Installing a Horseshoe Oil Tank on My Shovelhead: Need Tips!

Performance & Modifications
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I’m looking to upgrade my Harley Davidson Shovelhead with a horseshoe oil tank, but I’m a bit lost on where to start. I’ve heard that these tanks can really enhance the performance and oil capacity, but I want to ensure I do everything right during the installation process.

Compatibility and Sizing

Before I dive in, can anyone recommend specific horseshoe oil tanks that are known to fit well with Shovelheads? I want to make sure I get the right size and that it won’t interfere with any other parts of the bike. Also, are there any aftermarket options that you’ve found to be particularly good or any that I should steer clear of?

Installation Advice

For those of you who have installed one of these tanks, what’s the installation process like? Are there specific tools I should have on hand? I’m fairly handy, but I’d like to know what to expect and if there are any tricky parts I should be aware of.

Benefits vs Stock Oil Tank

I’ve also been reading that these horseshoe tanks can provide some benefits over the stock oil tanks. Could you share any experiences regarding oil flow, heat distribution, and overall performance? Is the investment worth it, or should I consider staying with the original setup?

Alternatives to Consider

Lastly, if anyone has suggestions for alternative setups or modifications that also significantly improve functionality, I’d love to hear them. Whether it’s another type of oil tank or a different modification entirely, I’m open to all ideas.

Thanks in advance for any help or insights you can share! Looking forward to your tips and experiences.

6 Likes
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Installing a horseshoe oil tank on a Shovelhead is a great mod! Make sure to check for leaks by looking around the fittings and seams after every ride. Keep an eye on the oil level too; it should be between the min and max indicators on the tank.

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Absolutely! Also, when you check for leaks, use a flashlight to inspect hard-to-see spots. A little prevention goes a long way.

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Don’t forget about cleaning it! Use a non-abrasive cleaner to avoid scratching. Contaminants can lead to serious engine problems down the line.

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Great point! Regularly flushing the tank is key too. It helps to maintain the quality of the oil and ensure smooth operation.

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I’d also recommend checking the oil filter regularly. A clogged filter can compromise your engine’s health. It’s a simple maintenance step.

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What about oil types? Any recommendations? I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts on that aspect.

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I usually opt for a good synthetic blend. It protects the engine really well and maximizes performance. Just make sure it’s suitable for your tank.

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When checking for leaks, take it for a short ride before inspection. Often, it’s easier to spot leaks when the tank is warm and oil is flowing.

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Don’t forget to check the rubber gaskets! They wear out over time and can cause leaks. I learned that the hard way.

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Exactly! And make sure they’re seated correctly when you install the tank. Alignment is crucial to avoid issues.

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Regularly monitor your oil levels. I’ve heard stories about bikes overheating because the owner neglected their oil check. Not fun! Let’s not be those riders.

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Haha, yes! No one wants to be that rider. A sticker saying ‘Check Oil’ on the tank might help jog our memories! Just kidding!

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Seriously though, cleanliness is key. Keep the exterior clean to prevent dirt from entering the tank when you open it.

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Good advice! Also, I like to keep a checklist for my maintenance. Helps in keeping track of what needs to be done.

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Remember to incorporate a bit of fun in your maintenance routine! Maybe a riding buddy can help keep the mood light while you check things over.

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Installing a horseshoe oil tank can be tricky! Make sure your lines are clean and not kinked to avoid oil flow issues. I’ve had mine for a year now and no overheating yet!

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That’s great to hear! What did you do specifically to prevent the overheating? I’m worried about that too.

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Make sure your oil tank is vented properly. A blocked vent can cause pressure issues and oil flow problems. If you notice your oil cap leaking, that could be a sign!

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Absolutely! I learned that the hard way after experiencing oil leaks everywhere. Venting solved it!