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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Correct Engine

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Discussion Topic: Correct Engine

Dream38v8

12-20-2018 @ 1:45 PM

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I've had my 1938 Fordor Deluxe Sedan for almost three years. During that time I've wondered if I have the correct engine. Many posts mention their engine is a different year than their car. I know my engine is a 24 bolt 85hp flathead. How do I determine if it is a 1938 flathead or not? It also may or may not be the car's original engine. Any help would be appreciated.

Ray

12-21-2018 @ 12:32 PM

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Is there a number cast on the cylinder heads? If so, the number should start with '81A', which is the Model number for the 1938 model year for the 85 horsepower engine....

If you can, take a picture of your engine and post it here....

This message was edited by MG on 12-21-18 @ 1:10 PM

kubes40

12-21-2018 @ 1:25 PM

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Having "81A" heads only means you have "81A" heads... little more. Those heads fit on a number of years - all the way through 1948 with just a slight internal modification. That modification was done so many times "back in the day" that KRW made a specialized tool for that (modification) purpose.

The block should have a raised surface where the exhaust manifolds bolt up to. About 3/16" or so.
The top surface, where the intake bolts to should be flat - NO raised surface.
Just above where the timing gear cover is, there should be what some call a "ledge". The block, in that area, is cast horizontally at nearly a 90 degree angle from the face of the block. This "ledge" is about 5/8" wide and should pass the "pencil test". This test? You should be able to set a pencil on there and it should easily stay in place.
The oil pan mounting surface will have two "bump outs" on each side. These areas have welch plugs installed. You won;t be able to see the plugs but you will note the "bump outs".

Mike "Kube" Kubarth

12-21-2018 @ 4:56 PM

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Yeah, if it's really that important to you, go through all of the pushups as Kubarth has stipulated above....

Dream38v8

12-29-2018 @ 7:54 AM

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MG, it has taken me awhile to get out to the car. I've attached pic of the cylinder head (81A 6050). This picture does show the cylinder heads stamped 81A 6050. By this stamping the heads are from a '38. Additionally the block is stamped FZU (or 0)Z(or 7) 1508.

Ray

Dream38v8

12-29-2018 @ 8:19 AM

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Mike, based on the pic in my reply to MG the block is flat where the intake manifold bolts onto block. Also in the attached pic the block is raised where the exhaust manifold bolt onto the block. So based on these pics I believe my engine is a '38.

Thanks,
Ray

Ray

Chris.NZ

12-29-2018 @ 11:34 AM

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I believe that the 1938 81A engines had a shorter ( and smaller diameter ) crankshaft than the 1939 and later models. If you post a picture of the front pulley it should then be easier to determine if it is a 1938 engine or the more common 39/41 motor.
Merry Xmas.
Chris.NZ.
New Zealand.

This message was edited by Chris.NZ on 12-30-18 @ 2:54 PM

38v8Dream

01-02-2019 @ 7:11 AM

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Chris, the engine is in the car plus there is no space between the radiator and the pulley. Maybe in the spring when the weather is warmer. Based on the other posts (MG and Kubes40) I would venture a safe bet the engine is a '38.

Is there anyway to determine if this engine is the original one for the car?

Chris.NZ

01-05-2019 @ 1:42 AM

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It sounds like a 38 81A engine. Unfortunately unless you knew first hand, the full history of the car, there is no way of telling if it was the one it left the assembly plant with. In those days Ford had an engine replacement program if the motor needed to be reconditioned. The dealer would simply replace the short block assembly with a reconditioned one and use your starter, generator, carburettor etc.

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