Category:
Classic Motorcycle Restoration and Maintenance Guide
Value Proposition:
An indispensable resource for owners and mechanics to maintain, repair, and restore iconic Harley-Davidson Knucklehead motorcycles, offering significant cost savings over professional shop labor.
Completeness:
Comprehensive official full factory service repair manual, covering all styles.
Accessibility:
Instant PDF download eliminates shipping wait times and costs.
Usability:
Printable pages allow for on-the-bench use or targeted information retrieval.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting
Specific Models:
1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of Pages (as indicated in product description)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, internal components, cylinder head, cylinders, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshaft, timing.
Fuel System:
Carburetor service, fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable to specific models within the range).
Cooling System:
Air cooling system management, fin inspection, heat dissipation.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil lines, oil tank, lubrication system maintenance and troubleshooting.
Clutch:
Clutch operation, adjustment, service, and replacement of components.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, assembly, maintenance, shifting mechanisms, gear ratios (likely 4-speed).
Drive System:
Primary drive system (chain or belt), clutch to transmission, secondary drive (chain or belt drive to rear wheel).
Wheels Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire inspection and replacement, spoke maintenance, rim specifications.
Brakes:
Brake system inspection, adjustment, service (likely drum brakes), brake lining replacement.
Suspension:
Front fork service (likely springer fork), rear suspension components (if applicable, e.g., rigid frame with spring seat post).
Steering:
Steering head bearing service, handlebar components, control cables.
Frame:
Frame inspection, alignment, component mounting.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, lighting, battery, wiring, generator/alternator (depending on specific year evolution).
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for electrical system troubleshooting.
Maintenance Tasks:
Regular maintenance checks, lubrication schedules, fluid changes, filter replacements, ignition timing adjustments, carburetor adjustments, brake adjustments.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement, including detailed disassembly and reassembly of major systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common issues across all vehicle systems.
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures.
Electrical Diagnosis:
Detailed troubleshooting of electrical faults using wiring diagrams and component testing.
Depth:
Complete factory-level detail, suitable for both novice and experienced mechanics, covering complete disassembly and rebuild.
Illustrations:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations guiding through procedures, with enlarged inset views for detailed parts examination.
Instruction Style:
Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings.
Engine Type:
45-degree V-Twin, Overhead Valve (OHV) - known as 'Knucklehead' due to rocker box shape.
Engine Displacement:
61 cubic inches (1000cc) for EL models, 74 cubic inches (1200cc) for FL models (though this manual specifically lists 'Knucklehead' which typically refers to the EL).
Bore X Stroke:
EL: 3.3125 in x 3.5 in (84.14 mm x 88.9 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Typically 6.0:1 or higher, varying by model year and factory tuning.
Horsepower:
Approximately 24-30 HP (estimated, specific figures vary by year and tune).
Torque:
Figures not readily available in general specifications, but torque delivery is characterized by strong low-end grunt.
Carburetor:
Typically Linkert or Schebler carburetors (specific models and sizes vary by year).
Fuel Type:
Gasoline (likely leaded, with appropriate octane ratings for the era).
Oil Change:
Typically every 1000-2000 miles, but detailed in manual.
Tune Up:
Regular tune-ups recommended every 3000-5000 miles, covering ignition timing, carburetor adjustments, and valve lash.
Lubrication:
Specific points require regular greasing, detailed in the manual.
Engine Oil:
Viscosity and type (e.g., SAE 50, 10W-40, depending on era recommendations and temperature), specific part numbers for oil filters (if applicable) would be in the manual.
Transmission Oil:
Specific gear oil type and viscosity required, detailed in the manual.
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Specific oil type and capacity for the primary drive chaincase.
Engine Wear:
Valve guide wear, oil leaks, camshaft wear are common for high-mileage examples.
Electrical Reliability:
Older electrical systems can be prone to issues with wiring insulation, generators, and regulators.
Carburetor Tuning:
Linkert carburetors can require careful tuning and rebuilding due to age and wear.
Brake Performance:
Drum brakes require frequent adjustment and can have limited stopping power compared to modern systems.