTLY. (( Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2001890)) | ||
| - | UNDERSTAND THE PLUG DESTROYS THREAD INTEGRITY IN CASE ON REMOVAL. The thread may look ok but if they arent--- you will know on re-torque. If you have a brass flanged washer on your plug, be very suspect of messing with it. These washers were used on XLH oil tank drains. That means someone has installed one on your drain plug. That can't happen unless the plug has been removed. Remember its ham fisted plug r&r that causes striped plugs. Think hard about that when looking at your brass washer.(( Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2001890)) | + | ====== Belly Numbers / Line Bore Numbers ====== |
| - | </blockquote> | + | The numbers on the bottom of the cases are commonly called the "belly" numbers or "line bore" numbers. ((Moon Wolf of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/79283-case-numbers-not-vin?t=575658&page=2)) \\ |
| + | If your bike has "born together" cases, the numbers on each case half should match. \\ | ||
| + | These numbers have nothing to do with your gasket set or anything else. \\ | ||
| + | Both case halves should carry a set of these numbers that indicate their actual machining date (when the case halves were machined as a pair). \\ | ||
| + | Belly numbers have no relationship to the Serial number (or VIN number respectively) located on the side of the engine. \\ | ||
| + | Belly numbers are stamped the day the case halves are machined (line bored) and paired up. \\ | ||
| + | The motor serial number or VIN respectively happens later after engine assembly. \\ | ||
| + | These two have absolutely no correlation to each other except they can be a dead give away on bogus numbers when they are out of the realm of possibility with each other. \\ | ||
| + | For instance, if you have an early 77 VIN, the bike would have been assembled in late months of 1976. \\ | ||
| + | If the belly numbers show a machining date of April, 1977, at least the red flag is there. \\ | ||
| + | However, it's possible for blown out cases to get replaced with the same VIN but carry a newer belly date code (newer machining date). \\ | ||
| + | So it's not set in stone that the belly numbers will match the app year/production month of the VIN. \\ | ||
| - | * This one is cracked across to the edge of the case. | ||
| - | |{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1968_drain_plug_crack_by_nakina.jpg?direct&300|}}| | + | ===== 1957-1974 Belly Numbers ===== |
| - | | Cracked case at the crankcase drain plug on a 1968 XLCH ((photo by nakina of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1974050&highlight=stripped+threads)) | | + | Belly numbers were coded beginning with a model digit (7) for Sportsters, year and 4-5 running sequential numbers for the year model: \\ |
| + | Model (1 digit)-Year (last 2 digits)-Sequential No (4 or 5 digits) \\ | ||
| + | Each set of belly numbers is stamped on the bottom of each case half and the numbers should match if they were factory issued. \\ | ||
| - | ===== L69-E71 cases ===== | + | {{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1974_xl_belly_numbers_by_ironheadjunkie.jpg?direct&400|}} ((photo by ironheadjunkie of the XLFORUM)) {{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1974_xlh_belly_numbers_by_the_doctor71.jpg?direct&400|}} ((photo by The Doctor71 of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/203115-1974-sportster-vin-issues-what-the-heck-did-i-buy?t=2080305&page=2)) \\ |
| + | ===== 1975-1985 Belly Numbers ===== | ||
| + | For convenience, [[techtalk:miscres:miscres70|Click Here]] to see the Julian Day Calendar page in the Misc Resources section of the Sportsterpedia. \\ You can open a pic of a full per-year calendar thru 1985 there and match your belly numbers to find the day your cases were machined. | ||
| - | Late 1969, all 1970 and some early 71 cases came with no motor drains from the factory. ((Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1595420)) \\ | + | Belly numbers changed from simple sequential serial numbers to include the Julian Day Code and sequential production number for the day. \\ |
| + | HD Model Designation (1-2 digits) - Year (2 digits) - Julian Day of the Year (3 digits) - Sequential Number (3 digits) \\ | ||
| - | |1969 XLCH with no sump drains. ((photo by ironheadjunkie of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1595420))| | + | * The model designation for 1000cc Sportsters was (7). |
| - | |{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:69_xlch_2_by_ironheadjunkie.jpg?direct&300|}}| | + | * Location of numbers: |
| - | ===== '77 and Later Cases ===== | + | * 1975-E1984: \\ The left case is stamped on the outside primary wall. \\ The right case is stamped on the bottom under the flywheels. |
| + | * L1984-1985: \\ The left case is stamped on the outside primary wall (unchanged). \\ The right case is stamped on the right side of the case (sump) below the cam cover starting with crankcase #784 044001. \\ Per TSB M-885, the locations of the right crankcase numbers were changed to aid the stamping operation. \\ | ||
| + | * The Julian Day starts over on every January 1st. | ||
| + | * Example January 1st = Julian Day #1. December 31 = Julian Day #365 of a non leap year, December 31 = 366 of a leap year. \\ This is verified thru Service Bulletin numbers 744 and 760. | ||
| + | * The year in the Julian code represents the year the part was intended for (not the year it was machined). \\ | ||
| + | * Example using belly numbers 775-351-102: \\ The 75 represents a 1975 model part, 351 in the code represents December 17, 1974. \\ So it's safe to say that motor was assembled and that 1975 model bike was most likely shipped or sold in December, 1974. \\ (December 1975 would have those cases machined during the 1976 model season, not so). \\ Then if you can match mid to late December to the VIN range, that'd be a good indication toward the motor being original. \\ Always check other features as well though since these motors may (probably) have been modified over the years. \\ (whether from blown cases, theft or racing mods) | ||
| + | * Sometimes mistakes were made on a number at the factory and they scribed through that number once (so you can still read it) and re-stamped it. \\ So it'll look like it's been altered but it would have been altered by the factory (or possibly the dealership in some instances). | ||
| + | * Example of a Sportster belly number: Using belly numbers 776 015 024, the code translates to; | ||
| + | * 7 = Sportster | ||
| + | * 76 = 1976, the year model for which the part was intended. | ||
| + | * 015 = January 15 | ||
| + | * 024 = 24th production of the day. | ||
| + | * Both case halves would have the same coding indicating that particular case set was machined (line bored) on January 15, 1976. | ||
| + | |||
| + | | These 1975 XLCH cases were machined December 17, 1974 (Julian day# 351). Casting date of Nov. 1974 ((photo courtesy of Carson S)) || | ||
| + | |{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1975_xlch_belly_numbers_pic1_by_carson_s.jpg?direct&400|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1975_xlch_belly_numbers_pic2_by_carson_s.jpg?direct&400|}}| | ||
| - | |{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1977_case_drain_plug_1_by_bobbystat.jpg?direct&400|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1977_case_drain_plug_2_by_bobbystat.jpg?direct&400|}}| | + | | 1975-1985 belly numbers on right case bottom ((photo by paulc of the XLFORUM, labeled by Hippysmack https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/166796-left-case-belly-number-location?t=1792269)) | |
| - | | Case Drain Plug on a 1977 engine ((photos by bobbystat of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1950691)) || | + | |{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1976_xlch_belly_numbers_by_paulc.jpg?direct&400|}}| |
| - | |{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:1978_drain_plugs_by_ironmick.jpg?direct&400|}}| | + | ====== Case Match Numbers ====== |
| - | | Case & Tranny Drain Plugs on a 1978 engine ((photo by IronMick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=806833&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain&page=2)) | | + | |
