1953 DESOTO

Model Designations:

DeSoto Powermaster Six, Series S-18, 6 Cylinder

DeSoto Firedome, Series S16, 8 Cylinder

Body Styles & Prices:

DeSoto Powermaster, 6 Cylinder:

2 Door Club Coupe, 6 Passenger,

Base Price: $2,434; Shipping Weight: 3,495 Pounds

Production Total: 8,063

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger,

Base Price: $2,456; Shipping Weight: 3,555 Pounds

Production Total: 33,644

4 Door Sedan, 8 Passenger,

Base Price: $3,266; Shipping Weight: 4,080 Pounds

Production Total: 225

2 Door Sportsman, 6 Passenger:

Base Price: $2,781 Shipping Weight: 3,596 Pounds

Production Total: 1,470

4 Station Wagon, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,093; Shipping Weight: 3,855 Pounds

Production Total: 500

DeSoto Firedome, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Club Coupe, 6 Passenger,

Base Price: $2,718; Shipping Weight: 3,640 Pounds

Production Total: 14,591

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $2,740; Shipping Weight: 3,705 Pounds

Production Total: 64,211

4 Door Sedan, 8 Passenger

Base Price: $3,544; Shipping Weight: 4,290 Pounds

Production Total: 200

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,172; Shipping Weight: 3,965 Pounds

Production Total: 1,700

2 Door Sportsman Hardtop Coupe, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,069; Shipping Weight: 3,675 Pounds

Production Total: 4,700

4 Door Station Wagon, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,366; Shipping Weight: 3,990 Pounds

Production Total: 1,100

Note: All 8 Passenger models were on the long wheelbase.

Chassis:

Wheelbase:

All Except Long Wheelbase: 125-1/2"

Long Wheelbase Models: 139-1/2"

Tire Sizes:

All Except Long Wheelbase: 7.60 X 15"

Long Wheelbase Models: 8.20 X 15"

General Engine Specifications:

6 Cylinder Engine:

Engine Type: L-Head, Inline 6 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 3-7/16" X 4-1/2"

Engine Displacement: 250.6 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 7.00:1

Taxable Horsepower: 28.36

Horsepower: 116 @ 3,600 RPM

Torque: 208 Ft. Lbs. @ 1,600 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine:

Engine Type: Overhead Vave, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 3-5/8" X 3-11/32"

Engine Displacement: 276.1 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 7.10:1

Taxable Horsepower: 42.05

Horsepower: 160 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 250 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,000 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50 PSI

Tune Up Specifications:

6 Cylinder Engine:

Ground Polarity: Positive

Voltage: 6 Volts

Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite AR8

Spark Plug: Gap .035

Point Gap: .020

Distributor Cam Angle: 39 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4

Ignition Timing: 2 Degrees BTDC Mark on Vibration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 475 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 65-70 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 120 PSI (Minimum)

8 Cylinder Engine:

Ground Polarity: Positive

Voltage: 6 Volts

Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite 4S-140

Spark Plug: Gap .035

Point Gap: .017

Distributor Cam Angle:

Each Set of Points: 26-28 Degrees

TotalDwell, Both Sets of Points: 32-36 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing: 4 Degrees BTDC Mark on Vibration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 475 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 80-85 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 130 PSI (Minimum)

Valve Specifications:

6 Cylinder Engine:

Running Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake .008"

Exhaust .010"

Valve Seat Angle: 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 12 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 6 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure: 115 Lbs @ 1-3/8"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .365"

Exhaust: .365"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .341"

Exhaust: .340"

8 Cylinder Engine:

Running Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: Zero

Exhaus: Zero

Valve Seat Angle: 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 12 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 14 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure:

Outer Spring: 105 Lbs @ 1-5/16"

Inner Spring: 37 Lbs @ 1-3/16"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .361"

Exhaust: .361"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3725"

Exhaust: .3715"

Piston, Pin, Ring, Crankshaft, & Bearing Data:

6 Cylinder Engine:

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 5 to 7

Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .007"

Oil Ring: .007"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .8592"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.124"-2.125"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Rod End Play: .006"-.011"

Rod Bolt Torque: 45-50 Ft. Lbs

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.499"-2.500"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Crankshaft End Play: .002"-.007"

Thrust on Rear Bearing

Main Bolt Torque: 80-85 Ft. Lbs.

8 Cylinder Engine:

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 5 to 12

Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .010"

Oil Ring: .010"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .9217"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.061"-2.062"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Rod End Play: .006"-.014"

Rod Bolt Torque: 45-50 Ft. Lbs

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.374"-2.375"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Crankshaft End Play: .002"-.007"

Thrust on Center Bearing

Main Bolt Torque: 80-85 Ft. Lbs.

Capacities:

6 Cylinder Engine:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 15 Quarts

With Heater: 16 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 7 PSI

Fuel Tank: 17 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 2-3/4 Pints

With Overdrive: 3-1/2 Pints

Semi-Automatic Transmission: 3 Pints

Rear Axle: 3-1/4 Pints

* Add 1 Quart with filter.

8 Cylinder Engine:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 22 Quarts

With Heater: 23 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 7 PSI

Fuel Tank: 17 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

With Torque Converter combined with engine oiling: 12 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 2-3/4 Pints

With Overdrive: 3-1/2 Pints

Semi-Automatic Transmission: 3 Pints

Rear Axle: 3-1/2 Pints

* Add 1 Quart with filter.

Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications:

6 Cylinder Engines:

Distributor #1AT-4102

Rotation: Clockwise

Cam Angle: 39 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .020"

Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 450 RPM

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 1,425 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 5" Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 15" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 9 Degrees

8 Cylinder Engines:

Distributor #1AZ-4002

Rotation: Clockwise

Cam Angle:

Each Set of Points: 26-28 Degrees

Total Dwell, Both Sets of Points: 32-36 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .017"

Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 375 RPM

Full Advance: 14 Degrees @ 1,900 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 5-1/4" Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 17" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 11-1/2 Degrees

Distributor #1AZ-4002B

Rotation: Clockwise

Cam Angle:

Each Set of Points: 26-28 Degrees

Total Dwell, Both Sets of Points: 32-36 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .017"

Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 370 RPM

Full Advance: 11 Degrees @ 1,850 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 5-1/4" Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 17" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 11-1/2 Degrees

Auto-Lite Generator Specifications:

Generator # GGW-6001J, GGW-6001K, GGW-6001L, GGW-6008B, GGW-6008D, GGW-6008E, GGW-6008G

Generator Output: 45 Amperes @ 2,125 RPM

Brush Spring Tension: 35-53 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 5 or 10 Volts: 1.4 to 1.5 Amperes

Regulator #VBE-6201-A

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 6.5 Volts

Armature Air Gap: .032"

Voltage Regulator Setting: 7.2 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 45 Amperes

Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .050"

Ground Polarity: Positive

Starting Motor Specifications:

Part # MCL-6116, MCL-6117

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 42-53 Ounces

No Load Test: 65 Amperes, 5.0 Volts @ 4,900 RPM

Torque Test: 410 Amperes, 2.0 Volts @ 8.0 Ft Lbs Torque

Part #MCH-6113A

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 42-53 Ounces

No Load Test: 65 Amperes, 5.0 Volts @ 4,300 RPM

Torque Test: 335 Amperes, 2.0 Volts @ 6.0 Ft Lbs Torque

Carter Carburetor Specifications:

Carburetor Model: BB

Part #E9A-1, E9C, E9C1

Float Level: 5/64"

Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 1-1/2 Turns

Pump Adjustment Using Gauge T109-117: None

Fast Idle Adjustment: .017"

Unloader Adjustment: 5/32"

Carburetor Model: BBD

Part #908S, 911S

Float Level:

Flat Top Floats: 9/32"

Curved Top Floats: 7/32"

Idle Screw Setting: 1/4 to 1-1/4 Turns

Pump Stroke: 57/64"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .015"-.019"

Unloader Choke Valve Clearance: 1/4"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Dashpot Setting: 1/16"

Carburetor Model: BBD

Part #909S, 912S

Float Level:

Flat Top Floats: 9/32"

Curved Top Floats: 7/32"

Idle Screw Setting: 1/4 to 1-1/4 Turns

Pump Stroke: 57/64"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .015"-.019"

Unloader Choke Valve Clearance: 1/4"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Carburetor Model: BBD

Part #910S, 913S

Float Level:

Flat Top Floats: 9/32"

Curved Top Floats: 7/32"

Idle Screw Setting: 1/4 to 1-1/4 Turns

Pump Stroke: 57/64"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .015"-.019"

Unloader Choke Valve Clearance: 1/4"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Overdrive Kickdown Switch Setting: 1/64"-3/64"

Carburetor Model: BBD

Part #2216S, 2250S

Float Level: 7/32"

Idle Screw Setting: 1/4 to 1-1/4 Turns

Pump Stroke: 1"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .015"-.019"

Unloader Choke Valve Clearance: 1/4"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Dashpot Setting: 1/16"

Rear Axle & Brake Specifications:

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .006"-.008"

Drive Pinion Adjustment: Washer

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Shims

Axle Shaft End Play: .003"-.008"

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1-1/8"

Rear: 1-1/8"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1"

Wheel Alignment Specifications:

Caster: - 2 Degrees

Camber: - 3/8 Degrees to + 3/8 Degrees with Left Side 1/4 to 1/2 Degree Higher within these limits.

Toe In: 0 to 1/16"

Toe-Out on Turns

Outer Wheel: 20 Degrees

Inner Wheel: 20-1/2 to 22-1/2 Degrees

Kingpin Angle: 5 to 6-1/2 Degrees

Popular Options:

Wheel Trim Rings, Side Mirrors, Radio, Heater, Clock, Cigar Lighter, Seat Covers, Spotlights, Fog Lamps, License Plate Frames, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Tip Toe Shift with Fluid Drive, Tip Toe Shift with Fluid Torque Drive, Overdrive, White Sidewall Tires, Wire Wheel Covers, Tinted Glass.

1953 DeSoto Historical Data:

Total 1953 Desoto Production: 117,264.

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