Harley Davidson Shovelhead FX 1973 Service Repair Manual
Regular price
$133.00
Sale price
$133.00
Regular price
Unit price
/ per
Sale
Sold out
This manual provides comprehensive factory service and repair information for the FX Shovelhead motorcycle from 1973. Known for its iconic Shovelhead V-twin engine and the FX chassis, this model represents a significant era in American motorcycle manufacturing. The Shovelhead engine, typically air-cooled and available in displacements around 74 or 80 cubic inches, delivered robust performance for its time, making the FX a popular choice for riders and custom builders alike. This workshop service repair manual covers all styles of the FX Shovelhead, offering detailed technical data and procedures to maintain its legendary performance and reliability. The purpose of this manual is to serve as an indispensable resource for both do-it-yourself enthusiasts and professional mechanics. It details a wide range of systems, including complete engine overhaul, transmission service, clutch maintenance, primary drive, fuel system, exhaust, electrical system, front and rear suspension, steering, and brakes. The manual includes periodic maintenance schedules, tune-up procedures, troubleshooting guides, and step-by-step repair instructions, all supported by hundreds of photos and illustrations. Its factory-level technical depth and user-friendly format, featuring numbered instructions and an index, ensure efficient information retrieval for all aspects of servicing and repairing your 1973 FX Shovelhead. 🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Harley-Davidson Model: FX Shovelhead Year: 1973 Codes Engine Designation: Shovelhead Chassis Designation: FX 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Do-it-yourselfer (DIY) and experienced mechanics Value Proposition: Inexpensive way to keep the vehicle working properly, comprehensive resource Competitive Analysis Advantage: Complete official factory manual, avoids shipping delays and costs of physical copies Key Features User Friendliness: Numbered table of contents for fast information retrieval, bold figure numbers for quick illustration matching Navigability: Index included for efficient searching 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Overall Scope: Complete factory service and repair Styles Covered: All Page Count Estimated Pages: Hundreds Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, reassembly, tuning Transmission: Service, repair, and adjustment of transmission components Clutch: Maintenance and repair of the clutch system Primary Drive: Detailed coverage of the primary drive system Fuel System: Carburetor service, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance Exhaust Systems: Installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of exhaust components Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, charging system diagnostics Front Suspension: Fork service, bearings, and adjustments Rear Suspension: Shock absorber service, linkage maintenance Steering: Headset service and adjustment Brakes: Front and rear brake system service and maintenance Kickstarter: Service and repair of the kickstart mechanism Procedures Included Maintenance: Periodic lubrication, fluid changes, component checks Tune Up: Comprehensive engine tuning procedures Troubleshooting: Diagnostic guides for common and complex issues Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components Disassembly Reassembly: Complete disassembly and reassembly guidance Technical Depth Depth: Detailed, factory-level technical information suitable for DIY and professional mechanics Illustrations: Hundreds of photos and illustrations Instruction Format: Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings Diagnostic Focus: Specific focus on electrical system diagnostics with combined troubleshooting and wiring diagrams 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Compatibility: All PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac Print Quality Printability: Printable without any restriction (entire manual or specific pages) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) Requirements Software: Adobe PDF Reader Delivery Method: Instant download link on checkout page ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Air-cooled V-twin (Shovelhead) Displacement: Typically 74 cubic inches (1200cc) for this era, potential for 80 cubic inches (1340cc) variants. Specific displacement for 1973 FX models should be confirmed by VIN, but the manual covers the Shovelhead architecture. Bore X Stroke: For 74ci: 3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.31 mm x 107.95 mm). For 80ci: 3.50 in x 4.25 in (88.9 mm x 107.95 mm). Compression Ratio: Typically around 8.0:1 to 8.5:1 depending on factory specifications and potential modifications. Performance Horsepower: Estimated 55-65 hp at rear wheel (depending on specific configuration and tuning). Torque: Estimated 65-75 ft-lbs (depending on specific configuration and tuning). Fuel System Carburetor: Typically a Keihin butterfly or Linkert carburetor, or potentially a later S&S Super E/G for aftermarket upgrades. Manual covers service for stock configurations. Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, octane rating typically 87 or higher. Engine Construction Cylinder Block: Cast iron Cylinder Heads: Aluminum alloy Cooling System: Air-cooled 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed constant mesh, manual clutch operation Optional Gearbox Layout: The manual covers the standard 4-speed gearbox used in the FX models. Features Primary Drive Type: Chain drive, enclosed in a primary cover. Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid: Refer to manual for specific viscosity and type, commonly SAE 50W or similar for the gearbox. Primary Chain Case Fluid: Typically Harley-Davidson primary lubricant or an equivalent specified in the manual. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Varies by FX model specifics, typically around 60-62 inches. Length: Varies by FX model specifics, typically around 87-90 inches. Weights Dry Weight: Approximately 550-600...
This manual provides comprehensive factory service and repair information for the FX Shovelhead motorcycle from 1973. Known for its iconic Shovelhead V-twin engine and the FX chassis, this model represents a significant era in American motorcycle manufacturing. The Shovelhead engine, typically air-cooled and available in displacements around 74 or 80 cubic inches, delivered robust performance for its time, making the FX a popular choice for riders and custom builders alike. This workshop service repair manual covers all styles of the FX Shovelhead, offering detailed technical data and procedures to maintain its legendary performance and reliability.
