🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

WLA

Model Nickname:

Liberator

Vehicle Type:

Military Motorcycle

Vin Decoder Notes:

VIN decoding for this era is complex and model-specific. Typically, models are identified by engine serial numbers and frame numbers.

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners with basic mechanical skills and independent repair professionals.

Advantage:

Provides factory-level information typically only available to authorized dealerships, enabling informed discussions with technicians.

Data Accuracy:

Vehicle-specific information, not generic repair data.

Cost Savings:

Enables DIY maintenance and repairs, potentially saving significant money on service bills.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

General Information, Maintenance, Chassis, Fuel System, Cooling System, Engine, Clutch, Engine Lubrication System, Engine Removal/Installation, Drive, Transmission, Wheels/Tires, Final Drive, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Frame, Electrical System, Wiring Diagram

Page Count:

Unknown (stated to be comprehensive)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition system, exhaust system.

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch operation and adjustment, transmission service and repair, final drive maintenance, wheel and tire servicing.

Chassis Systems:

Frame inspection and repair, suspension servicing (front fork, rear springs), steering mechanism overhaul, brake system maintenance and repair (drum brakes), wheel bearing service.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, ignition coil, generator/alternator, lighting system (headlight, taillight, brake light), battery maintenance, switchgear troubleshooting.

Maintenance:

Regular servicing, lubrication schedules, fluid changes, filter replacements, ignition timing, carburetor adjustment.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnosing common performance issues, electrical faults, starting problems, running problems, braking issues.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake component replacement, electrical system repairs, suspension overhauls.

Rebuilds:

Detailed procedures for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including component specifications and tolerances.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed specifications and troubleshooting guidance.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

Printable (high resolution recommended for diagrams)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if OCR'd properly, which is standard for reputable PDF manuals.

Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, and various PDF-compatible devices (e-readers, phones).

Illustrations:

Diagrams and illustrations included.

Wiring Diagrams:

Included

Step By Step Instructions:

Present

Tool Requirements:

Details on necessary tools provided.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V-twin, overhead valve, air-cooled

Displacement Cc:

74 cubic inches (1213 cc)

Bore X Stroke Inches:

3.375 x 3.5 inches

Horsepower Approx:

Approximately 23-25 HP at 4800 RPM (varies slightly by specific model year and tuning)

Torque Ft-Lbs Approx:

Approximate torque figures are not readily available in standard specifications but would be in the range of 30-40 lb-ft.

Carburetor Type:

Linkert M-series carburetor (e.g., M-18, M-21, M-27 variants).

Fuel Type:

Gasoline (lead-free unleaded common now, historically leaded gasoline).

Ignition System:

Battery and coil ignition with manual spark advance.

Oil System:

Total loss oil system, relying on oil pumped into the crankcase and then scavenged.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed constant mesh manual transmission.

Variants:

Primarily a single standard transmission design, with minor internal updates over the years.

Clutch Type:

Dry multi-plate clutch.

Transmission Fluid:

Harley-Davidson recommended primary chaincase lubricant (e.g., Formula+ or equivalent SAE 50 motorcycle oil).

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approx. 90 inches (2286 mm) (varies slightly)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 57 inches (1448 mm)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 550-600 lbs (250-272 kg) (varies with equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

Not applicable for this era and military specification vehicle.

Braking System:

Mechanical drum brakes front and rear.

Lighting:

Headlight, taillight, brake light (for military use, often a blackout system was also present).

💡 Technology Features

Features:

Not applicable; this is a pre-electronics era motorcycle designed for utility and reliability.

Features:

Not applicable.

Features:

Not applicable.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Frequent oil changes and top-ups are crucial due to the total loss system. Manual would specify mileage or operational hours.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically at 3,000-5,000 mile intervals, depending on operating conditions. Manual will have precise recommendations.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 50 motorcycle oil (historically, specific Harley-Davidson oil recommendations would be in the manual).

Primary Chaincase Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Formula+ or equivalent SAE 50 motorcycle oil.

Transmission Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Formula+ or equivalent SAE 50 motorcycle oil.

Oil Leaks:

Common due to age and the nature of the lubrication system; requires diligent maintenance.

Carburetor Tuning:

Linkert carburetors require specific tuning knowledge and can be sensitive to altitude and fuel changes.

Brake Performance:

Drum brakes provide less stopping power than modern systems and require frequent adjustment and inspection.

📚 Vehicle History

Harley Davidson Founding:

Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world.

Wla Development:

Developed from civilian WL models, extensively modified for military use, particularly during World War II.

Production Period:

Production spanned from 1937 to 1952 for the WLA model and its variants.

Military Contract:

Massive production for Allied forces during WWII, supplied to US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and allies like the UK, Soviet Union, and Canada.

Manufacturing Location:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Military Service:

Recognized for its pivotal role and reliability in various global conflicts during the mid-20th century.