Harley Davidson Electra Glide FL Shovelhead 1966 Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Harley-Davidson Model: Electra Glide FL Year: 1966 Codes Engine Code: Shovelhead (referring to the engine design) Chassis Code: FL 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Essential...

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Type: Motorcycle

Vendor:

Sku: 439509

Tags: 1966 Electra Glide FL Shovelhead Harley Davidson Misc Motorcycle Motorcycles

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Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Electra Glide FL

Year:

Codes

Engine Code:

Shovelhead (referring to the engine design)

Chassis Code:

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Positioning:

Essential resource for owners and mechanics working on a classic and highly sought-after Harley-Davidson model. Targets enthusiasts and restorers.

Competitive Analysis

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides critical, detailed information specific to the 1966 Shovelhead FL, filling a void for those seeking authentic repair and maintenance knowledge for this iconic motorcycle.

Key Features

Target Audience:

Harley-Davidson owners, restorers, classic motorcycle mechanics, and vintage vehicle enthusiasts.

Uniqueness:

Focuses on the specific nuances and components of the 1966 Electra Glide FL, including the early Shovelhead engine and 4-speed transmission of that era.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Workshop

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

Variable, typically 300-600 pages for comprehensive manuals of this era

Manual Type

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Likely printed reproduction or Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine:

Full overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, carburetor service, ignition system, oil pump, primary drive.

Transmission:

4-speed constant mesh gearbox overhaul, clutch service, shifter linkage, lubrication.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (generator), battery maintenance, lighting, ignition switch, starter system.

Frame And Suspension:

Front fork (leading link or telescopic depending on specific FL sub-model), rear shock absorbers, wheel bearing service, steering head bearing adjustment.

Brakes:

Drum brake system service, adjustment, and relining (front and rear).

Fuel System:

Fuel tank removal and cleaning, fuel line routing, carburetor (e.g., Linkert or early Keihin) disassembly, cleaning, and adjustment.

Bodywork:

Fender mounting, fairing (if equipped), saddlebag attachment, seat removal and installation.

Procedures Included

Maintenance:

Regular servicing, lubrication points, tire pressure checks, chain adjustment (if applicable), filter replacements.

Repair:

Complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, component replacement, troubleshooting guides.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnosing common problems, identifying causes, and providing solutions for various systems.

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical issues.

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Digital Format Quality:

High-resolution scans or recreated digital files, ensuring legibility of text and diagrams. Searchable text functionality is highly desirable.

Print Quality

Print Quality:

Professional printing on durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments. Clear, crisp reproduction of diagrams and text.

Binding Type

Binding Type:

Professional binding (e.g., perfect binding, spiral binding) that allows the manual to lay flat for easy use during repairs.

Paper Type

Paper Type:

Heavyweight paper stock to withstand grease, oil, and frequent handling in a workshop setting.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)

Engine Displacement:

74 cubic inches (1213 cc)

Engine Name Designation:

Shovelhead (due to the shovel-like shape of the rocker boxes)

Bore X Stroke:

Approximately 3.4375 in x 4.125 in (87.3 mm x 104.8 mm)

Performance

Horsepower Estimated:

Approximately 55-60 HP (actual figures varied and were not always precisely published for this era)

Torque Estimated:

Approximately 70-75 ft-lbs (actual figures varied)

Fuel System

Carburetor Type:

Typically Linkert M-series or early Keihin butterfly carburetor.

Fuel Type:

Leaded gasoline, typically 90-octane or higher.

Ignition System

Ignition Type:

Battery and Coil, points ignition system.

Oil System

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3 quarts (2.8 liters) for engine oil, plus primary chaincase oil.

Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson recommended straight-weight mineral oil (e.g., SAE 50 or SAE 60) or specialized motorcycle oil of that era.

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type:

4-speed, constant mesh, foot-shift, hand-clutch lever operation.

Optional

Optional Transmissions:

None standard for this model year and configuration.

Features

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate, cable-operated.

