Just bought my first Harley and need some help. Previous owner didn`t know.
How do I know if it`s an original Panshovel engine or if it`s homebuilt with different parts? It has two sparkplugs on each cylinder, what`s the advantage with that? The alternator is in the front of the engine so with my limited knowledge I think it`s an early shovel? How do I know wich parts to order if I need for example new breaker points? Also need some info about oilquality and how much to fill.Thankfull for all help.

 

Got any pictures????

It is hard to tell only by the description.

 

Dual plugging either shovel, pan, or iron heads is extremely useful. The reasoning behind it is that with a hemispherical combustion chamber and a dished piston you get 'fat spots' - in other words, pockets of extremely rich mixture in the combustion chamber. By dual plugging the heads you create 2 flame fronts instead of one and in theory, cause a more complete burn of the A/F mixture. It's a performance minded upgrade that focuses on the volumetric efficiency of the engine. Used mostly on Shovels because they have issues with the intake side of the combustion process and tend to run to be (relativly) non-turbulent.

RE

 

First of all,there was no such thing as "an original panshovel".The last panhead was 1965,the first shovel was 1966.The term "panshovel" was a term created for panhead engines w/shovelheads put on them for update/performance increase.However,the pre 1970 shovelhead motors utilized the very strong (same) panhead bottom ends-so thus-I guess you COULD call the early shovelhead the original panshovel motor.The dual plugs were popular(starting around mid-late 1970's,and still are)with those wanting to "squeeze" performance out of the shovelhead engines/mentioned above.
The "alternator" you are referring to is actually a DC generator,found on all pre 1969 big twins.Your points (?),just order a set for a 1969 and down big twin,as they were all the same going back (that I know of) to the late 1940's.I've actually used points for an early 1960's six cylinder Chevy.
Now getting to the year/model of your engine.The left cranckcase should have numbers stamped into it right above the timing plug.The first 2 will tell you what year (69,57,65,da da da),followed by an FL or FLH.The rest are actual serial numbers.If no numbers,or are aftermarket cases,you'll need to look at the motor sprocket shaft and bearing.If the shaft is splined,you got a '65-'69 motor.If you have a tapered shaft,and the bearing is tapered,you have a '56-'64 motor.If you have a tapered shaft and the bearing is flat roller type,your motor is a '55-down.

 

Those Chevy six points also work in the '70 and later "cone motors" including Sportsters.

 

Most of those heads- the good ones- are STD. Should be a casting label, Shovel intake ports with pan rockers.[/align]

 

I have to interject, you are wrong to call a early shovel a Pan Shovel, even if they are similar. A Pan Shovel is a panhead which has been converted to have the shovel top, so this limits a Pan Shovel to the years 1948 to 1965. The first shovels came to be known as Genny Shovels or Slabside Shovels which have nothing to do whatsoever with Pan Shovels in that they were not Pans, 1966 to 1969 covers their reign.
The early Shovels were a standard come from the factory Harley model, the Pan Shovels were not as they were custom machines.
The purists who collect standard memorabilia regard them as half breeds, real biker's consider them thoroughbred.

 

Along with earlier panheads had a Spine Shaft not Tapered Shaft as mentioned above.
1948-1955 was the Tapered Shaft
1956-1964 was the short Spline Shaft
1965-1969 was the Longer Spline Shaft (due to deeper aluminum primary)

 

PanShovel brings back memories ! Road the bike below late 60's until mid 80's. 1949 Panhead evolved over the years to bike below. "49" pan motor OEM left case/ right side replaced with STD right case around late 70's (don't ask) with Shovel Heads added around that time.

 

If it had spoked wheels it would be perfect, I am not a customer for the Invader type mags.
But, very nice build mister, congratulations. I admire that rake and extended girder front end.