1938 FORD

General Specifications

Model Designations: Model 81A, with V-8 Engine

Wheelbase: 112 Inches

Bore & Stroke: 3-1/16" x 3-3/4"

Engine Displacement: 221.0 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 6.12 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 30.01

Horsepower: 85 @ 3,800 RPM

Torque: 153 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,200 RPM .

Rear Axle Ratio: 4.33:1

Tire Size: 6.00 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, 30 Front, 30 Rear

Carburetor: Chandler Groves and Stromberg 21A-9510A, 2 Barrel Downdraft

Model Designations: Model 82A, with V-8 Engine

Wheelbase: 112 Inches

Bore & Stroke: 2.6" X 3.2"

Engine Displacement: 136.0 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 6.6:1

Taxable Horsepower: 21.63

Horsepower: 60 @ 3,500 RPM

Torque: 94 Ft. Lbs.@ 2,500 RPM

Rear Axle Ratio: 4.33:1

Tire Size: 5.50 X 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, 30 Front, 30 Rear

Carburetor: Chandler Groves and Stromberg 9221-9510, 2 Barrel Downdraft

MODEL #81A & 82A, WITH V-8 ENGINE

4 Door, DeLuxe Phaeton, 5 Passenger, Model 81A

Base Price: $820; Shipping Weight: 2,748 Pounds; Production Total: 1.169

2 Door Standard Coupe, 2 Passenger, Model 81A/82A

Base Price: $625; Shipping Weight: 2,575 Pounds; Production Total: 34,059

2 Door Standard Tudor Sedan, 5 Passenger, Model 81A/82A

Base Price: $665; Shipping Weight: 2,674 Pounds; Production Total: 106,117

4 Door Standard Fordor Sedan, 5 Passenger, Model 81A/82A

Base Price: $710; Shipping Weight: 2,697 Pounds: Production Total: 30,287

4 Door Station Wagon, 5 Passenger, Model 81A

Base Price: $660; Shipping Weight: 2,506 Pounds; Production Total: 26,738

2 Door DeLuxe Club Coupe Convertible, 5 Passenger, Model 81A

Base Price: $800; Shipping Weight: 2,719 Pounds; Production Total: 6,080

2 Door DeLuxe Convertible,35 Passenger, Model 81A

Base Price: $770; Shipping Weight: 2,679 Pounds; Production Total: 4,702

4 Door DeLuxe Convertible Sedan, 5 Passenger, Model 81A

Base Price: $900; Shipping Weight: 2,883 Pounds; Production Total: 2,703

2 Door DeLuxe Coupe, 3 Passenger, Model 81A

Base Price: $685; Shipping Weight: 2,606 Pounds; Production Total: 22,225

2 Door DeLuxe Club Coupe, 5 Passenger, Model 81A

Base Price: $745; Shipping Weight: 2,686 Pounds; Production Total: 7,171

2 Door DeLuxe Tudor Sedan, 5 Passenger, Model 81A

Base Price: $725; Shipping Weight: 2,742 Pounds; Production Total: 101,647

4 Door DeLuxe Fordor Sedan, 5 Passenger, Model 81A

Base Price: $770; Shipping Weight: 2,773 Pounds; Production Total: 92,020

Note: The 60 Horsepower V-8 was standard in only the three models in the Standard Line and were designated as Model 82A. Standard bodies with the 85 Horsepower V-8 were designated as Model 81A.

1938 FORD

Tune Up Specifications - All Series

Spark Plug Type:

85 Horsepower Engine: Champion H-10, H-11, or Equivalent

60 Horsepower Engine: Champion H-10, H-11, or Equivalent

Spark Plug: Gap .025;

Point Gap: .015

Distributor Cam Angle: 36 degrees

Ignition Timing: Mark & Location: 4 degrees BTDC, There are no Timing Marks

Firing Order: 1R, 1L, 4R, 4L, 2L, 3R, 3L, 2R or 15486372

Tappet Clearance, Cold: Intake .012, Exhaust .014

Cylinder Head Torque:

Cast Iron Heads: 50-60 Ft. Lbs.

Aluminum Heads: 35-40 Ft. Lbs.

