Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson owners, independent repair shops, vintage motorcycle enthusiasts
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the iconic FLH Shovelhead model
Competitors:
Factory service manuals, Haynes manuals, Clymer manuals (though PDF format is highly convenient)
Historical Significance:
Covers a pivotal year for the Shovelhead engine and FLH touring platform
Practicality:
Provides the technical data needed for DIY maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs
Authenticity:
Represents official or near-official factory service information
Engine:
Shovelhead V-Twin (including top end, bottom end, lubrication, ignition, carburetion)
Transmission:
4-speed Cruise Drive (disassembly, assembly, adjustments, maintenance)
Drivetrain:
Primary drive, clutch, final drive (belt/chain depending on specific FLH variant)
Electrical System:
Charging system (alternator, regulator), ignition system (points, coil, spark plugs), lighting, starting system, battery
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely Linkert or early Keihin), fuel lines, fuel tank, fuel pump
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (drum and/or early disc brakes depending on specific model variant), hydraulic components, adjustment
Suspension:
Front fork (likely leading-link or telescopic), rear shock absorbers, adjustments
Chassis:
Frame, steering head, wheel bearings, swingarm, forks, triple clamps
Bodywork:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, fairing (if equipped), saddlebags, mounting hardware
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, chain/belt adjustment, brake adjustments, lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnosing common problems, electrical circuit diagnosis, engine performance issues
Engine Rebuild:
Top-end rebuild (cylinder, piston, rings), valve adjustments, cam timing, bottom-end service
Transmission Overhaul:
Complete disassembly, inspection, replacement of worn parts, reassembly
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting electrical faults, testing components
Carburetor Tuning:
Adjustment, cleaning, rebuilding
Brake Service:
Pad replacement, caliper service, drum shoe adjustment, bleeding (if applicable)
Suspension Service:
Fork oil changes, seal replacement, shock absorber service
Depth Level:
Detailed factory-level service and repair instructions
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying issues
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistances
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Displacement:
74 cubic inches (1212 cc) - Standard for FLH Shovelhead
Bore X Stroke:
3.4375 in x 4.00 in (87.31 mm x 101.6 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 7.0:1 to 8.0:1 (depending on specific variant and tuning)
Horsepower:
Estimated 60-65 HP (at crank)
Torque:
Estimated 75-80 ft-lbs (at crank)
Carburetor:
Typically a Keihin butterfly or Linkert (depending on manufacturing date and specific FLH sub-model)
Fuel Type:
Leaded gasoline (pre-1976 models often required leaded fuel, though unleaded started to be accepted in later Shovelheads)
Fuel Octane Rating:
Minimum 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual constant mesh
Primary Drive:
Chain drive, wet clutch
Final Drive:
Belt drive (common on FLH models)
Clutch Type:
Wet multi-plate
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual (typically around 2.63:1 for 1st, 1.72:1 for 2nd, 1.34:1 for 3rd, 1.00:1 for 4th)
Transmission Oil Type:
Gear oil (e.g., Harley-Davidson 80W/90 or equivalent)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 20-24 oz (590-710 ml)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 62.5 inches (1588 mm)
Length:
Approximately 93.0 inches (2362 mm)
Width:
Approximately 36.0 inches (914 mm) at handlebars
Height:
Approximately 51.0 inches (1295 mm) at windscreen/fairing
Dry Weight:
Approximately 650-700 lbs (295-318 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 1000-1100 lbs (454-499 kg)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety ratings were not standardized or widely published for this era)
Braking System:
Front and rear drum brakes or early disc brake for front (depending on specific FLH variant and options)
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals
Frame Construction:
Steel frame, designed for stability and load carrying
Wind Protection:
Often equipped with a fairing and/or windscreen for rider comfort and protection
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles or 6 months
Primary Chain Adjustment:
As needed, typically every 5,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 5,000-10,000 miles
Valve Adjustment:
Every 5,000-10,000 miles (critical for Shovelheads)
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 20W50 or equivalent motorcycle-specific oil (mineral based often preferred for vintage)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3 quarts (2.8 liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (if equipped with disc brakes)
Oil Leaks:
Common due to age and design; requires attention to gaskets, seals, and pushrod tubes.
Pushrod Tube Seals:
Frequent source of oil leaks; requires careful replacement.
Generator Charging System:
Early models can have issues with the generator and regulator; upgrades to alternator systems are common.
Carburetor Performance:
Tuning and maintenance of the original carburetors can be complex; modern replacements are available.
Transmission Shifting:
Can become notchy or difficult with wear; requires precise adjustments and potentially rebuilds.
Brand Legacy:
Harley-Davidson, a cornerstone of American motorcycling, established in 1903.
Shovelhead Introduction:
The Shovelhead engine was introduced in 1966, replacing the Panhead. It featured improved cylinder heads and valve train.
Flh Development:
The FLH designation historically represented Harley-Davidson's top-tier touring models, evolving through various engine families (Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evolution).
1976 Updates:
The 1976 model year saw continued refinement of the Shovelhead platform, including some running changes as Harley-Davidson prepared for the upcoming electronic ignition and AMF era transition.
Production Period:
Shovelhead engine production: 1966-1984
Manufacturing Location:
York, Pennsylvania, USA
Significance Of 1976:
A year of the Bicentennial celebration in the US, the FLH Shovelhead represented American motorcycling tradition.