Does a 79 sportster xlch have an oil filter? Or do you just drain the old oil and fill it up with new stuff. Thanks

 

You might want to ask that in the IRONHEAD section here https://www.hdforums.com/forum/ironhead-66/

 

I'm pretty sure, anything that you'd put oil in would have an oil filter. Doesn't matter how old it is. Did your 55 chevy have an oil filter?

 

A lot of people removed the external filter due to the bracket breaking, which was common.

 

I had a '79 Sportster... No oil filter. You just change it a lot...

I don't know for sure whether it came from the factory without a filter, but it never had one while I owned it.

 

The CH's didn't have a filter. You can add an external one on the front left motor mount as an aftermarket accessory. It will take the standard spin on filters.

My 72 doesn't run a filter.

 

Not only did you point him in the right direction for finding the info he was seeking, you still gave the answer. People like you are in short supply on the internet.

I'd buy you a beer if you were nearby.

 

The Picture is specifically for 1979 models XLH, XLCH and XLS Roadster. All 1979 models of Sportsters originally had oil filters.

 

Interesting. My '79 had exactly the oil tank assembly pictured, but without a filter. I remember it clearly, as I removed that tank and installed a hand fabricated tank. There was no filter or plumbing in there at all... I was either the second or third owner. If it came with one, I guess someone went to some trouble to remove it at some point.

I vaguely recall reading somewhere once that the filter was "optional equipment," but that never made sense to be unless it was dealer installed. But then it wouldn't be in the microfiche...

 

CH's didn't have filters. Good idea to add one if yours does not already have one added. Otherwise, change oil every 1,000 miles. Straight 50 grade works good in Ironheads in summer. 20/50 in cooler weather.