Historical Context:
Developed for military and commercial use during WWII, providing essential utility and transport.
Competitors:
Other military utility vehicles, commercial three-wheelers of the era.
Utility:
Designed for cargo transport, personnel movement, and specialized tasks.
Durability:
Built to robust military specifications for reliability in harsh conditions.
Simplicity:
Mechanical simplicity for ease of operation and field repair.
Engine:
Servicar SV Engine (Vertical Twin)
Drivetrain:
Transmission, final drive, differential
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork, rear axle, suspension components
Brakes:
Drum brake system (front and rear)
Electrical System:
Ignition, lighting, battery, wiring diagrams
Fuel System:
Carburetion, fuel tank, fuel lines
Bodywork:
Cargo bed, frame, body panels, mounting points
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, lubrication, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, reassembly, and adjustment
Rebuilds:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Adjustments:
Carburetor tuning, ignition timing, brake adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive for factory-level repair and maintenance
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with exploded views and diagrams
Engine Type:
Flathead V-twin (pre-EL series design)
Displacement:
74 cubic inches (1213 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
Approximately 3-7/16" x 4-1/8" (87.31 mm x 104.78 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approx. 5.0:1
Horsepower Estimated:
Approx. 20-25 HP at ~4000 RPM
Torque Estimated:
N/A (Torque figures less commonly published for this era)
Top Speed Estimated:
Approx. 45-55 mph (72-88 km/h), depending on load and conditions
Carburetor:
Linkert M-series (e.g., M-88 or similar)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US gallons (17 liters)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 63 inches (1600 mm)
Length:
Approx. 90-100 inches (2286-2540 mm), varies with cargo bed configuration
Width:
Approx. 55-60 inches (1397-1524 mm) at widest point (e.g., cargo bed)
Dry Weight Estimated:
Approx. 700-800 lbs (317-363 kg)
Payload Capacity Estimated:
Approx. 500-1000 lbs (227-454 kg) depending on configuration and reinforcement
Crash Safety:
N/A (Vehicle category and era predates modern safety ratings)
Brakes:
Mechanical drum brakes, front and rear.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light (as per military/civilian specifications)
Frame Construction:
Heavy-duty steel frame for structural integrity.
Oil Change Engine:
Recommended every 1,000-2,000 miles (1600-3200 km) or annually. Specific interval dictated by usage and conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check/clean at 2,000 miles, replace as needed. Consult manual for specific spark plug type and gap.
Lubrication Points:
Refer to manual for chassis lubrication schedule for all pivot points, bearings, and moving parts.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 50 or SAE 30 monograde oil (depending on ambient temperature), typically API SC or similar classification for the era.
Transmission Oil Type:
Gear oil, typically SAE 90, non-EP (Extreme Pressure) for older transmissions.
Brake Fluid Type:
Mineral oil or specific Harley-Davidson brake fluid for drum brakes of this era (not modern DOT fluids).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4 US pints (1.9 liters)
Carburetor Adjustment:
Linkert carburetors can be finicky and require precise adjustment for optimal performance. Float level and jetting are critical.
Ignition Timing:
Manual ignition timing setup is crucial; incorrect timing leads to poor running and potential engine damage.
Wear And Tear:
Given age, expect wear on moving parts, bushings, seals, and potential for oil leaks. Regular inspection and replacement of worn components are vital.
Electrical Connections:
Old wiring can degrade; proper inspection and potential replacement of brittle insulation or corroded connections are necessary.
Brand Founding:
1903, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Military Contribution:
Harley-Davidson has a long history of supplying motorcycles to the US military, including WLA models, and the Servicar for logistics and support.
Predecessors:
Harley-Davidson had produced Servi-Car models prior to WWII for civilian use, often with different engine configurations or civilian-oriented features.
Wartime Adaptation:
The 1944 Servicar-SV was largely based on civilian models but built to military specifications, emphasizing durability and utility for wartime logistics.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Production Years:
1941-1945 (WWII era production)
