Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson Knucklehead owners, restorers, mechanics, and enthusiasts.
Value Proposition:
Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving significant costs and ensuring proper upkeep of a vintage motorcycle.
Manual Type Comparison:
Identical to manuals used in professional service shops; superior to aftermarket repair guides in accuracy and completeness.
Authenticity:
Original manufacturer-written manual.
Completeness:
Guaranteed to be complete and intact, without missing or corrupt parts.
Accessibility:
Instant digital download for immediate access.
Ease Of Use:
Easy-to-follow directions, clear numbering, and cross-referenced figures.
Coverage Years:
1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947
Models Covered:
All EL and FL "Knucklehead" models
Engines Covered:
61 cubic inch (EL), 74 cubic inch (FL)
Transmissions Covered:
4-speed manual
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds (exact count not provided, but described as 'hundreds of pages')
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, overhaul, tuning, valve timing, piston and cylinder inspection, connecting rod service, crankshaft inspection.
Fuel System:
Carburetor service (e.g., Linkert M series), fuel lines, fuel tanks, fuel filters.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump service, oil lines, oil tank, oil filter (if applicable), lubrication system diagnostics.
Transmission:
4-speed transmission disassembly, assembly, inspection, adjustment, lubrication, troubleshooting.
Clutch:
Clutch assembly service, adjustment, friction plate replacement, pressure plate inspection.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, lighting, horn, battery, generator/alternator (depending on specific year/variant), wiring diagrams, troubleshooting.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, fork service, steering head bearing adjustment, wheel bearing service, spoke tensioning.
Brakes:
Brake drum service, brake shoe inspection and replacement, brake pedal and hand lever adjustment.
Suspension:
Front fork and rear suspension (if applicable) service and adjustments.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel inspection, spoke replacement, tire mounting and balancing (basic principles), rim service.
Drive And Final Drive:
Primary drive chain service, rear chain service, final drive maintenance.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fender service, tank mounting, seat assembly, basic trim component installation/removal.
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, lubrication points, fluid checks and changes, filter replacement, battery care.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, identifying causes of poor performance, starting problems, and component failures.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembly, component overhaul, part replacement, and reassembly of all major systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for electrical and mechanical issues.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics).
Detail Level:
Detailed substeps, critical information notes, cautions, and warnings are integrated throughout.
Illustrations:
Includes detailed diagrams, drawings, and photos to guide procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Dedicated section with detailed wiring diagrams for the electrical system.
Engine Type:
V-twin, OHV (Overhead Valve)
Displacement:
61 cubic inches (EL), 74 cubic inches (FL)
Bore X Stroke El:
3-7/16 in x 4-5/16 in (approximate, subject to exact model variation)
Bore X Stroke Fl:
3-7/16 in x 4-29/32 in (approximate, subject to exact model variation)
Horsepower El:
Approximately 30-35 HP (rated)
Horsepower Fl:
Approximately 30-38 HP (rated)
Torque:
Not explicitly stated in product info, but significant for its era.
Carburetor:
Typically a Linkert M-series carburetor (e.g., M51, M74).
Fuel Type:
Gasoline (likely leaded, with appropriate octane rating for the era).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 1,000-2,000 miles, depending on operating conditions (specifics in manual).
Engine Tune Up:
Regular checks of ignition timing, carburetor adjustment, and valve lash are critical.
Engine Oil Type:
Specific grades of mineral oil suitable for flathead or overhead valve engines of the era (e.g., SAE 50 or SAE 60, consult manual for precise recommendations).
Transmission Oil Type:
Specific gear oil, often a heavier weight than engine oil.
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Often shared with the transmission or a separate oil for the primary drive system.
Oil Leaks:
Common in vintage motorcycles; gaskets and seals require regular inspection and maintenance.
Carburetor Tuning:
Linkert carburetors require specific tuning knowledge and can be sensitive to environmental factors.
Ignition System:
Points and condenser require periodic adjustment and replacement.
Valve Adjustment:
Critical for engine performance and longevity; requires precise setting of valve lash.
Brand Significance:
Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a long history of innovation and performance.
Knucklehead Introduction:
The Knucklehead, introduced in 1936, revolutionized Harley-Davidson motorcycle design with its overhead valve engine and improved aerodynamics.
Wartime Production:
Production was significantly impacted by WWII, with many models modified for military use. The manual covers civilian and potentially military variants of the era.
Production Period:
1936-1947 for the Knucklehead generation.
