1943 Harley Davidson Technical Manual TM 9-879 Service

🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

WLA

Model Variant:

Military motorcycle (45 cubic inch class, W-series frame)

Production Years Covered:

1940 to 1945 (this manual applies to 1943 models)

Military Designation:

TM 9-879, U.S. Army technical manual

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners, restorers, and mechanics of the Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycle, particularly those involved in military vehicle restoration and historical preservation.

Manual Contents:

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

Electrical Information:

Includes electrical schematics and circuit information.

Contemporary Position:

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 production volume and battlefield utility for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

General Information, Periodic Maintenance, Fuel System, Engine Top End, Clutch, Engine Lubrication System, Engine Removal/Installation, Crankshaft/Transmission, Wheels/Tires, Final Drive, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Frame, Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, and more.

Specific Sections:

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

Page Count:

Hundreds or thousands of pages (estimated)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM), Technical Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF (downloadable)

Delivery Method:

Instant digital download

Manual Source:

Official Factory Service Repair Manual TM 9-879

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical and electrical systems

Fuel and Lubrication:

Fuel system and lubrication system

Cooling:

Cooling system

Drivetrain:

Clutch, transmission, final drive

Chassis:

Wheels and tires, brakes, suspension, steering, frame

Electrical:

Electrical system including ignition, charging, lighting, starting

Service Procedures:

Complete repair and service procedures, troubleshooting, maintenance, disassembly and reassembly

Tune-Up:

Tune-up procedures

Carburetor:

Carburetor rebuild and adjustments

Wiring:

Wiring diagrams and circuit information

Equipment Data:

Equipment data

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for complete engine, transmission, and component rebuilds

Troubleshooting Guides:

Extensive troubleshooting charts and guidance for diagnosing mechanical and electrical issues

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.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

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

Technical Depth:

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

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)

Compatibility:

Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader

Requirements:

A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)

Searchability:

Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic

Print Quality:

High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity

Binding Type:

N/A — digital download, no physical binding

Paper Type:

N/A — digital download, no physical paper

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine:

45 cubic inch (742 cc) flathead V-twin, air-cooled

Engine Configuration:

45° V-twin

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 5.0:1 (typical for the era, low compression military specification)

Horsepower:

Approximately 20-25 hp (estimated)

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)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

3-speed manual

Clutch Type:

Wet multi-plate

Gear Ratios:

Refer to specific manual sections for detailed gear ratios.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

56.5 inches (1435 mm)

Overall Length:

83.5 inches (2121 mm)

Dry Weight:

Approximately 558 lbs (253 kg)

GVWR:

N/A - not applicable for motorcycles in the same way as cars; designed for operational readiness.

🛡️ 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 (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

Engine Oil Capacity:

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

Known Issues:

Electrical system reliability, carburetor tuning, clutch adjustments, potential 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:

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).

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

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 Military Modifications:

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:

1940 to 1945

Production Volume:

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

Production Locations:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Military Significance:

The WLA was the dominant Allied military motorcycle of World War II, with over 80,000 units supplied to the US Army and allied forces.

Historical Recognition:

Regarded as an icon of WWII military motorcycling and a cornerstone of military vehicle restoration and preservation movements.

Formal Awards:

N/A - no formal consumer awards documented for this era.