1939-1940 oil capacity

F

Ford Freak

Well-known member
Hey guys ! What is the oil capacity of a '39-'40 221 ci. ,24 stud , 85 hp . engine ?
It has no oil filter . Thanks in advance - FF
 
I install 4 quarts w no filter and close to 5 with a filter. I also have put
130,000 on my 39 with many 2 day 1,200 mile runs at 65 plus MPH.
Engine still runs perfect, is quiet and burns no oil between changes. I
have used Castrol 20/50 from start up. Use the right oil and do what's
necessary to keep the engine running in the 180 range and not
getting over 210. To much oil leaks out the rear main and is indicated
by a large drip from the cotter pin on the bottom of the pan. Change
the oil at least once a year and every 2,000 miles. G.M.
 
Here we go again and here I state once again...
The engineering drawing clearly states FIVE US QUARTS. If the vehicle is equipped with a filter it makes no deference in the oil capacity specification.
If the stick reads full at four quarts there are other underlying issues. Most likely a combination of an incorrect stick, the absence of the sticks dust seal, an oil pan that is full of sludge.
The bottom line remains: FIVE US QUARTS.
The folks that say otherwise really need to visit the Benson Ford Research Center. A little bit of actual studying goes a long way to the truth of the matter.
 
One of the subjects that has been covered many times. Anyone interested might looks at past threads on the subject. It is so easy to switch up dipsticks (along with all the other issues Kube listed) that it would be difficult to use it as an absolute measure.
 
OK. I am not sure if I have the correct dipstick on my '39. So that I know how much oil to add when it shows low, what is the distance between the felt dust seal to the "full" mark on an original dipstick? Thanks.
 
I was thinking of running synthetic in my '40. New vehicle to me but flattie was rebuilt a while back. I was thinking of Mobil 1.

Phil Swanson
 
I found a chart Ford published showing the dimensions of the dip sticks. 48-6750 is the 85 & 95HP dip stick for 35-48 passenger cars. From the stop collar to the full line 11-23/32", from full to low 1-13/32", low to the end of the stick 23/32". Over all 16-5/8" long.
You also want to measure the over all length of the dip stick tube. You have to unscrew it from the boss on the oil pan. BE CAREFUL The boss is easy to brake and is white metal, or just take an approximate length without removing. 48-6754-B is 8-21/64" long.
 
philipswanson said:
I was thinking of running synthetic in my '40. New vehicle to me but flattie was rebuilt a while back. I was thinking of Mobil 1.

Phil Swanson
Click to expand...
I have been running Mobil 1 15/50 in my '51 with the original engine for the last few years (I had a couple of cases left over from a previous racing adventure). I have been quite satisfied with it over that time. It didn't seem to leak any more than conventional oil, and has the added advantage of over 1200 ppm of zinc (although that's really not that important for a flathead). The only drawback is the cost.
 
philipswanson said:
I was thinking of running synthetic in my '40. New vehicle to me but flattie was rebuilt a while back. I was thinking of Mobil 1.

Phil Swanson
Click to expand...

Alot depends on how many miles you put on and how often you want change it. I think the cost and change interval is a factor. I've read with interest all the threads on oil capacity. I have an original glove box booklet that says 4 qts, 5 with a filter. It just so happens that 4 1/2 qts puts my 8BA at the full line..... thats my story and I'm sticking to it....... Mark
 
flatford8 said:
Alot depends on how many miles you put on and how often you want change it. I think the cost and change interval is a factor. I've read with interest all the threads on oil capacity. I have an original glove box booklet that says 4 qts, 5 with a filter. It just so happens that 4 1/2 qts puts my 8BA at the full line..... thats my story and I'm sticking to it....... Mark
Click to expand...

I think you may be adding some confusion to the subject here.

Your engine is NOT 1939 - 40 - that which is being discussed within this thread.
 
Kube said:
I think you may be adding some confusion to the subject here.

Your engine is NOT 1939 - 40 - that which is being discussed within this thread.
Click to expand...

Your right.....that wasn't my intention....I didnt know there was a difference....my point was the disscusions are always 4 or 5 qts. My car seems to like 41/2........right in the middle....... Mark
 
Last edited:
Terry said:
I found a chart Ford published showing the dimensions of the dip sticks. 48-6750 is the 85 & 95HP dip stick for 35-48 passenger cars. From the stop collar to the full line 11-23/32", from full to low 1-13/32", low to the end of the stick 23/32". Over all 16-5/8" long.
You also want to measure the over all length of the dip stick tube. You have to unscrew it from the boss on the oil pan. BE CAREFUL The boss is easy to brake and is white metal, or just take an approximate length without removing. 48-6754-B is 8-21/64" long.
Click to expand...

That's good info to know . Thanks Terry !
 
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