brake cross over zerc location?

[rustynuts]

when in the pre-war knuck frame run did the brake xover shaft zerc get relocated from near the seat post tube to the right, adjacent the brake shaft lever?

[46WL]

Late '37 - early '38.

[PhilJS]

Does anybody know what is the correct grease zerk to use in the brake cross shaft for 1938?

[Chris Haynes]

It looks like this.

[Factoryno3]

I believe that the location of the nipple hole on the cross tube was the same for all ohv:s 36-47, but the 37 sidevalves had the nipple hole in a different place. It was difficult reaching the alemite nipple with the side valve motor installed in the new ohv frame. In 38 they started to use zerc nipples and and an extension instead of making a special sidevalve frame, propably cheaper.

[Chris Haynes]

On the early '36 EL the grease fitting was much closer to the seat post tube. It was moved outboard during '36 production.

[Steve Little]

Hi rustynuts.
The design/drawing change of the position of the zerk/grease nipple was noted on 3/5/37 "5th of March 1937" and was initialed by WSH.
I dont know what William Harley's middle name was, but if it starts with S it would be "he" that authorised the change.
The actual production date that the change of position came in, is unknown to me but every 1937 frame and complete 1937 motorcycle I have seen has the zerk/grease nipple close to the seatpost.
The measurement is 4 & 5/16" from the end at 45 degrees "rolled to the front" for 1936 - 1937.
The measurement was then reduced to 4 & 1/32" at 20 degrees for 1938 - 1957

[Chris Haynes]

William Sylvester Harley.

[Chris Haynes]

Hi rustynuts.
The design/drawing change of the position of the zerk/grease nipple was noted on 3/5/37 "5th of March 1937" and was initialed by WSH.
I dont know what William Harley's middle name was, but if it starts with S it would be "he" that authorised the change.
The actual production date that the change of position came in, is unknown to me but every 1937 frame and complete 1937 motorcycle I have seen has the zerk/grease nipple close to the seatpost.
The measurement is 4 & 5/16" from the end at 45 degrees "rolled to the front" for 1936 - 1937.
The measurement was then reduced to 4 & 1/32" at 20 degrees for 1938 - 1957

Here is a photo of the frame from 37EL1856. The hole is outboard and not close to the seatpost.

[Steve Little]

Hi Chris.
Its a shame that oil pump is in the way. The frame could have been positivley identified as 1937 by the narrow "2 inch wide" seatpost cross brace which is not visible because the oil pump is obscuring the veiw.
Is the frame yours?
Regards Steve

[Chris Haynes]

Hi Chris.
Its a shame that oil pump is in the way. The frame could have been positivley identified as 1937 by the narrow "2 inch wide" seatpost cross brace which is not visible because the oil pump is obscuring the veiw.
Is the frame yours?
Regards Steve

Yes it is mine and has been so since 1970. It is an original early '37 frame. has the correct hallmark on the neck ETC.. The original engine in it was 37EL1856 (as memory serves). I sold the engine to Jeff Coffman who sold it to David Sarafan who????

[Chris Haynes]

OK, I know this is going to be real hard to see. If you look at this picture it is obvious that the grease fitting isn't near the crossover tube brace as on most frames. Barely visible in the background next to the seat pogo tube is the grease fitting. Grease and road grime doesn't make it easy to see.

[Steve Little]

Hi Chris.
Can you post another picture of the first frame "that had the oil pump in the way" but this time no oil pump so that the cross brace can be seen?

[Chris Haynes]

This is an early '37 frame.

[Steve Little]

Hi Chris.
This is a new concept to me.
I have never seen a 1937 frame with the zerk close to the crossover support so I am having trouble with your concept. I was of the belief that 1938 was the start of the nipple near the Brake crossover support.
I can see that your frame has the 2" seatpost cross brace but this was also on the very early 1938 frames.

The picture you supplied of the neck is nice and clear.
Your neck looks to be very cleanly forged which is uncommon for 1937.

If I can ask you a couple more questions on your frame.... Does your frame have the foundry mark on the big triangle of the left side of the neck.
If so, does it have a number below it. "Your pic is a bit dark in that area"

Does you left axle carrier have a Hallmark or number after the XE-7. Is the XE-7 correct way up or upside down.

Is the intermediate backbone 7/8" or 1"
Regards Steve