1976 Electra glide
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 28
Likes: 9
From: Idaho
its not that I cant do the work. Just my brother was the more willing to rip into the engine and do what was needed. I thought the reservoir around the battery was the oil reservoir or am I wrong?? Like I said new to harleys. Thanks
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 468
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From: NorCal
You are correct, that is a horseshoe oil tank. Sorry to hear about your losses. That is a cool old school bike. Change all the fluids, take your time. Harleys are pretty durable, and once you check/clean the fuel tank, drain and change the oils, and put in a new battery, it should be good to start. Before you ride it, change out the brake fluid and make sure brakes are in order. You should change out the tires, too. Then there will be some other work to do, but it will be a worthwhile pursuit.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Believe it or not Harley still sell service manuals for these bikes! I had a new 1974 FX1200, but it is too long ago to recall servicing intervals and stuff like that. There are also Clymer, Haynes and other brands of service manual out there, so it would be worth it IMHO getting one of those, at the least. They are not as good as the genuine factory books, but cheaper and will have service stuff in them.
Before trying to run the engine, I suggest you need to prove the electrics work, so Dan's suggestion to get a new battery is right. Having followed his suggestions, if you have lights and horn you have the sound foundations on which to progress further. Unless you're an ace mechanic, take small steps! We'll be lookin' over your shoulder!
Before trying to run the engine, I suggest you need to prove the electrics work, so Dan's suggestion to get a new battery is right. Having followed his suggestions, if you have lights and horn you have the sound foundations on which to progress further. Unless you're an ace mechanic, take small steps! We'll be lookin' over your shoulder!
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 28
Likes: 9
From: Idaho
Thanks guys my plan has been along the lines of baby steps and definitely appreciate the help so far Ill be looking at buying a new battery and ignition in the near future. Not sure what the bike is to be honest the registration and title says 1976 but I know my dad built his own frames and what not growing up.. everyone that would know about bike unfortunately are no with us. So any thing is definitely appreciated. Thank you
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 3,438
From: SW WA.
That hardtail frame would probably be aftermarket,'76 H-D would be swingarm.
Stock it would looked more like this bike.
Last edited by Y2K; Apr 19, 2020 at 01:46 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 3,438
From: SW WA.
In 1970 they went alternator on the crankshaft inside the primary case and moved the ignition to a cone on the outside of the cam cover.
Hence the name "cone motors" on the later Shovels.
The cone on the right side is where your ignition resides under that small cover I circled in red here.
My guess is pops was old school and it probably still has points but take out the two screws and have a look see.
By the way the points and condenser set is the same as a Chevy 6 cylinder set.
I used to run AC-Delco ignition parts in my 1975 Harley at a fraction of the cost of H-D parts from the dealer.
Last edited by Y2K; Apr 19, 2020 at 01:50 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 28
Likes: 9
From: Idaho
Thanks for that y2k. ill have to take a look at it. And definitely good to know I can run Chevy parts much cheaper as well. Its seeming it might not cost as much as I initially thought, I was thinking 4 to 5k to have it gone through and resealed and up and running again. But realistically off what Im seeing Id assume less than a grand I could probably have this thing up and running
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 3,438
From: SW WA.
Gaskets and seals can go bad from sitting too long but only getting her up and running again will tell that story so good luck with it.
Shovels are kind of notorious leakers anyway,I've seen many daily riders that leak like hell but keep on running as long as you keep up on the oil levels.