I recently got a 80 cu in shovelhead fxef. Im looking to do an oil change, but Im not sure where the crank case drain plug is located? A quick search shows that you only drain the oil tank, is this right? I know I need to get a manual but I do not have one yet. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

I have a manual for my 79 FLH and I just looked this up to do my first oil change. It says that you only have to drain the oil tank and then refill it. States in the manual that there is only about 5oz of oil in the lines and engine that gets left behind and that mixes with your new oil... I have heard of people filling the oil tank with new oil and removing he return line going back to the oil tank. Starting the bike and running it until fresh clear oil comes out of the line... I have never done this so maybe someone who has can chime in here... As far as what oil to use though I am still up in the air with that...

 

Drain plug on tank and one on rear bottom of inner primary. The engine oil lubes the primary on shovels. Trans has its own plug on bottom.
I use a good 60 wt M/C oil.
Best thing for a shovel IMHO is an oil cooler. Had a Lockhart cooler on mine since almost new in 79. I truely believe thats why mine has made it to 300k

 

Seeing as this bike is new to you, there is a few recomendations that I would throw at you. First you don't know how it was cared for, so Pull out the oil tank and wash it out w/ Mineral Spirits until it has no sludge left in it at all. RE-install the tank and leave your return line off. Fill the bag and run all the old oil into a bucket until it runs clean. Make sure while doing so you don't run out of oil...keep an eye on it. Reconnect the return line and top it off. Make sure to use a good Synthetic oil. Amsoil 20-50 weight or Aeroshell 100 (it's actually a straight 50 weight). Some people are going to tell you to run heavy oils 60 weight and higher. If you live in extreme heat yes consider using 60...but, just because it quiets your motor isn't a great reason to run heavier oils. the recommended 20-50 or 50 weight is best to circulate quickly. If you are worried about the oil overheating then add an oil cooler...recommended anyway. If you find that the oil drains into your sump fairly quickly make sure to service your check valve to prevent it. It is an older bike. Watch everything closely and keep the internals working correctly. P.S. get a manual and spend time getting to know the bike. Shovels are great bikes but, you need to keep things dialed in to have a good dependable bike. GL and have fun

 

Buy yourself a genuine FSM first! Then the advice above will make sense. Your local dealer can supply. Harleys are 'dry sump', in other words they don't store any oil inside the engine, but in the remote oil tank. There is an excellent description of the lubrication system in your FSM, but don't try to remove and clean the tank without one.

 

Well put! Tumbleweed