1933 flathead identification?

highbeams

highbeams

Well-known member
I have a '33 coupe and would like to know how to identify a '33 flathead engine as it sets in the car.

( weren't '32 and '33 flathead engines the same, and when seeing them, they were identifiable, although the '32= 65 horsepower and the '33= 75 horsepower?

Thank You -
 
It is not likely that every part of the engine is what came together from the factory. The engine block, heads, intake, carburetor, oil pan, etc. all swap. Which parts are you asking about?



32 engine blocks had several variations of one year only.
33 and 34 engines used the same block, with different intakes and carburetors.
35 and 36 blocks introduced crankcase ventilation, and late in 35 introduced insert main bearings.


We have a whole thread dedicated to identifying flathead engine blocks here. The text and pictures should inform what is in your car. Thread here: https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334280&showall=1
 
Thank You much! I am asking about the entire flathead engine; not parts of the engine.
I must / should take photos of the engine as it sets in my '33. Hopefully someone will identify the year of the engine when I post the pics. Thank You -
 
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Look at the engine block drain ***** are they pointing straight down(32 see photo) or angled upward(33 and up)
 

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You can eliminate the "Earliest" of 1933 V8's first by measuring your front cross member as the "earliest" had a 12" motor mount spacing (quickly changed to 19") but IF your car is the early version AND you are ALSO lucky enough that it retained its "original" block, it would most likely have a 1932 block, easily identified by TWO block drain holes (possibly two block drain petcocks in them) towards the front corners of the block facing down to the ground. AGAIN very early production 1933.
 
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As was stated, the very early 1932 1st Generation Flathead (1st Gen= 1932-1937) has the petcock block hole facing down towards the ground:

1st-Gen-Engine-Petcock.jpg



Changes to the 1st Generation Flathead block soon slanted the petcock hole (as did upgrading to the duplex downdraft carburetor):


1st-Generation-Flathead-2.jpg



My 1st Gen engine has it slanted. For what it's worth, my transmission number has it stamped as a November 1933 manufactured date. I'm suspecting that's about right since my block does not have the crankcase vent tube as later '35 and beyond engines have:

20200905-112234.jpg


Here is a later '35 block showing the tube:

1st-Gen-Flathead.jpg
 
ndnchf said:
FWIW - the early '33 generator is different from the late '33 generator
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Steve
Would you have pictures and a description of the differences in those so I can save them to my file for the "hopeful" update/redo of the 1933/1934 Restoration manual that you would share??? ALSO one (or ones) for 1934 IF you don't mine as well I can PM you my email, just let me know


Thank you
Rockfla
 
rockfla said:
Steve
Would you have pictures and a description of the differences in those so I can save them to my file for the "hopeful" update/redo of the 1933/1934 Restoration manual that you would share??? ALSO one (or ones) for 1934 IF you don't mine as well I can PM you my email, just let me know


Thank you
Rockfla
Click to expand...

PM your email. I'll put something together for you.
Steve
 
Here is a pic of a 33 Ford brochure I have showing the very early 33 V8 engine.Notice the water inlets (which are identical to the 32V8 )and the unique short front motor mounts.Back in the late 1960's a friend had an early 33 V8 block and the draincocks were angled.I do know of an early 33 V8 5W that has the straight down draincocks.That car is unmolested from when it was purchased new in Los Angeles,CA.
 

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deuce lover said:
Here is a pic of a 33 Ford brochure I have showing the very early 33 V8 engine.Notice the water inlets (which are identical to the 32V8 )and the unique short front motor mounts.Back in the late 1960's a friend had an early 33 V8 block and the draincocks were angled.I do know of an early 33 V8 5W that has the straight down draincocks.That car is unmolested from when it was purchased new in Los Angeles,CA.
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588928
 
rockfla said:
You can eliminate the "Earliest" of 1933 V8's first by measuring your front cross member as the "earliest" had a 12" motor mount spacing (quickly changed to 19") but IF your car is the early version AND you are ALSO lucky enough that it retained its "original" block, it would most likely have a 1932 block, easily identified by TWO block drain holes (possibly two block drain petcocks in them) towards the front corners of the block facing down to the ground. AGAIN very early production 1933.
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thank You. The car is not with me; I'll have to discuss your facts with my son over the phone.
 
rockfla said:
You can eliminate the "Earliest" of 1933 V8's first by measuring your front cross member as the "earliest" had a 12" motor mount spacing (quickly changed to 19") but IF your car is the early version AND you are ALSO lucky enough that it retained its "original" block, it would most likely have a 1932 block, easily identified by TWO block drain holes (possibly two block drain petcocks in them) towards the front corners of the block facing down to the ground. AGAIN very early production 1933.
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What do you mean by 'motor mount spacing' (12 inches, 19 inches).
my frame number = December 1932 January 1933. The car is not close by right now, it's in my garage at home. Thank You for your interest!
 
rockfla said:
Confusing?? Confusing in what way PLUS not sure just how a "better" picture can be posted??
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Just a black and white photo taken with a Nikon or other brand. clear clean close-up photo(s)
no reflections.
 
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highbeams said:
What do you mean by 'motor mount spacing' (12 inches, 19 inches).
my frame number = December 1932 January 1933. The car is not close by right now, it's in my garage at home. Thank You for your interest!
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The front cross member of your frame, where the motor bolts to the frame, where your radiator is mounted. The earliest of 1933's was 12" from bolt center to bolt center (from right to left or left to right. You pick). Very shortly after the beginning of production, that spacing changed to 19". IF you have the 1933/34 V8 Club restoration book, look at Section 3-4. IF you don't have it, the Early Ford V8 Club just did a run of about a "130ish" reprints...I would highly suggest that you buy one!!!
 
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