🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

WLA

Year:

1943

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, V-twin

Military Designation:

WLA

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Essential technical documentation for owners, restorers, and mechanics of the iconic Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycle, particularly those involved in military vehicle restoration and historical preservation.

Key Features:

Official factory service manual with detailed technical data, diagrams, and step-by-step repair instructions, replicating original manufacturer documentation. Includes electrical schematics and circuit information.

Competitive Analysis:

During its production, the WLA was the dominant military motorcycle for the US and its allies, competing with other nations' military motorcycles but largely unmatched in terms of production volume and battlefield utility for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

General Information, Periodic Maintenance, Fuel System, Cooling System, Engine Top End, Clutch, Engine Lubrication System, Engine Removal/Installation, Crankshaft/Transmission, Wheels/Tires, Final Drive, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Frame, Electrical System, Circuits, Diagrams, Equipment, Engine Mechanical, Engine Coolant, Engine Control System, Emission Control Systems, Drive Shaft, Drive Belt, Differential Case Assy, Cylinder Head Assy, Cylinder Head, Cylinder Block Assy, Cooling System, Cooling Fan System, Combination Meter, Clutch Unit, Clutch System, Clutch Start Switch Assy, Clutch Release Cylinder Assy, Clutch Pedal Sub-Assy, Clutch Master Cylinder Assy, Charging System, Chain Sub-Assy, Center Stop Lamp Assy, Center Cluster Module Switch, Camshaft Position Sensor, Camshaft, Brake System, Brake Pedal, Brake Master Cylinder, Brake Fluid, Brake Booster, Brake Actuator, Body Repair, Yaw Rate Sensor, Wiring Diagrams, Wire Harness Repair, Wiper Rubber, Wiper And Washer System, Windshield Wiper Switch Assy, Windshield Wiper Motor Assy, Windshield Glass, Window Defogger System, Wheel And Tire System, Water Pump Assy, Washer Nozzle, Valve Clearance, Transmission Wire, Transmission Valve Body, Transmission Revolution Sensor, Transmission Control Cable, Torque Converter Clutch, Tire & Wheel, Throttle Body Assy, Thermostat, Supplemental Restraint System, Sun Roof System, Steering System, Steering Sensor, Steering Column, Starting System, Starter Switch, Starter Assy, Spiral Cable Sub-Assy, Speed Sensor Front, Skid Control Sensor, Side Turn Signal Lamp Assy, Side Mudguard, Shift Lock System, Shift & Select Lever Shaft, Seat Position Air Bag Sensor, Seat Belt Warning System, Seat Belt, Seat, Roof Headlining, Roof Drip Side Finish Moulding, Receiver Condenser Assy, Rear Wiper Rubber, Rear Wiper Motor Assy, Rear Wheel Alignment, Rear Suspension System, Rear Suspension, Rear Speaker Assy, Rear Shock Absorber Assy, Rear Seat Belt, Rear Door Window Frame Moulding, Rear Door Glass Weatherstrip, Rear Door, Rear Combination Lamp Assy, Rear Coil Spring, Rear Bumper, Rear Brake, Rear Axle Hub, Rear Axle Beam, Radio Receiver Assy, Radiator Assy, Quarter Window Assy, Pulley Compressor Assy, Preparation, Power Window Control System, Power Steering Link Assy, Power Steering, Power Source, Power Mirror Control System, Power Door Lock Control System, Passenger Air Bag Assy, Parkneutral Position Switch, Parking Brake Lever, Parking Brake Cable, Parking Brake, Output Shaft Assy, Outer Rear View Mirror Assy, Oil Pump, Oil Filter, Name Plate, Manual Transaxle System, Manual Transaxle Oil, Manual Transaxle Assy, Maintenance, Lubrication System, Lighting System, License Plate Lamp Assy, Knock Sensor, Introduction, Instrument Panel, Input Shaft Assy, Inner Rear View Mirror Assy, Ignition System, Horn Button Assy, Horn, Hood, Heater Radiator Assy, Heater Or Boost Ventilator Control, Heater & Air Conditioner, Headlamp Protector Retainer, Headlamp Dimmer Switch Assy, Headlamp Assy, Generator Assy, Fuel Tank, Fuel System, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injector, Front Wheel Alignment, Front Suspension System, Front Suspension Arm, Front Suspension, Front Stabilizer Bar, Front Speaker Assy, Front Shock Absorber, Front Seat Belt, Front Marker Lamp Assy, Front Drive Shaft, Front Door Glass Weatherstrip, Front Door, Front Differential Oil Seal, Front Bumper, Front Brake, Front Axle Hub, Floor Shift Parking Lock Cable, Floor Shift Assy, Fender Panel Mudguard, Exhaust Pipe, Exhaust, Back Door Glass, Back Door Garnish, Back Door, Automatic Transaxle Fluid, Automatic Transaxle Assy, Audio & Visual System, Antenna Cord Sub-Assy, Amplifier Antenna Assy, Air Conditioning System, Air Conditioning Blower Assy, Air Conditioning Amplifier Assy, Air Conditioner Refrigerant, Air Bag Sensor Rear, Air Bag Sensor Front, U-Joint Service Procedures, CV Joint Service Procedures, Timing Chain Service, Exhaust Service, Engine Mechanical System, Engine Electrical System, Emission Control System, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle System, Automatic Transaxle System, Driveshaft and axle, Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint, Brake System, Body (Interior and Exterior), Body Electrical System, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Lubrication & Maintenance, Differential & Driveline, Vehicle Quick Reference, Brakes, Cooling, Audio/Video, Chime/Buzzer, Electronic Control Modules, Engine Systems, Heated Systems, Horn, Ignition Control, Instrument Cluster, Lamps, Message Systems, Power Systems.