Primary Drive:

Duplex chain drive to the transmission.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Typically Harley-Davidson's primary drive lubricant or equivalent.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase:

Approximately 60.2 inches (1529 mm)

Length:

Approximately 90.1 inches (2289 mm)

Weights

Dry Weight:

Approximately 625 lbs (283 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified as a GVWR but rather a gross load capacity.

Wheels And Tires

Front Tire Size:

Typically 3.50-19

Rear Tire Size:

Typically 4.00-18

Wheel Type:

Spoked wheels, chrome or painted finish.

Wheelbase Measurement Method:

Center of front axle to center of rear axle.

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

Safety Ratings:

Motorcycles of this era were not subjected to standardized crash testing in the way modern vehicles are. Safety focus was on braking effectiveness and stability.

Active Features

Braking System:

Dual leading shoe drum brake (front), single leading shoe drum brake (rear). Operated by foot pedal for rear, hand lever for front.

Lighting:

Headlight, tail light, brake light, turn signals (front and rear), and sometimes passing lamps.

Passive Features

Frame Construction:

Steel tube frame, providing structural integrity and mounting points for all components.

Suspension Damping:

Hydraulic damping in front fork and rear shock absorbers to control suspension movement and maintain tire contact with the road.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Infotainment System:

None. This era of motorcycle features basic instrumentation: speedometer, ammeter, oil pressure light (if equipped), and indicator lights.

Driver Assistance

Driver Assistance Features:

None. Rider is fully responsible for operation and control.

Connectivity

Connectivity Features:

None. Mechanical and electrical systems are self-contained.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Recommended every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Primary chaincase oil change is also critical.

Tune Up Interval:

Periodic adjustments to ignition timing, carburetor, and valve lash are essential, often based on mileage or performance indicators (e.g., every 5,000-10,000 miles).

Major Overhaul Considerations:

Engine and transmission rebuilds are typically performed based on mileage (e.g., 50,000+ miles) or symptoms of wear and performance degradation.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 50 or SAE 60 straight-weight mineral oil. Avoid modern multi-viscosity or synthetic oils unless specifically formulated for vintage V-twins.

Primary Chaincase Oil Specification:

Harley-Davidson Primary Chain Lubricant or equivalent. Capacity typically around 1 quart.

Transmission Oil Specification:

Harley-Davidson recommended gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90) or specific motorcycle transmission fluid.

Fork Oil Specification:

Typically SAE 10W or 15W fork oil, capacity specific to front fork design.

Known Issues

Engine Wear:

Valve seat recession (due to leaded fuel), oil leaks from crankcase and rocker boxes, premature cam follower wear.

Transmission Reliability:

Bearing failures, shifting mechanism wear, potential for neutral lock-out issues.

Electrical System:

Generator output issues, voltage regulator problems, aging wiring harness leading to intermittent faults.

Carburetor Performance:

Linkert carburetors require precise adjustment; wear can lead to poor idling and fuel mixture issues. Early Keihin carburetors also require tuning.

Frame And Suspension:

Steering head bearing adjustments, worn fork bushings, shock absorber degradation.

Parts Availability

Part Availability Notes:

Many original parts are scarce; reproduction parts are available for common wear items. Specialized knowledge for sourcing rare original components.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Brand Founding:

Harley-Davidson Motor Company founded in 1903.

Motorcycle Iconography:

A cornerstone of American motorcycle culture, known for its V-twin engines and touring capabilities.

Model Evolution

Electra Glide Introduction:

The Electra Glide model line was introduced in 1965, replacing the Hydra-Glide.

Shovelhead Engine Introduction:

The Shovelhead engine was introduced in 1966, replacing the Panhead engine.

1966 Significance:

The 1966 model year marks the debut of the Shovelhead engine and the first year for the Electra Glide designation.

Production

Manufacturing Location:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Production Period Shovelhead:

1966-1984

Collectibility:

Highly collectible vintage motorcycle, particularly well-maintained examples.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Vintage Motorcycle Status:

Recognized as a classic and iconic American motorcycle, featured in numerous automotive and motorcycle publications and museums.

Ratings

Historical Significance:

Represents a significant evolution in Harley-Davidson's V-twin engine technology and touring platform.