Cam / gear cover

[dave51fl]

Hi All,

I was wondering if someone could help me out with the cam / gear cover on my 1951 Panhead.
Currently it has the 8 ribbed cover with the oil gallery castings visible on the outside, like the late knuckle early pan version.
I have been told that it should have the 8 ribbed cover without the oil gallery castings visible.
Can someone please tell me which one is actually correct.
Thanks

Dave

[panz4ever]

Dave, the following information comes from Greg Field's book on panheads...

For 1951 the eight-rib-style gear cover was retained but the surface of the casting was noticeably "rougher" because it was sandcast rather than die cast. Its appearance further differed in that the ridge for the tunnel (strecthes diagonally from the lower rear corner to the upper center of the cover) and the outline of the pinion bushing were no longer visible. The cover bears the casting number 97-401 on the inside and has a breather baffle plate. This cover is correct for 51-53 pans.

[Fred]

I think that I have one somewhere(I will look) I will not sell it but if yours is original ( and not tapped for knuckle)I will trade.

[VPH-D]

If your Pan is an early 51, the cover you have is probably correct.
My 51 has a low serial number and has the early cam cover and the early kick cover.
VPH-D

[King]

My 51 has the early cover also.

King

[dave51fl]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all your responses.
My engine number is 1504, is this considered an early or a late number?
Cheers

Dave

[Fred]

I ran into the same thing with the carb on my 49 FL. Turns out I will never know. If indeed the early models had the die cast cover you may be in luck. The serial number count starts @ 1000........so yours is early.

[dave51fl]

Thanks Fred,

If you'd like to drop me a line regarding the cover my email address is davidh@vghnet.com

Cheers
Dave

[texasbobber]

dave51, according to a book I have there were 6,560 FL's in 1951.

[Fred]

Yes but that not all the "big twins" that were produced. The #'s start @ 1000 and count all in the series F's, FL's, El's etc.
So your Serial is Very Low. If the die cast cover is correct is another question.