1961 xlch oil tank

[moblue]

Which horseshoe oil tank is correct for a 1961 xlch? I beleive it was during 1961 that they changed from 4 ports on the side to 3 ports. Would it depend on the vin? I have one of each and would like to know which one to use for judging some day. Thanks.

[billpedalino]

Thats a good question. I have three Sportster Horseshoe oil tanks for my 1964. I remember that the bike had the face-mounted rear chain oiler when I bought it in 1968 (unmolested). ANd my memory is quite good. But different sources on this forum have informed me that that is wrong, and each cite different information as to which is correct. The early parts books are no help either. A word from an authority (maybe Chris H.) would be appreciated.

[murph]

It should have the 3 ports plus the chain oiler port, so four is the answer. Late 62 started the transition, but I am sure someone will argue this. Early 62 used 4 by late 62 they went to 3.

[billpedalino]

Murph - when I purchased my '64 CH, it was almost 4 years old. There was a feed, return, vent AND adjustable chain oiler, all located on the lower left face of the oil tank. I know without a doubt that the oil tank was never out of the bike.

[Robert Luland]

Bill, My 65 is the same. Bob L

[murph]

I have asked this question before when restoring my 62 ch because I have the factory road test in October of 62. It clearly shows the sump (feed) on the bottom primary side of the oil tank and the 90 degree oil line fitting on the cam side on the engine. When I asked the question the answer I got was what I stated above. Also what I was told is it was a transition year so what ever oil tanks they had left over they put on bikes until they ran out of them and then went to the new style. Or whatever was in the bin at the time they used. Check out this link on caimag. I don't know the straight answer, but it seems it's arguable. Hope this helps.
http://www.caimag.com/forum/showthre...hoe-oil-bucket

[billpedalino]

Bob L.

While I respect the gentlemen above, and that it seems to fly against the above logic, I do KNOW that my '64 XLCH was stone, stock, original when I bought it in late December 1967 or January 1968. After I bought it, I quickly removed the oil tank and had it chromed and it hung around the basement until summer when I had enough money to get the bike back on the road. It had the oil drain nut on the primary side (like all others) and all four oil line connections were on the face of the tank. I don't remember if there was a dropped 'well' into which the drain plug was screwed or if the bottom of the tank was flat, as in the earlier tanks. Clearly (at least to me), there must have been various bins of tanks that were used up during these years. This seems to be confirmed by the fact that your 1965 also has these same connections. I would love to see a close-up of a factory-installed 1964 oil tank, but even if it contradicts my position, I know, without a doubt how mine was assembled.

[Robert Luland]

Bill, Mine does not have a drain plug but a 1/8" allen plug in the supply fitting

[Chris Haynes]

My 1965 also has the allen drain.

[Robert Luland]

Here’s a picture I took of a supposedly 1964 original paint at Jefferson 09. You can clearly see the Allen plug in the drain. Bob L

[Sportster Jerry]

I know that bike, Bob.....it's the real deal.

[murph]

If you have the 1/8 inch drain plug then you only have 3 ports on the face of the bucket which is correct for late 62 on, ( in my opinion.) I guess in answer to the original question for a 61 ch it is 4 ports on the face not 3. The ledgend begins shows clear pics of the oil buckets except 63. I have seen that original 64 and it's all that!!!! It only has 3 ports on the face. So where does that leave us?

[Sportster Jerry]

My friend Karl bought his '62 XLCH new in November of 1961. It came with the oil tank with 3 fittings and the sump