Target Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics specializing in vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles, particularly the Shovelhead era.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential, manufacturer-level technical data to maintain and repair a classic and desirable motorcycle model, often unavailable elsewhere.
Essential Resource:
The definitive guide for anyone looking to properly maintain, troubleshoot, or rebuild their 1979 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Super Glide.
Historical Context:
Covers a pivotal era in Harley-Davidson's history, bridging classic design with evolving performance.
Engine:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the Shovelhead engine, including cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, camshafts, valve train, and oil pump.
Carburetion:
Adjustment and overhaul procedures for Keihin butterfly and Super E/G carburetors common on these models.
Ignition System:
Troubleshooting, repair, and adjustment of points, condenser, ignition coil, and spark plugs.
Transmission:
Disassembly, inspection, reassembly, and adjustment of the 4-speed constant mesh transmission, including gears, bearings, shift drum, and primary drive clutch.
Clutch:
Service and adjustment of the dry clutch assembly.
Fuel System:
Tank, fuel lines, petcock, and fuel filter maintenance and replacement.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting for lighting, charging system (generator/alternator), starting system, battery, and instruments.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service, including caliper, master cylinder, brake lines, pads/shoes, and bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front fork overhaul, seal replacement, and rear shock absorber service and specifications.
Frame And Body:
Body panel removal and installation, fender service, and chassis inspection.
Wheel And Tires:
Tire pressure, wheel bearing maintenance, and spoke tensioning.
Control Systems:
Throttle, clutch, and brake cable adjustment and replacement.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, chain adjustment, battery maintenance, and general inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems with detailed fault-finding trees.
Component Rebuild:
Complete step-by-step instructions for overhauling major components like the engine, transmission, and carburetor.
Adjustments:
Precise procedures for adjusting engine idle, ignition timing, clutch engagement, and brake levers.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for easy identification of circuits and components.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical specifications for all major components.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed troubleshooting and diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)
Engine Displacement:
Typically 74 cubic inches (1200cc) or 80 cubic inches (1340cc) for Shovelhead models of this era.
Bore X Stroke:
Example for 74ci: 3.4375 in x 4.00 in; Example for 80ci: 3.50 in x 4.25 in (Specifics will be in manual).
Compression Ratio:
Typically 7.5:1 to 8.5:1 depending on variant (Specifics will be in manual).
Horsepower:
Estimated 60-70 HP (Actual figures vary and are not always readily published for this era).
Torque:
Estimated 70-80 ft-lbs (Actual figures vary and are not always readily published for this era).
Carburetor Type:
Harley-Davidson Linkert, Keihin butterfly, or aftermarket options like S&S Super E/G.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, Octane rating dependent on compression ratio (refer to manual).
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3 quarts (2.8 liters) of engine oil (Specifics will be in manual).
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 or equivalent motorcycle-specific oil (Refer to manual for exact specifications).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles or 6 months (Refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (Check manual for specific plug type and gap).
Primary Chain Adjustment:
Check and adjust as needed every 1,000-2,000 miles.
Clutch Adjustment:
Check and adjust as needed every 2,000-4,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 motorcycle oil or equivalent (e.g., Valvoline 20W50 Motorcycle).
Transmission Oil Specification:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ or SAE 80W-90 GL-1 gear oil (e.g., Lucas Gear Oil SAE 80W-90).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (Check manual for specific recommendation, though older HDs often used non-synthetic DOT 3).
Shovelhead Common Issues:
Oil leaks (especially from rocker boxes and pushrod tubes), carburetor issues (flooding, lean conditions), primary chain tensioner wear, and potential for valve seat recession in older engines.
Electrical System Quirks:
Original wiring harnesses can become brittle; generator/alternator output can be inconsistent; points ignition requires regular tuning.
Brand Legacy:
Harley-Davidson, an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1903.
Electra Glide Lineage:
The Electra Glide, introduced in 1965, represented Harley-Davidson's entry into the full-dress touring motorcycle segment, becoming a benchmark for long-distance comfort and style.
Shovelhead Era:
The 1979 model falls within the Shovelhead engine era, known for its distinct sound and robust construction, succeeding the Panhead and preceding the Evolution engine.
Production Period:
The Shovelhead engine was produced from 1966 to 1984. 1979 marked a period of refinement and evolution within this generation.
