Target Audience:
Owners, collectors, mechanics, and restorers of 1940-1958 Harley-Davidson Servicar-SV models. Essential for maintaining and repairing these vintage vehicles.
Value Proposition:
Provides authoritative, factory-level repair information that is critical for accurate servicing and restoration of a specific vintage vehicle, ensuring authenticity and proper function.
Uniqueness:
Official factory documentation offers the most accurate and complete information, covering unique Servicar-SV configurations and proprietary Harley-Davidson engineering of the era.
Covered Years:
1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958
Estimated Pages:
Comprehensive (specific count not provided in product info, but factory manuals of this era are extensive, typically 300+ pages)
Type:
Factory Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (disassembly, assembly, tuning, troubleshooting), Transmission (clutch, gearbox, drive shaft, final drive)
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front fork, rear suspension, swing arm), brakes (drum brakes, hydraulic systems), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Ignition system, lighting, charging system (generator, battery), wiring diagrams, instrumentation
Body And Trim:
Bodywork, fenders, fuel tank, seat, controls, accessories, cargo box
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, tune-ups, adjustments, fluid changes
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system service, electrical component repair, suspension rebuild, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common problems and their solutions, fault finding charts
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, electrical specifications, part numbers
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if a quality scan, allowing for quick information retrieval.
Quality:
Assumed to be a high-quality scan of original factory documentation, providing clear diagrams and text.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Engine Type:
V-Twin, Air-Cooled OHV (Overhead Valve)
Displacement Range:
Typically 74 cu. in. (1200cc) Big Twin engines, though smaller displacements might have been offered in earlier or specific configurations. Manual will cover applicable variants.
Bore X Stroke:
For 74 cu. in. (WL/WLA based engines): 3.375 in. x 4.25 in.
Compression Ratio:
Varies by year and specific model, typically around 5.0:1 to 7.0:1 for this era.
Horsepower:
Estimated 20-30 HP (at the crankshaft) depending on exact engine variant and tuning.
Torque:
Significant low-end torque, characteristic of Harley-Davidson Big Twins.
Carburetion:
Single carburetor, typically a Linkert M series (e.g., M74, M88) or similar for the period. Manual will detail specific models.
Fuel Type:
Leaded gasoline (specific octane ratings will be detailed in manual).
System:
Total loss oil system (oil is consumed/burned, requiring constant replenishment and management).
Oil Type:
Specific Harley-Davidson recommended oils for the era (e.g., SAE 50 motorcycle oil, potentially with specific additive packages). Manual will specify.
Type:
3-speed, constant mesh, foot-shift (left foot clutch, right foot shift lever) and hand clutch lever on some models, evolving to foot clutch and hand shift on others within this range.
Options:
Not typically offered with transmission options for this utility model.
Drive:
Chain drive to rear wheel and drive shaft to the third wheel/differential assembly.
Fluid Type:
Specific Harley-Davidson transmission lubricant for the period (likely a heavier weight gear oil). Manual will specify.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 64.5 inches (dependent on specific Servicar configuration).
Length:
Varies by body configuration, but significantly longer than a standard motorcycle due to the sidecar/cargo unit.
Dry Weight:
Estimated 600-700 lbs, depending on configuration (single driver, dual driver, cargo box, etc.).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly defined as a modern GVWR, but capacity for rider, passenger, and cargo is critical.
Crash Tests:
N/A - Vehicles of this era were not subject to modern crash testing standards.
Braking:
Drum brakes on front and rear wheels, potentially a parking brake mechanism for the rear. Manual will detail system operation and adjustment.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, stoplight (on some models), and potentially battery-powered lighting system. Manual covers electrical system and bulb types.
Controls:
Handlebar steering, clutch lever, throttle, gear shift lever, brake pedal/lever. Manual details ergonomic layout and operation.
Features:
Basic instrumentation: speedometer, oil pressure light (if applicable), ammeter. No modern infotainment systems.
Features:
No electronic driver assistance features. Relies on mechanical systems and rider input.
Features:
No electronic connectivity. Purely mechanical operation.
Oil Change:
Frequent oil changes required due to the total-loss system. Intervals typically every 500-1000 miles, or as specified in the manual for oil consumption.
Tune Up:
Regular tune-ups involving ignition timing, carburetor adjustment, and valve lash adjustments are crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Intervals would be detailed in the manual.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific Harley-Davidson approved SAE grades and additive requirements for the total-loss system. Likely SAE 50 motorcycle oil.
Transmission Oil:
Refer to manual for specific type and viscosity of gear lubricant recommended for the 3-speed gearbox.
Brake Fluid:
For drum brakes, likely conventional brake lubricant or grease for mechanical parts. If hydraulic systems were introduced later, specific fluid would be required (check manual).
Engine:
Wear in the total-loss oil system, potential for carbon buildup, ignition system reliability (points, condensers), carburetor adjustment sensitivity.
Transmission:
Wear in gear engagement, clutch adjustment, chain and sprocket wear, driveshaft U-joint wear.
Chassis:
Fork seal leaks, bearing wear in wheels and steering head, brake shoe wear and adjustment.
Legacy:
Harley-Davidson has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for its V-twin engines and robust build quality, evolving from military applications to civilian use.
Development:
The Servicar was developed primarily as a utility vehicle, often adopted by military and police forces, and later by businesses for delivery and service tasks. It evolved from earlier Harley-Davidson motorcycle platforms, adapted for stability and cargo capacity with a third wheel.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Key Variants:
Single-seater with large cargo box, two-seater with passenger compartment behind the rider. Variations existed for police, military, and commercial use.
