techtalk:ih:oil05 - Sportsterpedia

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====== IH: Oiling & Lubrication ======
====== Engine Oil Routes ======

{{:techtalk:ih:oil:1957-1976_sportster_oil_feed_and_return_path_by_hippysmack.png?direct&500|}} ((drawing by Hippysmack)) \\

{{:techtalk:ih:oil:1977-1985_sportster_oil_feed_and_return_path_by_hippysmack.png?direct&450|}} ((drawing by Hippysmack)) \\
====== Right Crankcase Feed Galley ======

The lifter oil feed galley is a hole located along the top of the case between both intake tappets. \\ 

    * The feed galley is responsible for carrying oil to the rocker boxes.
    * It gets it's oil from the oil pump by routed holes in the cam cover.
      * A hole is internally routed from the top to the bottom of the cover with a hole exiting in a corresponding hole in the case.
      * The cam cover gets it's oil from the oil pump via intersecting holes between the bottom of the case and the cover.
      * Feed oil is routed inside the cover but not to the gearcase.
    * The hole in the middle of the case at the top intersects into the internal oil feed galley to the rocker box oil lines.
    * Pressurized oil travels up the oil lines to the rocker arms.
    * **This is the end point of static oil pump pressure to the top end**. \\ Gravity oil drains from the boxes thru the head / cylinder drains into the crankcase and down the pushrod tubes into the cam chest. \\

|  Oil feed on 76 XLCH ((photo by papphammar of the XLFORUM, annotated by Hippysmack http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=401480&page=7))  |
|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:oil_feed_passages_on_76_xlch_by_papphammar.jpg?direct&300|}}|
====== Top End Oiling ======

===== Rocker Arm / Valve Oiling =====

|  Rocker arm shaft. ((photo by jmmarks70 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1774605))  |  Oil flow. ((photo by jmmarks70 of the XLFORUM - annotated by Hippysmack http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1774605))  |  Exhaust valve squirter. ((photo by jmmarks70 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1774605))  |
|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:rocker_arm_shaft_1_by_jmmarks70.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:rocker_arm_shaft_2_by_jmmarks70.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:exhaust_rocker_arm_by_jmmarks70.jpg?direct&300|}}|
===== Rocker Box Oiling =====
Oil travels in a passage between the two rocker arm shafts (big end). \\
The oil line comes from underneath into one shaft bore on the pushrod side in each rocker box. \\
There is a rifle drilled hole between the rocker arm shafts in each box that connects the two for oil passage. \\
Each hole is plugged off on the outside of the box. \\

|  Front rocker box oiling.  |  Rocker Boxes on 69 model. ((photos by Arcturus of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1304674&page=11))  ||
|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:71-85_rocker_box_oiling_by_sc72.jpg?direct&250|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:69_rocker_boxes_1_by_arcturus.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:69_rocker_boxes_2_by_arcturus.jpg?direct&300|}}|
====== Bottom End Oiling ======

===== Pinion shaft and Crank Pin =====

===== Cam Cover Bushings =====
===== Cam Cover \ Gasket =====

|  76 cam cover oiling paths. ((photo by papphammar of the XLFORUM, annotated by Hippysmack http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=401480))  |
|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:cam_cover_oil_path_by_papphammar.jpg?direct&300|}}|

**Oil tank vent fitting**:

Starting in 1967 (XLH) and 1970 (XLCH), the oil tank vent line was routed into the rear side of the cam cover. \\
A 1/4" rubber hose is routed from the oil tank to the 90° (1/8" NPT) fitting at the cover. \\
The line mostly vents oil tank air back to the gearcase mixed with an oil mist. \\
If the vent line is kinked or blocked, pressure will back up in the tank and pop the cap and splash oil everywhere. \\

|  Oil tank vent fitting on 1973 XLH ((photo by Levi Luther of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1759261&page=9))  |
|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:1973_xlh_cam_cover_by_levi_luther.jpg?direct&300|}}|  

====== Head Drainage ======

|  Head drains on 83 XLX ((photo by spamer80 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2070501&page=8))  |
|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:head_drains_on_1983_xlx_by_spamer80.jpg?direct&300|}}|