Valve Specifications

Series 81A, with 85 Horsepower Engine

Tappet Clearance, Running Cold: Intake .012; Exhaust .014

Clearance for Timing: Intake: .012; Exhaust: .014

Valve Timing: Intake Opens 9-1/2 degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 6-1/2 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,

Valve Spring Pressure: 37 Lbs @ 2-1/8 inches (New Springs)

Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .0025-.0045;

Exhaust .0025-.0045

Series 82A, with 60 Horsepower Engine

Tappet Clearance, Running Cold: Intake .012; Exhaust .014

Clearance for Timing: Intake: .012; Exhaust: .014

Valve Timing: Intake Opens 9-1/2 degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 6-1/2 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees

Valve Spring Pressure: 26 LBS @ 2 inchse (New Springs)

Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .0015-.0035

Exhaust .0015-.0035

Piston & Ring Data-All Series

85 Horsepower Engine

Piston Removal: From Above

Piston Clearance (Minimum):

Top Land Inch .012;

Top of Skirt, Inch: With Sleeves & Aluminum Pistons, .0025"

Without Sleeves, .002"

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: With Sleeves & Aluminum Pistons, .0025"

Without Sleeves, .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 6 to 10

Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .012

Oil Ring: .012

Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:

Compression Ring: .0015-.003

Oil Control Ring: .0015-.003

60 Horsepower Engine

Piston Removal: From Above

Piston Clearance (Minimum):

Top Land Inch .012

Top of Skirt, Inch: With Sleeves, .0025

Without Sleeves, .002

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: With Sleeves, .0025

Without Sleeves, .002

Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .012

Oil Control Ring: .012

Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:

Compression Ring: .0015-.003

Oil Control Ring: .0015-.003

Engine Bearing Data

85 Horsepower Engine

Camshaft End Play: .003

Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .002

Rod Journal Diameter: 1.9990 Inches

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0017-.0036 inches

Rod End Play: .006-.014 inches

Rod Bolt Tension: 40 Lbs. Ft.

Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 2.3990"

For Large Bearing Crankshaft, Use Model 78 Specs, (1937-38)

Main Bearing Clearance: .000 -.003 inch

Crankshaft End Play: .002-.006 Inch

Main Bolt Tension: 80 Lbs. Ft.

60 Horsepower Engine

Camshaft End Play: .003

Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .002

Rod Journal Diameter: 1.5990

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0015-.0035

Rod End Play: .006-.014

Rod Bolt Tension: 40 Lbs Ft.

Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 1.990"

Main Bearing Clearance: .000-.003

Crankshaft End Play: .002-.006

Main Bolt Tension: 80 Lbs. Ft.

Capacities-All Series

With 85 Horsepower Engine

Cooling System: 22 Quarts

Fuel Tank: 14 Gallons;

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts;

Grade of Oil: Above +32F 30;

Above +10F 20W;

Above -10F 10W

Manual Transmission: 2-1/2 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 90, Winter 80

Rear Axle: 2-1/2 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 140, Winter 90

With 60 Horsepower Engine

Cooling System: 15 Quarts

Fuel Tank: 14 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 4 Quarts

Grade of Oil: Above +32F 30

Above +10F 20W

Above - 10F 10W

Manual Transmission: 1-3/4 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 90, Winter 80

Rear Axle: 2-1/2 Pints:

Grade of Oil: Summer 140, Winter 90

Beginning Engine & Serial Numbers: 81A Series: 54-358335

82A Series: 4186447

Brake Specifications-All Series

Lining Material: Primary Shoe-molded; Secondary Shoe-woven

Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: Length, 26-1/2",

Width, 1-3/4",

Thickness, .212"

Pedal Free Play: 3/8"

Wheel Alignment Specifications

Caster: +6-3/4;

Camber: +5/8;

Toe In; 1/16 inches;

Kingpin Angle: 8 Degrees

Rear Axle Data

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .006-.010 inch

Drive Pinion Adjustment: None

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Nut

Axle Shaft End Play: .000-.015 inch

Ford Distributor Specifications

Part #11A-12127

Initial Advance: 4 Degrees BTDC

Distributor Advance:

Minimum Advance: 21 Degrees; Maximum Advance: 24 Degrees @ 3,000 RPM

Total Crankshaft Advance: Minimum 25 Degrees; Maximum: 28 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 20-24 Ounces

Contact Spacing: .014-.016"

Dwell Contact @ Idle:

Left: 50%

Right: 45-55%

Total: 78-85%

Distributor Advance Data

Part #11A-12127

Vacuum Brake Released:

Distributor RPM: 200; 0-1 Degree

400: 6-1/2 to 8 Degrees

600: 10-1/2 to 12 Degrees

Vacuum Brake On:

