1933 Ford Engine Question

130driver

130driver

Member
Hi Guys,
I just took delivery of a '33 Ford that has been sitting for a very long time. That said, I am not a Flathead guy and need to ask the experts on line here to find out what I have for an engine and learn a few things in the process. My main question is to ask if it is 33...I know the air cleaner isn't, and if not, what do I have. Hope you don't mind me asking? Thanks.
 

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While your waiting for some input you could go onto VanPelt Flathead site and look over the engine ID section. I know very little about these early engines, but it does have water pumps in the head. So it is fairly early.
 
That air cleaner can be cleaned, I would rather have that then no cleaner, good for backfires shouldn't catch fire.
 
What is the deal with the dual fuel lines from the pump/sediment bulb to the carb? Also, those look like castiron heads.
 
It's difficult to say without more information, such as a photo of the front of the block. From your photos, the intake manifold and everything attached to it, including the generator, are post-'33. Judging from the dipstick, the oil pan may well be a '35 or later, which tends to suggest that the block may also be post '34. The water pumps are '36s, but those are typical service parts and not indicative of the engine block's vintage.

Also from your photos, the front cross member has been replaced along the way with the '34 version.
 
Thanks much guys. I have been in the books and came up with some of what you have provided. I greatly appreciate the help. The front crossmember is definitely a 34. Weird in that the frame is super nice and straight. Don't know why they would have changed it around as there is no visible evidence of damage and the numbers on the frame are definite 33.
 
Walt Dupont--Me. said:
I believe the 33 had a single barrel car, other than that it looks like a 33-34. Someone my spot some other things. Walt
Click to expand...

real 1933 had a single barrel Detroit Lubricator Card and a different manifold.
This has has a stromberg 48 carb and 1934 exhaust manifold
 
the 1932 and 33 v8's had problems. It is very hard to find a 33 with the original engine, what you have is something very typical of these cars even the 1934 had motors change several times. I remember reading that the early v8's had problems such many people were still buying the 1933's with the improved model B 4 cylinder engine that was built upon the model A reliability. Many 1933 and 1934 have 35 and later engines because the original v8's crapped out.
 
You would probably be better off (unless you want the engine to match the car year) with a later engine block. The early ones were babbitt bearings, in mid-36 they went to insert bearings.
 
33 front cross members often cracked and the 34 is stronger. 33 front shocks mount inside the frame and the 34 cross member may have been cut to allow access. The 34 front shocks mount outside the frame (no hole in the frame rail ).
 
The alum intake appears to be from a 36 pass car although the carb is a later.model May be a LB block with the insert mains.
 
Driver:
Determine if a ventilated block. 33-34--no. 35-36 yes. Prox 1 1/2 " vent tube
in right front corner of valve chamber down to pan rail -- oil pan has triangle shaped
road draft vent can on rt frt corner.
Read cast #s on carb and plug #s.

Does engine turn? Lots of fun now!

Thanlks for sharing . Gene, Tulsa
 
Also a 36 lb block will have a hole about 1/2 inch in the bottom of the recess in the front of the block.
Lawrie
 
The beauty of this engine is, previous owners fixed all the problems that came with the 33. Rebuilt you'll have a fine running car, you have all the good parts now.
 
130driver said:
Hi Guys,
I just took delivery of a '33 Ford that has been sitting for a very long time. That said, I am not a Flathead guy and need to ask the experts on line here to find out what I have for an engine and learn a few things in the process. My main question is to ask if it is 33...I know the air cleaner isn't, and if not, what do I have. Hope you don't mind me asking? Thanks.
Click to expand...

looks like later 35-36 engine based on manifold & carb, look on the lower left side ,under waterpump for the letters " LB" & a hole in a casting ear sticking out of the block , this designates later engine & also one that may have flange type bearings.
 
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