Engine vin decoding issue

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Nov 28, 2017 | 06:37 PM

klick79sportster

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5th Gear

Joined: Oct 2017

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From: Connecticut

Engine vin decoding issue

Can anyone tell me the model year and engine type of my ironhead engine? I've jus purchased a used engine to put into my 79 sportster and am having troubles finding exact information on the engine and it's wiring. The engine stamp reads CAHC118621. Any help would be much appreciated

Nov 28, 2017 | 06:45 PM

MURPHCC1

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Joined: Apr 2013

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From: Cape Cod

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/vindecoder.php

Not sure if that helps........

Nov 28, 2017 | 07:14 PM

klick79sportster

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Oct 2017

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From: Connecticut

No unfortunately not because I only have 10 characters tht are on the engine not the whole vin

Nov 28, 2017 | 07:36 PM

upflying

Seasoned HDF Member

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From: Post Falls, ID

VIN's had 17 digits starting with 1981 models. You have to find a decoder for the earlier vin standard of less than 17 characters.

Nov 28, 2017 | 07:45 PM

klick79sportster

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Oct 2017

Posts: 9

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From: Connecticut

I read that on the later models that were given 17 digit vin codes the code that's stamped on the engine isn't the whole 17 digit code that's on the frame and that it's shortened

Nov 28, 2017 | 09:32 PM

shanneba

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 1,649

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From: Indianapolis

This might help-

http://sportsterpedia.com/doku.php/s...tory:doc:01a?s[]=vin

1981-85 Sportsters should have partial digits of the VIN on the engine.

CAHC11862

CA = XLH1000
H= 1000cc
C = 1982

Last edited by shanneba; Nov 28, 2017 at 09:35 PM.