====== Case Oiling and Drainage ======
\\

===== Rear Chain Oiler (57-76) =====

The chain oiler is a designed leak to keep the chain from rusting up. There is a factory adjusting screw to control the amount of oil it gives. \\
Return oil is tapped into to provide a drip for the chain. Due to it's nature, there will always be an oil leak from it. \\
If you don't want the leak, you can try and tighten the adjusting screw. \\
But chances are the screw or fitting itself has previously been tightened too much leading to an eternal leak. \\

**Location**: \\
The chain oiler fitting is either located behind the sprocket cover or at the oil tank respectively of year model and sometimes which tank you use. \\
  * 1954-1966 KH, XL and XLH used a (63607-53) NPT x compression tubing x SAE threaded regulating fitting.
  * 1958-1965 XLCH used a (63601-54) NPT x SAE x 1/4" hose bibb regulating fitting mounted to the oil tank.
    * (63611-53), chain oiler upper hose bracket mounts to the top of the case under the (R) motor mount bolt.
    * (63612-53), chain oiler lower hose bracket mounts to the rear motor mount front right bolt to the case.
  * 1967-E1972 XLH and 1970-E1972 XLCH used a (63595-67) hex body flared connection regulating fitting with a mounting tab to the top of the motor behind the rear sprocket.
  * L1972-1976 XLH and XLCH used a (63595-72) updated hex body flared connection regulating fitting with a mounting tab to the top of the motor behind the rear sprocket.

**Adjusting Screw**:
  * 1953-1956 K Models / 1957-E1960 XLH \\ Original adjuster screw# (63610-53) w/ plain brass #10-32 x 3/16" x 3/8" washer (6156) and a #10-32 x 3/16" x 3/8" hex nut (7630) to tighten up the screw. \\ Original screw was replaced by (63610-53A) in L1960 and replaced again by (63610-70) in 1971. \\
  * **1958-1969 XLCH**: \\ Original adjuster screw was included with the oiler fitting (at the oil tank). \\ A Chain Oiler Screw Kit (26383-32) was available to replace the existing adjuster screw. \\ The screw kit contains a new screw, washer and 4 extra thin washers. \\ The HD "Genuine" accessories replacement fitting has the 3/8" hex head screw.
  * L1960-1970 XLH / 1970 XLCH \\ Adjuster screw# (63610-53A) with no washer and a plain #10-32 x 3/16" x 3/8" hex nut (7630) to tighten up the screw. \\ Original nut was replaced by a #10-32 x 3/16" x 3/8" hex nylock nut (7626W) in 1965. \\ Original screw was replaced by (63610-70) in 1971.
  * 1971-1976 XLH/XLCH \\ Adjuster screw# (63610-70) with no washer and a #10-32 x 3/16" x 3/8" hex nylock nut (7626W) to tighten up the screw.

**Adjustment**: ((1957-1969 Sportster FSM pg 2B-3)) ((1970-1978 Sportsters FSM pg 2-2)) \\
Inspect the chain at regular service intervals (1000 miles) to see if it is getting enough oil or too much oil. \\
To adjust the amount of oil given, loosen the lock nut (if used) on the fitting and turn the screw outward for more oil or inward for less oil. \\
Only turn the screw (move app 1/32" at a time) and tighten the locknut (if used) on the screw when done. ((72 Ironhead XLH of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=349668) \\

**Cleaning**: ((1957-1969 Sportster FSM pg 2B-4)) ((1970-1978 Sportsters FSM pg 2-2)) \\
Debris and gummed up oil accumulated in the oil supply will gather at the orifice and slow/stop the flow of oil from time to time. \\
So the tubing should be blown out periodically to help prevent this. \\
Back out the locknut on the screw (if used). \\
Turn the adjusting screw in until it bottoms on it's seat while counting the number of turns you made to get there. \\
Remove the screw and blow out the orifice with compressed air. \\
Reinstall the screw until it bottoms out and back it out the number of turns counted earlier and lock it in place with the locknut (if used). \\
It should be set to allow 2-3 drops of oil per minute (app 1/4 turn on 1957-1968 models and app 3/4 turn on 1969-1976 models). \\

