early 73 or late 73?
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Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Salt Lake City, UT
With regards to the actual early '73 Ironhead, which I have one of, a significant difference in the jugs ...when replacing the head gasket, is that the early 73 has round oil ports, where as the late '73 has oval rectangular oil ports.
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Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 68
Likes: 28
From: Hickory, NC
[...Just curious?
There were [b]9,875 XLH models made in 1973.
There were 10,825 XLCH models made that same year.
So if your number is 22225 you have an early 1973.
The next letter is 'H' and it stands for the manufacturer (Harley Davidson).
The last digit is the year the engine was made. In your case this should be a 3.
Hope this helps answer your question.
pg
[/FONT]
There were [b]9,875 XLH models made in 1973.
There were 10,825 XLCH models made that same year.
So if your number is 22225 you have an early 1973.
The next letter is 'H' and it stands for the manufacturer (Harley Davidson).
The last digit is the year the engine was made. In your case this should be a 3.
Hope this helps answer your question.
pg
[/FONT]
Hope you are still here since this is an old thread.
I am curious in gaining a bit knowledge...
Do you know how many FLH models were built in 73? Any idea of when the first FLH of 73 rolled off the line...as well as the last FLH that rolled off the 73' line?
My FLH is 22675, tag says 6-73'
This really confuses me since the first reported model (XLCH-1000) to leave the York PA assembly plant was 4A60000 H3...as well as the XLCH-1000 you mention here, 22225, that supposedly left in early 73'
THANKS!
Last edited by Bryan Austin; Jan 31, 2026 at 01:01 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 68
Likes: 28
From: Hickory, NC
After two days of searching, IA finally spits this out!!
Based on 1973 production data, here are examples of consecutive or near-consecutive serial numbers:
Based on 1973 production data, here are examples of consecutive or near-consecutive serial numbers:
- FX Models: 12100H3 to 19200H3
- XLH/XLCH Sportster (Early): 42100H3 to 50000H3 (Produced Oct 31, 1972 - March 25, 1973)
- XLH/XLCH Sportster (Later): 60000H3 to 71568H3
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