Knucklehead overhead oil lines

[Jerry Wieland]

Here are 2 OEM overhead oil lines for 1942 and up Knucklehead. The one on the left is steel lines with a brass 'T' and the one on the right is copper lines with a steel 'T'. Anyone know what the deal is with them. I have several examples of each type. Years ago I had heard that copper oil lines were replacements.

Jerry

[Chris Haynes]

Copper oil and gas lines were standard until 1941. War production changed them to steel. Your copper lines may be post war. Owners of original machines need to see what they have on theirs.

[Rooster]

Copper oil and gas lines were standard until 1941. War production changed them to steel. Your copper lines may be post war. Owners of original machines need to see what they have on theirs.

Chris, do you mean the copper lines may be pre-war?

[RichO]

lines

Wasn't 1940 the last year for banjo oil lines on the upper end?

[flat-happy]

37 was the last year of banjo fittings on the oil tank

[Rubone]

Rich,
The part number on the lines with flare fittings is -42, the banjo style is -36. And my original '41 parts book only lists the early style from '36-'41.
Robbie

[Steve Little]

Can you bend Brass lines like that?
Maybe the lines are Copper or steel.
I could understand the 45 degree fitting and the nuts being brass.
I dont know that brass would put up with that type of treatment?

[Rubone]

Steve,
Where did you come up with brass??
Robbie

[Steve Little]

Rub
My goof.
I re read it and tried to delete it but ya beat me on the draw
Steve

[Chris Haynes]

Banjo lines were used on the top end oiler through 1941. To my knowledge all H-D oil and fuel lines prior to 1941 were copper.

[Chris Haynes]

Chris, do you mean the copper lines may be pre-war?

Pre war lines were copper. But the compression fitting top enf oil line was not used untill 1942 when all lines were being made of steel because of the war. The copper compression fitting line may be a post war item.

[andy at wash]

copper oil lines

i am the the 2nd owner of my 47el owned since 1960 this machine has copper oil lines with brass y fitting and steel nuts and copper fuel xover with steel nuts i doubt very much they were replaced andy