**Blocking Off the Chain Oiler**: \\
A lot of folks don't like the constant leak when the motor is running from the chain oiler. \\
(or the draining of the tube on the floor when shut down) \\
As long as the threads on the fittings will seal, you can simply turn the adjustment screw (clockwise) to a light seat to stop the oil flow. \\
Or you can plug the oil path at the source (right engine case or oil tank respectively). \\
You can either plug the fitting at the source with a bolt / screw or remove the fitting and install a 1/8"x27 NPT plug in the case. \\
Then you'll need to oil the chain by other means (chain wax, other). \\
You can also run an alternate hose from the crankcase breather pipe back to oil the chain (mostly oil mist at best from the breather). \\
However, it is far better to use a good quality chain wax. It won't fling off all over the bike or rear tire. ((IronMick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1559852)) \\

|  73-Up right case half ((photo by ironheadjunkie of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1421916&page=2))  |  Chain oiler on 1976 XLCH ((photo by papphammar of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=401480))  |
|{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:right_case_half_24559-73_by_ironheadjunkie.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:chain_oiler_fitting_on_76_xlch_by_papphammar.jpg?direct&300|}}|

**Installed Pics**: \\

Below is a L1962-1965 XLCH "horseshoe" oil tank with an explanation of how the chain oiler gets it's oil. \\
The blue line is the oil level. The red line is a tube inside the tank. The bottom of that tube feeds the lower (chain oiler) fitting. \\
The top of the tube is open and above the oil level. So, nothing drains out of the bottom fitting if you open it. \\
Note the open top of red tube is directly below the return fitting. \\
When the bike is running, return oil spills into the red tube to supply the chain oiler fitting installed in the lower port. \\
This feeds chain only when the engine is running and doesn't leak when the bike is shut off. \\
{{:techtalk:ih:oil:l62-65_ch_oem_oil_tank_by_ted_b.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by Ted B of the XLFORUM, labeled by Dr Dick http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1894782)) \\

|  Chain Oiler Piping on 74 XLCH ((photo by K Beggs of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1506737))  |
|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:1974_xlh_chain_oiler_piping_by_k_beggs.jpg?direct&300|}} |

\\

===== Chain Oiler Parts =====

**Chain Oiler Fittings**: \\
|  1967-E1972 XLH, 1970-E1972 XLCH \\ Chain Oiler Fitting (63595-67)  |  L1972-1976 XLH/XLCH \\ Chain Oiler Fitting (63595-72) ((photos courtesy of Ebay seller, Rusty Dusty Motorcycle Parts. [[https://www.ebay.com/str/bialystreasures|Link to Ebay Store]] ))  |
|{{techtalk:ref:oil:fitting_63595-67_rear_chain_oiler_body_by_robisonmotorcycles.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{techtalk:ref:oil:fitting_63595-72_rear_chain_oiler_body_by_rusty_dusty_parts.jpg?direct&300|}}|
\\

**Chain Oiler Piping and Hoses** (oil source to oiler fitting): \\
|  1969-1971 XLH, 1970-1971 XLCH \\ chain oiler piping (63590-69)  |
|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:1969-1971_xlh_1970-1971_xlch_chain_oiler_pipe_63590-69_by_animalhouse2010.jpg?direct&300|}}|
\\

**Chain Oiler Piping and Hoses** (oiler fitting to chain): \\
|  1967-1971 XLH, 1970-1971 XLCH \\ chain oiler pipe ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, jrsvintageharley1990. [[https://www.ebay.com/str/jrsvintageharleyparts?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay Store]] ))  |  1972-1976 XLH/XLCH \\ chain oiler pipe 63592-72A ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, jrsvintageharley1990. [[https://www.ebay.com/str/jrsvintageharleyparts?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay Store]] ))  |
|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:1967-1971_xlh-_1970-1971_xlch_rear_chain_oiler_pipe_63592-67_by_jrsvintageharley1990.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:1972-1976_xlh-_xlch_chain_oiler_pipe_63592-72a_by_jrsvintageharley1990.jpg?direct&300|}}|
===== Splash =====
===== Oil Pump Scavenge =====
See also the [[techtalk:ih:oil03|IH Oil Pump]] section of the Sportsterpedia. \\
==== '57-'76 Cases ====

