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Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2017 10:10 am
by 17thAirborne
Coil is going out for a rebuild

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2017 7:30 pm
by OLDABEWLA
Other things to add to your display case is a (US army map case) compass, maps, binoculars, gas mask, rope, armored recognition hand book, signal corp book, signal mirror or a shaving mirror for the signal, spare Thompson field replacement parts, Thompson TM manual, box of 45 ammo and a can of grease for the grease gun.

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2017 8:13 pm
by 17thAirborne
OLDABEWLA wrote:Other things to add to your display case is a (US army map case) compass, maps, binoculars, gas mask, rope, armored recognition hand book, signal corp book, signal mirror or a shaving mirror for the signal, spare Thompson field replacement parts, Thompson TM manual, box of 45 ammo and a can of grease for the grease gun.
Just when I thought I was close to being done :shock:

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Fri May 26, 2017 8:26 am
by 17thAirborne
Still waiting on my coil to be rebuilt. In the mean time I found this nice NOS chain breaker tool.
chain breaker01.jpg
chain breaker01.jpg (210.09 KiB) Viewed 3460 times

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 9:57 am
by 17thAirborne
My rebuilt coil is on the way. Mark Maikshilo of Mark's magnetos specializes in old magnetos and he was kind enough to rebuild two coils for me. They are completely taken apart, cleaned and he rewinds new coils and then covers and bakes them to make them "bullet proof" The process took several months as he is very busy and I paid $250 per coil.

That may seem expensive, but a NOS coil starts at $250, and keep in mind it may be NOS, but it is still 75 years old and the crap inside probably has deteriorated. They should arrive on Monday and I'll post pics. The bike has been sitting for a while so i will have quite a bit to do before I get everything up and running.

He sends a short vid of the coil on the test stand after completion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpnKfLM ... e=youtu.be

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 6:34 pm
by OLDABEWLA
Oz,
I was wondering if you got your coils back? $250 for a complete rebuild fix is a great deal! The last nos coil sold on ebay for almost $600!
A guy could buy three or four to get one good coil and spend $150 to $250 on each coil.

Did you like your new grease gun holster?

Craig

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2017 5:40 am
by 17thAirborne
Did not know they were getting that expensive. :shock: Your second comment is why I opted to get two coils rebuilt. They should be in today.

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 1:22 pm
by 17thAirborne
The coils are in. I will have to carve out some dedicated time to paint and install one.
new coil.jpg
new coil.jpg (213.05 KiB) Viewed 3289 times

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2017 1:38 pm
by 17thAirborne
The coil is on, hooked up and the bike started on the first kick. Since it has not run since March, it was a bit rough but I'll attribute that to sitting for 7 months. I ran it at speeds up to 40mph for about 7 minutes. So far, so good. I will get the insurance back up and then execute a 30 minute road run to see how the timing and ignition fare after a really good ride.

Sorry for the crappy video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqnwFG_ ... e=youtu.be

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 5:37 pm
by 17thAirborne
Thankfully it is time to abandon this thread. Amidst finishing home building, elder parent care, two boys in college and several other MV projects, I can happily report that it is "running" again. Today I took it on another shakedown ride. 20 miles speeds up to 50mph slow, stop, lots of shifting and there were absolutely zero issues.

So far friends and forum members have helped to solve/repair the following issues:

1. Kicker not engaging which resulted in the transmission tear down and rebuild with replacement of required parts.
2. Carburation issues: stripped interior of fuel tank, replaced fuel shut off parts, filter and installed NOS crab.
3. Rebuilt engine with new bearings, hardened valve seats new valves, guides, springs, gaskets and other small parts.
4. Had coil rebuilt, replaced plugs, wires, and installed an electronic ignition.
5. Over the past 4 years I have collected nearly all of the hardware needed to finish a restoration.

Now I will enjoy riding the bike while I finish a wc12 to sell then tackle a gpw to drive. Once I am happy with the gpw, ill do a resto on the wla. Thanks to all who read, contributed and kept the project going.

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2017 4:48 pm
by alshadow
Hello, New to list, so please be gentle. This posts mentions some type of electronic ignition system that could be added to a 42 WLA. Would appreciate a lead for such a unit. Thanks Larry

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2017 5:46 pm
by 17thAirborne
Glad to have you with us. :) regarding the electronic ignition systems. this is my second wla and they have both worked flawlessly. contact dave at waybackwheels and talk to him about it. he sells them and that is where i purchased mine. good luck.

waybackwheels.com

603-778-2299

PS: post some images of your ride.

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2017 4:50 pm
by alshadow
Thanks. Will try to call next week and let all know how it goes.

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2019 9:41 am
by 17thAirborne
After sitting for several moths I brushed off the girl and set her on the battery tender. While charging I drained the tank and carb, cleaned the carb, checked the timing and for good spark, removed the air horn and tightened everything up. With fresh gas she sputtered and complained after the first attempt. On the second start attempt she fired up, ran rough for a minute then ran nicely. I put a mile on the country road and was very pleased. Just a bit un-smooth, but I ran her at 3/4 throttle to clean things up. I'll tend to new oil at the next session.

Heres a choppy, and short vid of the idle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exK-XD- ... e=youtu.be

Re: Getting a WLA42 Type V Running Again

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2019 6:31 pm
by OLDABEWLA
Oz,

Nice to see your back up and going after the house project!

Looks like your getting her ready for the DDay landings!

Also sounds like it's running great!

Craig