and kind of a dee-dih-dee... I mean um... I am not mechanically minded. I am looking for my crankcase number so I can buy the right service manual for my '78 (or '78 ½) FXE. Harley produced two different mauals, '70 - '78 & '78 ½ - '80, and I am not sure how much a difference it will make if I buy the wrong one. My local indy shop owner told me how to read the crankcase number to tell which one I need, but I can't find the number. I am not even sure I am looking in the right place. He also said any good mechaninc can do much of the work I need with the manual, and that there would be certain things I should only trust and experienced Harley mechaninc to do. I have a good mechaninc who is willing to teach me, if we can find the right manual. Can anyone help me find the crankcase number?

 

The case manufacturing ID number is underneath and towards the front of the motor on the primary drive side - (kick stand side) - there's also supposed to be an identical number on the underneath on the other half of the case - AND - the VIN is on the top to the right of the points "cone" cover...

Check here - http://www.wwwildcats.com/harley_vin.htm - to break down the code of all 'em digits...

Good luck with it...

 

Curb Mutt,

Thank you. Found it, after cleaning off all the oil. Now I can buy the right manual and start working on replacing the lower gaskets and the subsequently needed ring job. Did I mention that I am a bit of a dee-dih-dee... I mean um... I am not mechanically minded? Nothing like starting off with something easy... lol Look for my pleas for help coming soon

ATM