An engine sitting for a while not running can "sit-sump" oil into the primary. \\
Read more on [[techtalk:ref:oil10#sit_sumpimg|Sit Sumping]] in the Sportsterpedia. \\
On engine start up the excess oil in the primary should be transferred back into the engine (but not all at once). \\
In the event oil from the oil pump seeps into the crankcase high enough to spill over into the primary, on startup, that oil is sent into the crankcase by way of the transfer valve. \\
On piston downstroke, positive crankcase pressure closes the transfer valve and seals a small hole preventing flow into the primary. \\
On piston upstroke, vacuum in the crankcase opens the transfer valve and sends a burst of oil/air into the crankcase. \\
Read more about the [[techtalk:ih:oil01#transfer_valve_76_and_earlier|Transfer Valve]] in the Sportsterpedia. \\

The pics below show the oil flow from the flywheel cavity to the return pump. \\
In stock configuration, most all used oil ends up in the flywheel cavity. \\
The small amount that gets supplied to the upper pushrod ball/socket goes into the gearcase. \\
While the splash oil to the exhaust valves enters the crankcase through the head drains. \\ 

The two crankcase halves together form the oil scavenging slot where oil is sent out of the sump to the oil pump. \\
The open slot receives oil by splash from the wheels and oil is forced into and thru the slot by way of positive crankcase pressure (downstroke of the pistons). \\
The scavenge slot is blocked off on the left side by the crankcase wall. \\
 
{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:cc_flow_1_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1204854&page=3)) {{:techtalk:ih:oil:transfer_valve_explained_5_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showpost.php?p=3886388&postcount=40)) {{:techtalk:ih:oil:transfer_valve_2_by_ironheadjunkie.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by ironheadjunkie http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1495746)) \\

Oil is pushed by the pistons thru the slot into the right case where it gathers in the oil trap at the oil pump mount. \\

{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:cc_flow_7_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1204854&page=3)) {{:techtalk:ih:oil:oil_trap_in_right_case_2_by_the_frenchowl.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by thefrenchowl of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?p=5834856#post5834856)) \\

Oil is picked up through the windows in the breather gear and slung into the gearcase and drained thru a strainer into the oil pump scavenge gears and sent back to the oil tank. \\ 

{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:cc_flow_6_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}  ((photo by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1204854&page=3)) {{:techtalk:ih:engmech:cc_flow_8_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}  ((photo by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1204854&page=3)) \\
==== '77 and Later Cases ====
The "drain plug" on the bottom of the case is simply a threaded plug that caps the oil scavenging passageway. ((bobbystat of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1950691)) \\
However, it's not really a drain but rather a plug in a machined oil passage. \\
The MoCo drilled from the bottom of the case to the horizontal oil passage in the gearcase. \\
This connects the crankcase sump oil to the scavenge port of the oil pump and the hole is plugged on the bottom. \\

From inside the case with the plug removed from the scavenge passage; \\
In the second pic below, you can see that the threads, from the tap, have been machined farther up into this hole. \\
This is the oil passage from the sump to the scavenge pump. \\
Oil from cylinder drains, crankpin, pushrods and cam chest that collects in the sump is fed to the pump by crankcase pressure and pump suction through this hole. \\
As you can see, even if you remove the plug, you still cannot drain the entire sump due to the mounting bosses (ribs) for the cover bolts. \\

In the third pic below, you can see where they drilled the case from the side where the cam cover goes and the bottom where the oil pump return hole goes. \\
The hole drilled from the cam cover side doesn't go anywhere. It dead ends into the cam cover flange. \\
**Caution**: If you use silicone on your gaskets, the silicone could easily enter the oil passage and enter your pump. \\

{{:techtalk:ih:oil:77-85_oil_pump_oiling_paths_by_ironheadjunkie.jpg?direct&300|}}

|  Scavenge passage on 77 engines  ((photos by bobbystat of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1950691))  |||
|{{techtalk:ih:oil:1977_case_drain_plug_1_by_bobbystat.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{techtalk:ih:oil:1977_case_drain_plug_2_by_bobbystat.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:oil:77_and_up_case_scavenging_by_bobbystat.jpg?direct&300|}}|


===== Gravity =====




\\


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