This may be a stupid question, but:

Does the 1974 XLCH have an oil filter.

In the manual it shows oil filter that goes in the 1977 XLCH

( That filter surrounds the dip stick )

Not possible with tank on my bike.

Have a standard tank for that year, dip stick hole seems to small for

anything but a very small filter.

Inside tank is a stub about 9/16 round and 3/4 high.

Getting a filter on that stub, does not make much sense.

Does anyone have wisdom to share?

Thank you

 

i don't know if it had one but this is what i put on my 77 xlh http://www.etrailer.com/p-D15708.htm

 

I believe that XLCHs did not have an oil filter. HD did have an oil filter conversion kit 63795-77 [no longer available] for the XLCH. There is an aftermarket kit commonly available thru J&P Cycles and virtually all other HD parts suppliers to add on a filter.

The need for an oil filter is one of those constant debates. Either [1] you must have one to protect your engine or [2] there is no need just change your oil often. Choose your side of the debate and act accordingly.

 

A 1974 XLCH with the center oil tank had no oil filter.
If you have a side mount oil tank (as came on the XLH) then the oil filter is incorporated in the filler cap.
Just change your oil frequently (every 1000 miles) and you will be fine.
pg

 

thanks for the info - in the manuals it never says there was no filter

 

thanks for the info

 

I assume this advice comes with a warranty?????????
It is now 2010
You should get a filter.
Plenty of good products out there that are compatible with the oil pump on your bike.

 

I believe the advice came with the sentence......'Change the oil every 1000 miles.'
This is how the machine was built in 1974 and it worked then.
2010 makes no difference at all. It still works (changing oil) and is a far better solution than any oil filter ever made.

But, having said that, if you are the type who likes to hang even more garbage on your scoot then by all means invest (?) in one of those filters which include all the oil hoses hanging out in the wind.

You will also find that all of these filters install on the downstream side of the engine. That does a world of good(?) , after the oil has passed through your engine.

If they are going to make and sell such a thing, then it should be an upstream side of the engine install and come with a built in bypass..... for those of you who rather not change your oil until 5000 miles has be reached and/or the filter plugs up.
pg

 

I have a 75 XLCH and it does NOT have an oil filter, I've owned this for 30 years - never had an oil filter . . .

 

People once thought the world was flat...... and they held that belief for more than 30 years
still wrong though
And yes, that is the way it was in 1974
BUT NOW IT IS 2010, AND IT CAN BE IMPROVED
changing oil well before it is needed is not a superior method to efficient filtration
WHO COULD POSSIBLY THINK THAT???????
If it was, thats the way they would make new vehicles now
DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH