Correction to my earlier post (post #9):

The outboard small nipple on the tank is oil return from filter (as indicated by the white arrows in the picture in the original post #1).

The inboard small nipple on the tank is the oil tank vent (as indicated by the red arrows in the picture, original post #1).

I have run with the hoses connected both ways, and have seen no difference.

The illustration in the service manual is useless.

 

I agree the service manual illustration is confusing.

Thanks again for your help.

 

I apologize. I stand corrected. Didn't know hey were different

 

No apology needed, these softail tanks can be very confusing, because the service manual illustrations are not very helpful.