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My inner primary is not drilled for the vent line. Is this something I need to address before putting it back together?
Ran it that way since owning it.
The Shovels I have owned all had the primary vent.
Drilling it would be a good idea, my 66 has the vent with an August 65 build date. Since yours is the first year is it safe to assume HD didn't know it needed a vent on this newly designed primary?
Put over 60K on my '65 in last 10 years and have not had any issues whatsoever even tho Harley Davidson recommended doing the vent because of possible "smoking" out of exaust. There is 110K on bike without vent.
the vent i have seen both things happen as in nothing and out of control oil problems
the vent was added so the atmosphere in the engine - oil tank - and the primary - are all on the same page in how the system works - some engines dont seem to care and others do - would i install the vent - have in the past and would today as it makes sense
Wow you don't waste time. Did you just happen to have the NOS kit or were you able to find it in the marketplace? Now I'm thinking.....
Found it about 5 years ago when I was still scrounging for parts for the redo on the 65. At the time I had been going thru my service bulletins and came across the one re: venting the primary. Guy on one of the FB forums I subscribe to had it for sale. Bought it and figured when the time came I would deside whether ot not to do it. Like you I had run my 65 for 30 years with no vent and had no issues. This should be the last time I have to take the bike completely apart so it is the appropriate time to do the upgrade.
I am fortunate to have the 1/8 pipe tap on hand (dad was a plumber, pipefitter for 43 years).
Last edited by panz4ever; Aug 1, 2020 at 09:55 AM.
T&O 74" flywheels (assembled and balanced), Andrews "J' grind, Kibblewhite valves & seals, hardened valve seats, cylinders-re sleeved back to stock, pistons are moly coated on the sides and ceramic coated on top, Jims rod set with motor and pinion shaft, rebuilt tappet rollers, exhaust flanges repaired.
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