🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Service/Repair Manual (for various models within the specified years)

Model Variant:

Covers models from 1940-1947, encompassing models like the E, EL, F, FL, U, UL, W, WL, WR, WLA, and others introduced or produced during this period.

Year:

1940-1947

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Essential reference for owners, restorers, and mechanics working on vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles from the 1940s. Targets the classic motorcycle restoration and enthusiast market.

Competitive Analysis:

Directly sourced from original factory documentation, offering the most authoritative and accurate information available for these specific models. Competitors would be aftermarket manuals which may lack the detail or factory accuracy.

Key Features:

Authentic factory procedures, detailed schematics and illustrations, comprehensive troubleshooting guides, exact specifications for parts and adjustments, critical for period-correct restorations and reliable operation.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive service and repair information for all major mechanical and electrical systems of Harley-Davidson motorcycles manufactured between 1940 and 1947.

Page Count:

Estimated 300-500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era, actual count may vary based on specific edition/printer).

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (likely a reproduction of original factory manual).

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (disassembly, assembly, tuning, troubleshooting), Carburetion, Ignition System (magneto/battery systems), Fuel System (tanks, lines, filters), Lubrication System, Transmission (gearbox, clutch), Drive System (primary drive, final drive), Frame, Forks, Suspension (front and rear), Brakes (front and rear drum brakes), Wheels, Tires, Electrical System (lighting, wiring diagrams, generator, battery charging), Controls (throttle, clutch, brake levers), Sheet Metal and Bodywork, Tools, Specifications, Troubleshooting Charts, Torque Specifications.

Procedures Included:

Complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, carburetor tuning and rebuilding, ignition system maintenance and troubleshooting, brake system servicing, electrical system diagnostics and repair, clutch adjustment and replacement, wheel bearing service, fork rebuilding, lubrication point identification and service, chassis component inspection and replacement, frame alignment checks, and more.

Technical Depth:

In-depth, covering everything from basic maintenance adjustments to complete component disassembly, repair, and reassembly. Includes detailed exploded views, diagrams, and diagnostic procedures essential for professional mechanics and serious enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Print Edition)

Print Quality:

Likely high-quality reproduction on durable paper stock, designed for workshop use.

Binding Type:

Perfect bound or saddle-stitched, depending on the publisher's reproduction method.

Paper Type:

Heavy-duty paper, suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Overhead Valve (OHV) and Flathead (Side Valve) V-Twin Engines. Common displacements include 45 cu in (740cc) for models like the WLA, WLC, WL, WR, and 61 cu in (1000cc) for models like the E, EL, F, FL.

Performance:

Horsepower and torque figures vary significantly by engine size and specific model tuning. For example, the 45 cu in flathead typically produced around 20-25 HP, while the 61 cu in OHV (Knucklehead) produced closer to 30-35 HP. Torque figures were robust for their era, enabling strong acceleration and pulling power.

Fuel System:

Typically featured Linkert or Schebler carburetors. Fuel delivery was via gravity feed from the fuel tank, often with a basic inline fuel filter. Ignition was typically battery-coil with breaker points, or magneto ignition depending on the specific model and year.

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

3-speed constant mesh manual transmission. Operated via a foot shifter and a hand clutch lever.

Optional:

Not applicable, 3-speed was standard across most civilian and military models in this period.

Features:

Robust construction for its time. Primary drive was a chain-driven clutch connected to the transmission. Final drive was typically a chain drive to the rear wheel.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior:

Wheelbase varied by model, generally between 56-60 inches. Overall length typically around 80-90 inches. Seat height varied but was generally low, around 25-27 inches. Ground clearance also varied but was typically 4-6 inches.

Interior:

N/A (motorcycles do not have traditional interiors).

Cargo:

Limited, typically no built-in cargo capacity. Optional saddlebags or luggage racks were available.

Weights:

Dry weight varied by model, typically ranging from approximately 450 lbs (45ci models) to 550 lbs (61ci models).

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

N/A (Safety ratings as understood today were not applied to motorcycles of this era).

Active Features:

Mechanical drum brakes front and rear. Lighting system (headlight, taillight, stoplight). Horn. Reflectors where mandated or fitted.

Passive Features:

Frame integrity, rider positioning for control. No passive safety features like airbags or crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

N/A (motorcycles of this era did not feature infotainment systems).

Driver Assistance:

N/A (no electronic driver assistance features).

Connectivity:

N/A (no connectivity features).

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Typical recommendations included: oil changes every 1,000-2,000 miles (depending on oil type and operating conditions), primary chain case lubrication at similar intervals, clutch adjustment as needed (often monthly or every few hundred miles), brake adjustments, tire pressure checks weekly, and spark plug inspection/cleaning every few thousand miles. Valve adjustments and ignition timing were critical tune-up items performed more frequently.

Fluid Specifications:

Engine oil: SAE 50 or SAE 60 motor oil (straight mineral oil was common). Transmission oil: Gear oil suitable for worm gears, often a straight 90W or 140W. Primary chain case: Similar to engine oil, often SAE 50 or 60. Brake fluid: N/A (mechanical drum brakes).

Known Issues:

Wear in valve guides and seats (especially on OHV engines), clutch adjustment sensitivity, oil leaks from seals and gaskets (common with age), carburetor adjustment issues (Linkert carburetors can be finicky), electrical system (generator output, wiring insulation degradation), and general wear and tear on brake components and suspension. Flathead engines could suffer from carbon buildup and valve seat recession.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, particularly known for its powerful V-twin engines and robust, reliable machines. The brand is synonymous with American motorcycling culture.

Model Evolution:

The 1940-1947 period saw Harley-Davidson transitioning from pre-war designs into a significant period of military production during WWII. Civilian models continued to be developed, often sharing components and engines with military variants. This era saw the refinement of both the flathead (45ci) and overhead valve (61ci Knucklehead) engines.

Production:

Harley-Davidson produced significant numbers of motorcycles for the US military and Allied forces during World War II, particularly the WLA (45ci) model. Civilian production continued but was impacted by wartime demands. Production sites were primarily in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Harley-Davidson motorcycles of this era were renowned for their durability and capability, particularly the military models which served with distinction in various theaters of WWII. Civilian models were highly regarded for their performance and iconic styling.

Ratings:

Consumer and critical ratings from the period focused on reliability, power, and rider comfort relative to other contemporary motorcycles.

Certifications:

N/A (Certifications as understood in modern consumer products were not applicable).