The purpose of this manual is to serve as an indispensable resource for both do-it-yourself enthusiasts and professional mechanics. It details a wide range of systems, including complete engine overhaul, transmission service, clutch maintenance, primary drive, fuel system, exhaust, electrical system, front and rear suspension, steering, and brakes. The manual includes periodic maintenance schedules, tune-up procedures, troubleshooting guides, and step-by-step repair instructions, all supported by hundreds of photos and illustrations. Its factory-level technical depth and user-friendly format, featuring numbered instructions and an index, ensure efficient information retrieval for all aspects of servicing and repairing your 1973 FX Shovelhead.
🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Harley-Davidson
Model:
FX Shovelhead
Year:
1973
Codes
Engine Designation:
Shovelhead
Chassis Designation:
FX
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Target Audience:
Do-it-yourselfer (DIY) and experienced mechanics
Value Proposition:
Inexpensive way to keep the vehicle working properly, comprehensive resource
Competitive Analysis
Advantage:
Complete official factory manual, avoids shipping delays and costs of physical copies
Key Features
User Friendliness:
Numbered table of contents for fast information retrieval, bold figure numbers for quick illustration matching
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components
Disassembly Reassembly:
Complete disassembly and reassembly guidance
Technical Depth
Depth:
Detailed, factory-level technical information suitable for DIY and professional mechanics
Illustrations:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations
Instruction Format:
Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings
Diagnostic Focus:
Specific focus on electrical system diagnostics with combined troubleshooting and wiring diagrams
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Compatibility:
All PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable without any restriction (entire manual or specific pages)
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Requirements
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader
Delivery
Method:
Instant download link on checkout page
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Air-cooled V-twin (Shovelhead)
Displacement:
Typically 74 cubic inches (1200cc) for this era, potential for 80 cubic inches (1340cc) variants. Specific displacement for 1973 FX models should be confirmed by VIN, but the manual covers the Shovelhead architecture.
Bore X Stroke:
For 74ci: 3.4375 in x 4.25 in (87.31 mm x 107.95 mm). For 80ci: 3.50 in x 4.25 in (88.9 mm x 107.95 mm).
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 8.0:1 to 8.5:1 depending on factory specifications and potential modifications.
Performance
Horsepower:
Estimated 55-65 hp at rear wheel (depending on specific configuration and tuning).
Torque:
Estimated 65-75 ft-lbs (depending on specific configuration and tuning).
Fuel System
Carburetor:
Typically a Keihin butterfly or Linkert carburetor, or potentially a later S&S Super E/G for aftermarket upgrades. Manual covers service for stock configurations.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, octane rating typically 87 or higher.
Engine Construction
Cylinder Block:
Cast iron
Cylinder Heads:
Aluminum alloy
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed constant mesh, manual clutch operation
Optional
Gearbox Layout:
The manual covers the standard 4-speed gearbox used in the FX models.
Features
Primary Drive Type:
Chain drive, enclosed in a primary cover.
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity and type, commonly SAE 50W or similar for the gearbox.
Primary Chain Case Fluid:
Typically Harley-Davidson primary lubricant or an equivalent specified in the manual.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Varies by FX model specifics, typically around 60-62 inches.
Length:
Varies by FX model specifics, typically around 87-90 inches.
Weights
Dry Weight:
Approximately 550-600 lbs (250-270 kg), depending on exact configuration.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Standards:
Vintage motorcycle, safety features reflect the era. Manual covers operation of existing safety systems.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front and rear drum brakes or early disc brake systems for front depending on specific FX variant. Manual covers service and adjustment.
Basic, focused on rider experience and mechanical function. No modern infotainment systems.
Driver Assistance
Features:
N/A for this era of motorcycle.
Connectivity
Features:
N/A for this era of motorcycle.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually, depending on usage. Manual provides detailed guidance.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, generally around 5,000-10,000 miles.
Chain Adjustment:
Periodic checks and adjustments required for primary and final drive chains.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific Harley-Davidson recommended oil or equivalent (e.g., high-zinc content oil for flat tappet engines).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Typically around 3-4 quarts (2.8-3.8 liters) for the Shovelhead engine, including the oil tank.
Known Issues
Oil Leaks:
Common with vintage motorcycles of this era. Manual provides guidance on sealing and gasket replacement.
Carburetor Tuning:
May require periodic adjustments for optimal performance and fuel economy.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring and components can lead to intermittent issues. The detailed wiring diagrams in the manual are invaluable.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, a historic American motorcycle manufacturer.
Model Evolution
Shovelhead Era:
The Shovelhead engine was in production from 1966 to 1984. The FX chassis was introduced in 1971, often featuring the Shovelhead engine and a distinctive 'chopper' styling with a longer fork rake compared to the FL 'Electra Glide' models.
Production
Production Period:
1973 marked a significant year in Harley-Davidson's evolution, with the Shovelhead engine being a core component of their lineup.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Model Significance:
The Shovelhead FX models are iconic and highly sought after by collectors and custom builders, representing a significant chapter in Harley-Davidson history.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.