Page Count:

Hundreds or thousands of pages (estimated)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM), Technical Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (downloadable)

Delivery Method:

Instant digital download

Manual Source:

Official Factory Service Repair Manual TM 9-879

Specific Sections:

Includes sections on Engine Top End, Engine Lubrication System, Crankshaft/Transmission, Final Drive, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Frame, and Electrical System.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (Mechanical and Electrical), Fuel System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Clutch, Transmission, Final Drive, Wheels and Tires, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Frame, Electrical System (including ignition, charging, lighting, starting).

Procedures Included:

Complete repair and service procedures, troubleshooting, maintenance, disassembly and reassembly, tune-up procedures, carb rebuild and adjustments, wiring diagrams, circuit information, equipment data.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for both experienced mechanics and novices. Covers step-by-step repair solutions.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for complete engine, transmission, and component rebuilds.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Extensive troubleshooting charts and guidance for diagnosing various mechanical and electrical issues.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Covers common troubleshooting procedures and symptoms for various systems, enabling identification of faults.

Carburetor Coverage:

Detailed information on Linkert carburetor disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and adjustment.

Ignition System Coverage:

Covers points, condenser, distributor (if applicable), timing, and troubleshooting.

Electrical System Coverage:

Includes wiring diagrams, lighting circuits, battery charging system (generator), starter system.

Frame And Suspension Coverage:

Details on frame inspection, repair, front fork service, and rear suspension components.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

Printable (user responsibility)

Binding Type:

N/A (digital download)

Paper Type:

N/A (digital download)

Technical Accuracy:

High - based on original manufacturer specifications.

Diagram Clarity:

High quality technical diagrams and schematics.

Searchability:

Likely searchable if properly processed PDF, allowing quick access to information.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement:

74.29 cu in (1217 cc)

Engine Configuration:

45° V-twin

Bore X Stroke:

3.3125 in x 3.5 in (84.2 x 88.9 mm)

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 5.0:1 (typical for the era)

Horsepower:

Approximately 20-25 hp (estimated at RPM)

Torque:

Not widely published in modern terms, but designed for robust low-end torque for military applications.

Engine Cooling:

Air-cooled

Fuel System:

Linkert carburetor (specific model may vary, e.g., M-Series)

Fuel Type:

Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 gallons (17 liters)

Cylinder Head:

Cast iron, overhead valve (OHV)

Pistons:

Cast aluminum alloy

Crankshaft:

Forged steel, 45-degree V-twin configuration.

Valves:

Overhead valves (OHV), operated by pushrods and rocker arms.

Lubrication Type:

Total Loss Lubrication System (oil is injected into the crankcase and exhaust during operation)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

3-speed manual

Clutch Type:

Wet multi-plate

Gear Ratios:

Refer to specific manual sections for detailed gear ratios.

📐 Dimensions

Dry Weight:

Approximately 558 lbs (253 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not applicable for motorcycles in the same way as cars, but designed for operational readiness.

Wheelbase:

56.5 inches (1435 mm)

Overall Length:

83.5 inches (2121 mm)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

N/A (military vehicle, civilian crash safety standards not applicable)

Passive Safety Features:

Robust frame construction, effective braking system for the era, durable mechanical components.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (pre-modern electronics era)

Driver Assistance Features:

N/A

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 1,000-2,000 miles or annually, depending on usage (refer to manual for specific guidance).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 50 or 60 (for older V-twins, refer to manual for precise viscosity and API classification)

Transmission Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson Original Formula Transmission Oil or equivalent SAE 50

Primary Chain Case Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson Primary Chaincase Lubricant or equivalent SAE 50

Known Issues:

Electrical system reliability, carburetor tuning, clutch adjustments, potential for oil leaks due to age of seals and gaskets, wear in the transmission.

Common Wear Items:

Ignition points, condenser, spark plugs, brake shoes, clutch plates, drive chain, wheel bearings.

Tune Up Procedures:

Includes spark plug gap and condition, ignition timing adjustment, carburetor cleaning and adjustment, valve clearance check and adjustment, and general lubrication.

Spark Plug Gap:

Refer to manual (typically around 0.025-0.030 inches for the era)

Tire Pressures:

Refer to manual (typically 20-25 psi front and rear)

Chain Tension:

Refer to manual for specific adjustment procedures and acceptable slack.

Valve Clearance Specification:

Refer to manual for precise intake and exhaust valve clearance settings (typically measured when cold).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4 quarts (3.8 liters) - refer to manual for exact capacity.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Harley-Davidson, a historic American motorcycle manufacturer with a long-standing legacy in producing robust and reliable machines for civilian and military use.

Model Evolution:

The WLA (W for the military-style frame, L for 'low' compression ratio, A for accessory variant) was a specialized version of the civilian WL model, adapted for military service, particularly during World War II.

Key Modifications For Military:

Reinforced frame, blackout lighting options, improved air filtration, specific paint schemes (e.g., Olive Drab), provision for sidecar mounting.

Notable Service History:

Widely used by the U.S. Army and its allies during World War II in various theaters of operation, known for its reliability under harsh conditions.

Production Period:

Produced from 1940 to 1945

Production Volume:

Over 80,000 units produced for Allied forces, primarily the US Army, during WWII.

Production Locations:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA