1961 DESOTO

Model Designations:

DeSoto, Series RS1-L, 8 Cylinder

Body Styles & Prices:

DeSoto, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Hardtop Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model #612, Body #23

Base Price: $3,102; ShippingWeight: 3,760 Pounds

Production Total: 911

4 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Model #614, Body #43

Base Price: $3,166; Shipping Weight: 3,820 Pounds

Production Total: 2,123

Chassis:

Wheelbase:

All Models: 122"

Tire Sizes: 8.00 X 14"

General Engine Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.1250" X 3.375"

Engine Displacement: 361 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 9.00:1

Taxable Horsepower: 54.45

Horsepower: 265 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 380 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 40-65 PSI

2 Barrel Carburetor

Tune Up Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite AR-42

Spark Plug: Gap .035

Point Gap: .017

Distributor Cam Angle: 27-32 Degrees

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

Ignition Timing: 10 Degrees BTDC Mark on Vibration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 500 RPM

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 150 PSI (Minimum)

Fuel Pump Pressure: 4 - 5 PSI

Valve Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine:

Valve Lash: .060"-.210" (With Lifter Collapsed)

Intake: .390"

Exhaust: .390"

Valve Seat Angle:

Intake: 45 Degrees

Exhaust: 45 Degrees

Valve Spring Height (Installed): 1-55/64"

Valve Spring Pressure: 195 Lbs @ 1-5/32"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .371".372

Exhaust: .371"-.372"

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

8 Cylinder Engine:

Piston Clearance: .0003"-.0013"

Ring End Gap:

Compression Ring: .013"

Oil Ring: .013"

Wrist Pin Diameter: 1.0936"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.374"-2.375"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.6245"-2.6255"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Thrust on #3 Bearing

Shaft End Play: .002"-.007"

Engine Tightening Specifications:

All Engines:

Spark Plugs: 30 Ft. Lbs

Cylinder Head Bolts: 70 Ft. Lbs.

Intake Manifold: 50 Ft. Lbs.

Exhaust Manifold: 30 Ft. Lbs.

Rocker Arm Shaft Bracket: 30 Ft.Lbs.

Rocker Arm Cover: 40 Inch Lbs.

Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 45 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 85 Ft. Lbs.

Vibration Damper: 135 Ft. Lbs.

Capacities:

8 Cylinder Engine:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 16 Quarts

With Heater: 17 Quarts

With Air Conditioning: 17 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 14 PSI

Thermostat Opening: 180 Degrees

Fuel Tank: 23 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 2-3/4 Pints

Automatic Transmission: 11 Quarts

Rear Axle: 4 Pints

* Add 1 Quart with filter.

Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engines:

Distributor #1BP-4005E

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Breaker Point Opening: .017"

Cam Angle: 26-32 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 450 RPM

Full Advance: 11 Degrees @ 2,050 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 6" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 13 Degrees @ 16" Vacuum

Alternatorator Specifications:

Part #: 2095060

Ground Polarity: Negative

Field Coil Draw: 2.38-2.75 Amperes @ 12 Volts

Current Output:

35 Amperes, 14.6 Volts, @ 1,250 Engine RPM

Operatig Voltage:

15 Amperes, @ 1,250 Engine RPM

Voltage @ 117 Degrees: 13.5-14.1

Voltage Regulator Point Gap: .015"

Regulator Armature Air Gap: .048"-.052"

Part #: 2095425

Ground Polarity: Negative

Field Coil Draw: 2.38-2.75 Amperes @ 12 Volts

Current Output:

40 Amperes, 14.6 Volts, @ 1,250 Engine RPM

Operatig Voltage:

15 Amperes, @ 1,250 Engine RPM

Voltage @ 117 Degrees: 13.5-14.1

Voltage Regulator Point Gap: .015"

Regulator Armature Air Gap: .048"-.052"

Part #: 2095100

Ground Polarity: Negative

Field Coil Draw: 2.38-2.75 Amperes @ 12 Volts

Current Output:

40 Amperes, 14.6 Volts, @ 1,250 Engine RPM

Operatig Voltage:

15 Amperes, @ 1,250 Engine RPM

Voltage @ 117 Degrees: 13.5-14.1

Voltage Regulator Point Gap: .015"

Regulator Armature Air Gap: .048"-.052"

Starting Motor Specifications:

Part # 1889200

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 32-48 Ounces

No Load Test: 80 Amperes, 11.0 Volts @ 3,800 RPM

Torque Test: 350 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 8.5 Ft Lbs Torque

Stromberg Carburetor Specifications:

Carburetor Model: WWC3-188A

Idle Screw Turns Open: 1/2 to 5/8 Turn

Float Level: 1/8"

Fast Idle Cam Position: 1/4:

Choke Unloader Setting: 1/4"

Pump Travel Setting: 19/16

Bowl Vent Vane: 5/64"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Rear Axle & Brake Specifications:

All:

Carrier Type: Removable

Differential Bearing Preload Method: Threaded Adjuster

Differential Bearing Preload Adjustment: Correct if Ring Gear & Pinion are Adjusted Correctly.

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash Method: Washer

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

Pinion Bearing Preload Method: Turn Pinion Flange Nut With Torque Wrench

Pinion Bearing Preload Adjustment:

New Bearings: 20-30 Inch Lbs.

Used Bearings: 10-15 Inch Lbs.

Brake Drum Diameter: 11"

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1-1/8"

Rear: 1-1/8"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1-1/8"

Wheel Alignment Specifications:

All Models:

Caster:

Manual Steering: - 1/2 Degrees

Power Steering: + 3/4 Degrees

Camber:

Manual Steering:

Left: + 1/2 Degree

Right: + 1/8 Degrees

Power Steering:

Left: + 1/2 Degree

Right: + 1/4 Degrees

Toe In: 1/8"

Toe-Out on Turns

Outer Wheel: 20 Degrees

Inner Wheel: 21-1/2 Degrees

Popular Options:

Pushbutton Radio, RCA Record Player with Radio, Roof Molding, Padded Dash, Easy Grip Steering Wheel, Heater, Air Conditioning & Heater, Crankcase Ventillation System, Back-Up Lamps, Drivers Side Remote Control Side Mirror, Prismatic Rear View Mirror, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Power Seat, Two-Tone Paint, Light Package.

Promotional Models Available:

None

1961 DeSoto Historical Data:

Total 1961 Desoto Production: 3,034.

Production of the DeSoto automobile ended on November 30, 1960.

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