Target Audience:
Owners, collectors, restorers, and independent repair shops specializing in vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles and Servicar models.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential, factory-level information for maintaining and repairing a classic and historically significant utility vehicle, crucial for preserving its operational condition and value.
Original Documentation:
Represents factory-authorized repair and maintenance procedures, ensuring accuracy and authenticity for restoration projects.
Illustrative Content:
Includes detailed line drawings, exploded views, and schematics to clarify complex procedures and component identification.
Applicable Model Years:
1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 300-400 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF), Print (typically spiral-bound or perfect-bound)
Engine:
Detailed coverage of the flathead V-twin engine, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and adjustment of all internal components (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, cylinders, heads, valves, camshaft).
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely Linkert), fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filters, and associated fittings. Includes troubleshooting and overhaul procedures.
Ignition System:
Magneto ignition system (or battery/coil if applicable to specific years/variations), spark plugs, ignition timing, and troubleshooting.
Transmission:
3-speed constant mesh transmission. Covers disassembly, assembly, inspection of gears, shafts, bearings, shifting mechanism, and lubrication.
Clutch:
Dry multi-plate clutch. Includes adjustment, inspection, and replacement of friction plates and drive plates.
Drivetrain:
Chain drive, rear hub, and wheel assembly. Covers chain adjustment, lubrication, and wheel bearing maintenance.
Brakes:
Drum brakes (front and rear). Covers brake shoe adjustment, lining inspection, drum cleaning, and hydraulic system (if applicable for later models, though likely mechanical for much of this period).
Suspension:
Front fork (likely leading link or springer type), rear suspension (rigid frame or limited leaf spring for the Servicar). Covers fork oil changes, lubrication, and shock absorber inspection/replacement.
Electrical System:
Headlight, taillight, battery, generator/alternator (depending on year), wiring diagrams, switchgear, and battery charging system. Troubleshooting common electrical faults.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection and repair, fender mounting, fuel tank mounting, seat assembly, and any sidecar attachment points.
Servicar Specifics:
Detailed instructions for the cargo bed, chassis, suspension, and braking system specific to the Servicar three-wheeled configuration. Includes tailwheel steering (if applicable) and attachment mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Regular lubrication points, oil change procedures, filter replacement, spark plug maintenance, chain adjustment, brake adjustment, and general cleaning/inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common problems encountered with the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes. Includes symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling, repairing, and reassembling all major mechanical and electrical components. Includes torque specifications for critical fasteners.
Overhaul:
Comprehensive procedures for complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and carburetor rebuilding.
Adjustments:
Detailed instructions for adjusting ignition timing, carburetor mixture and idle speed, clutch engagement, throttle and brake controls, and wheel alignment.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering complete rebuilds and advanced diagnostics). Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Tools:
Mentions standard tools and potentially specialized tools required for certain procedures, along with diagnostic techniques for identifying issues.
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV) V-twin, air-cooled flathead design (common for this era, though some later OHV might exist depending on exact SV configuration).
Displacement:
Typically 74 cubic inches (1200cc) or 45 cubic inches (750cc) depending on the base motorcycle model used for the Servicar conversion (e.g., EL, UL, WLA).
Horsepower:
Estimated 20-30 HP depending on displacement and specific tuning.
Torque:
Torque figures would be characteristic of the era, emphasizing low-end grunt for utility.
Carburetor Type:
Typically Harley-Davidson Linkert carburetors (e.g., M-series, DB-series). Specific model depends on the year and engine.
Fuel Type:
Gasoline (octane rating appropriate for the era, likely lower than modern standards).
Oil System:
Total loss oiling system (common for this era) or a recirculating system depending on the specific engine variant. Manual will detail oil pump and filtering.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 1,000 to 2,000 miles or seasonally, depending on usage and oil type. Manual will provide precise intervals.
Transmission Oil Change:
Recommended periodic drain and refill, typically with gear oil. Specific interval provided in the manual.
Chain Lubrication:
Frequent lubrication and tension adjustment recommended, especially for models with exposed chains.
Grease Points:
Numerous grease nipples on suspension components, wheel bearings, and control linkages requiring regular lubrication.
Engine Oil Type:
Specific viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 50 or similar) and type (e.g., non-detergent or specialized motorcycle oil) as per Harley-Davidson recommendations for the era. Manual will specify part numbers or specifications.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Gear oil, likely a GL-3 or GL-4 specification. Manual will provide grade and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
If hydraulic brakes are present on later models, the manual will specify DOT standard. For mechanical, no fluid is needed.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake linings, primary chain, wheel bearings, and fork bushings are common wear items requiring regular inspection and replacement.
Carburetor Issues:
Linkert carburetors can be prone to wear, requiring adjustment or rebuilding for optimal performance. Fuel leaks can also be an issue.
Electrical Challenges:
Aging wiring, generator output, and battery condition are common issues that require diligent maintenance.
Servicar Specific Wear:
The integrated chassis and cargo bed components may exhibit wear related to load carrying and operational stress.
Harley Davidson Legacy:
Harley-Davidson has a long history of producing robust motorcycles and utility vehicles, often for military and commercial use. The Servicar is a direct continuation of this lineage.
Servicar Development:
The Servicar was developed to provide a versatile, three-wheeled utility vehicle for commercial applications, often used for mail delivery, light cargo transport, and towing. It leveraged existing motorcycle platforms.
Production Period:
The Servicar was produced for a significant period, with this manual covering the mid-century models from 1940 to 1958, representing a period of evolution and refinement.
Manufacturing Locations:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
