43 wlc carb

[Christian Shoebridge]

Good evening everyone,just wondering if someone may be able to tell me what model linkert carb i should be looking for that would work best on my 1943 wlc.the previous owner had put a mikuni on it and has no idea what became of the original carb.i got it running and driveable last season but my intention is to bring it back to its original configuration this winter..once i know the model number i need i can start hunting around.the manual that i have refers to 3 different model numbers:m88,m74b and m51L but im told there were others available as well.any info would be greatly appreciated

thanks, merry christmas and happy newyears to all of you.

Christian

52 m38cdn 52-32154
53 m100 53-71159
43 WLC

[Grant Bowker]

The spare parts list I have a copy of, HD-WLC-04 dated July 1943 and applicable to 1942 and 1943 models WLC describes the carburetor as "1133-41M Linkert carburetor, 1-1/4" with 15/16" venturi". This appears to be for the complete carburetor assembly but I have no idea if the part number is a Linkert number or a Harley-Davidson number.

[Christian Shoebridge]

thanks for the quick response Grant..im thinkin it could be a combo of both because there is a linkert m41 as well.perhaps the "1133" is the harley part number.ive been told the m41 was stock from 1937-41 on the 45ci flathead but if thats what the original parts list says il try that model..i may have located one actually,just waiting to verify..thanks again for the info

[Grant Bowker]

If I were in your place, I wouldn't spend much money on the strength of what I told you without some corroboration from other sources. The fact that there was a M41 used on that class of engine looks nice but does that 100% fit the 41M I saw? I would at least want to see a match of flange and venturi sizes before going much further.

A PDF file of the carb parts listing is attached for reference.

[Christian Shoebridge]

yes,im currently waiting to hear back on those measurements and looking into whether or not the other models i mentioned share those measurements as well..also the main differences between the models

[George McKenzie]

You would need a Linkert M-88 carb .My 42WLC has a Linkert M- 58 which is unusual as the 58s were used for the US navy and South Africa

[George McKenzie]

Originally Posted by Grant Bowker

The spare parts list I have a copy of, HD-WLC-04 dated July 1943 and applicable to 1942 and 1943 models WLC describes the carburetor as "1133-41M Linkert carburetor, 1-1/4" with 15/16" venturi". This appears to be for the complete carburetor assembly but I have no idea if the part number is a Linkert number or a Harley-Davidson number.

That is a part number for the M-88 carb

[45jim]

Don't buy a Linkert carb until you have everything else on your bike finished. The Mikuni is a better carb (while not being original) and for riding use it will let your engine run smoothly. The Linkert always runs a bit rich at idle but leans out as revs rise, directly the opposite of what you want. Not much of a concern if you are careful with the spark advance.

Take care of all the other details first and then get an M88 and put it on when you're going to a show, otherwise run the Mikuni. I have often found that the reproduction parts for the Linkert have been of lesser quality. One that is properly rebuilt will perform OK but you have to be careful machining them as the zinc content is very low (for Brass) resulting in a more bronze like appearance and machining quality. Lots of leaks around the shafts from improperly machines carb bodies.