Distributor RPM: 200

Distributor Degrees: 0-1.0

Vacuum: 0 Inches

Distributor RPM: 1,000

Distributor Degrees: 4.5-6.0

Vacuum: 1.6 Inches

Ford Generator Specifications-85 HP

Generator #81A-10000A

Watts: 119

Maximum Rate: 17 Amperes @ 1,300 RPM

Number of Brushes: 3

Field Resistance: @ 70 Degrees: 1.0 Ohms; @ 140 Degrees: 1.22 Ohms

Armature Resistance: @ 70 Degrees: 0.29 Ohms; @ 140 Degrees: 0.36 Ohms

Ford Generator Specifications-60HP

Generator #82A-10000A

Watts: 119

Maximum Rate: 17 Amperes @ 1,300 RPM

Number of Brushes: 3

Field Resistance: @ 70 Degrees: 1.0 Ohms; @ 140 Degrees: 1.22 Ohms

Armature Resistance: @ 70 Degrees: 0.29 Ohms; @ 140 Degrees: 0.36 Ohms

Ford Regulator Specifications

Part #B10505

Type: Cutout

Cut in Voltage:

Minimum: 6.1 Volts

Maximum: 6.3 Volts

Part #01A-10505C

Type: Voltage & Current

Cut in Voltage:

Minimum: 6.1 Volts

Maximum: 6.3 Volts

Voltage Regulation @ 70 Degrees:

Minimum: 7.0 Volts

Maximum: 7.2 Volts

Amperage Regulation @ 70 Degrees:

Minimum: 30 Amperes

Maximum: 33 Amperes

Starting Motor Specifications-85 HP

Part #18-11002

Normal Engine Cranking Speed: 100 RPM

Maximum Torque: 14 Ft Lbs. @ 550 Amperes

Teeth in Pinion: 10

Teeth in Ring Gear: 112

Amperage Idle: 45-60 Amperes

Brush Spring Tension: 20-22 Ounces

Starting Motor Specifications-60 HP

Part #9N-11002

Normal Engine Cranking Speed: 100 RPM

Maximum Torque: 14 Ft Lbs. @ 550 Amperes

Teeth in Pinion: 9

Teeth in Ring Gear: 122

Amperage Idle: 45-60 Amperes

Brush Spring Tension: 20-22 Ounces

Stromberg Carburetor Specifications-85HP

Carburetor Model: EE-1

Part #380076

Code: 2-21A

Repair Kit #RK-126

Fuel Level: 15/32"

Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 19/64"

Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .030"

Carburetor Model: EE-1

Part #A-18271

Code: Marked "97" on Main Body

Repair Kit #RK-70

Fuel Level: 15/32"

Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 19/64"

Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .030"

Carburetor Model: EE-1

Part #A-18281

Code: Marked "97" on Main Body

Repair Kit #RK-70

Fuel Level: 15/32"

Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 19/64"

Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .030"

Carburetor Model: EE-1

Part #A-18291

Code: Marked "97" on Main Body

Repair Kit #RK-70

Fuel Level: 15/32"

Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 19/64"

Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .030"

Part #A-18301

Code: Marked "97" on Main Body

Repair Kit #RK-70

Fuel Level: 15/32"

Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 19/64"

Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .030"

Carburetor Model: EE-7/8

Part #A-17690

Code: Marked "81" on Main Body

Repair Kit #RK-66

Fuel Level: 15/32"

Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 9/32"

Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .030"

Stromberg Carburetor Specifications - 60 HP

Carburetor Model: EE-7/8

Part #A-17800

Code: Marked "81" on Main Body

Repair Kit #RK-66

Fuel Level: 15/32"

Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 9/32"

Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .030"

Carburetor Model: EE-7/8

Part #A-17860

Code: Marked "81" on Main Body

Repair Kit #RK-66

Fuel Level: 15/32"

Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 9/32"

Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .030"

Carburetor Model: EE-7/8

Part #A-17910

Code: Marked "81" on Main Body

Repair Kit #RK-66

Fuel Level: 15/32"

Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 9/32"

Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .030"

Carburetor Model: EE-7/8

Part #A-17900

Code: Marked "81" on Main Body

Repair Kit #RK-66

Fuel Level: 15/32"

Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 9/32"

Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .030"

Fuel Pump Data:

Pump Type: R

Maximum Pressure: 3-1/2 PSI

Dash Gauge Manufacturers:

Gasoline: King-Seeley

Temperature: King-Seeley

Oil Pressure: King-Seeley

Ammeter: Ford

Popular Options

Radio, Clock, Heater, Cigar Lighter, Seat Covers, Sportlight, Dual Windshield Wipers, Side Rear View Mirror, Dual Taillights on Standard Models, Fog Lamps, Locking Gas Cap, Glove Compartment Lock, Vanity Mirror, Draft Deflectors, Wheel Trim Bands, DeLuxe Hubcaps, Whitewall Tires, DeLuxe Steering Wheel, Center Bumper Guard, License Plate Frame.

1938 Ford Historical Data

1938 Ford Model Introduction was in November, 1937.

Total Ford Production for 1938 was 410,048

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