1942 NASH
Model Designations:
Nash, Ambassador "Eight," Series 4280, 8 Cylinder
Nash, Ambassador "Six," Series 4260, 6 Cylinder
Nash Ambassador "600," Series 4240, 6 Cylinder
Nash Ambassador 8, Series 4280, 8 Cylinder Body Styles
4 Door Trunk Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #4280
Base Price: $1,209; Shipping Weight: 3,465 Pounds
2 Door Coupe, 3 Passenger, Model #4282
Base Price: $1,134; Shipping Weight: 3,350 Pounds
2 Door Brougham, 5 Passenger, Model #4283
Base Price: $1,174; Shipping Weight: 3,385 Pounds
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #4288
Base Price: $1,184; Shipping Weight: 3,465 Pounds
2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #4288
Base Price: $1,164; Shipping Weight: 3,485 Pounds
Production Totals by Body Style are not available.
Nash Ambassador Six, Series 4260, 6 Cylinder, Body Styles
4 Door Trunk Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #4260
Base Price: $1,159; Shipping Weight: 3,335 Pounds
2 Door Coupe, 3 Passenger, Model #4262
Base Price: $1,084; Shipping Weight: 3,200 Pounds
2 Door Brougham, 5 Passenger, Model #4263
Base Price: $1,124; Shipping Weight: 3,230 Pounds
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #4268
Base Price: $1,134; Shipping Weight: 3,335 Pounds
2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #4269
Base Price: $1,114; Shipping Weight: 3,260 Pounds
Production Totals by Body Style are not available.
Nash Ambassador "600," Series 4240, 6 Cylinder, Body Styles
4 Door Trunk Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #4240
Base Price: $993; Shipping Weight: 2,655 Pounds
2 Door Coupe, 3 Passenger, Model #4242
Base Price: $918; Shipping Weight: 2,540 Pounds
2 Door Brougham, 5 Passenger, Model #4243
Base Price: $958; Shipping Weight: 2,580 Pounds
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #4248
Base Price: $968; Shipping Weight: 2,655 Pounds
2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #4249
Base Price: $948; Shipping Weight: 2,605 Pounds
Production Totals by Body Style are not available.
1942 NASH
Ambassador "600" Six, Series 4240, General Specifications
Wheelbase: 112 Inches
Engine Type: Inline 6 Cylinder, L-Head
Bore & Stroke: 3-1/8" X 3-3/4"
Engine Displacement: 172.6 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 6.87 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 23.44
Horsepower: 76 @ 3,600 RPM
Torque: 138 Ft Lbs @ 1,200 RPM
Rear Axle Ratio: 4.11:1
Carburetor: Carter WDO - 513S
Tire Size: 5.50 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 28, Rear, 28
Ambassador 6, Series 4260, General Specifications
Wheelbase: 121 Inches
Engine Type: Inline 6 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 3-3/8" X 4-3/8"
Engine Displacement: 234.8 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 6.50 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 27.35
Horsepower: 105 @ 3,400 RPM
Torque: 203 Ft Lbs @ 1,600 RPM
Rear Axle Ratio: 4.11:1
Carburetor: Carter WA1-426S
Tire Size: 6.25 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 28, Rear, 28
Ambassador 8, Series 4280, General Specifications
Wheelbase: 121 Inches
Engine Type: Inline 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 3-1/8" X 4-1/4"
Engine Displacement: 260.8 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 6.60 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 31.25
Horsepower: 115 @ 3,400 RPM
Torque: 200 Ft Lbs @ 1,600 RPM
Rear Axle Ratio: 4.11:1
Carburetor: Carter WDO-538S .
Tire Size: 6.50 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 26, Rear, 26
Tune Up Specifications, Ambassador "600" 6, Series 4240
Spark Plug: Gap .025"
Spark Plug Type: Champion J-8, J-11, or Equivalent
Point Gap: .020"
Distributor Cam Angle: 35 Degrees
Ignition Timing: IGN Mark on Vibration Damper
Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .015", Exhaust .015"
Cylinder Head Torque: 60 Ft Lbs
Tune Up Specifications, Ambassador 6, Series 4260
Spark Plug: Gap .025"
Spark Plug Type: Champion J-8, J-11, or Equivalent
Point Gap: .020"
Distributor Cam Angle: 35 degrees
Ignition Timing: "IGN" Mark on Vibration Damper
Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .015", Exhaust .015"
Cylinder Head Torque: 65 Ft Lbs
Tune Up Specifications, Ambassador 8, Series 4280
Spark Plug: Gap .025"
Spark Plug Type: Champion J-8, J-11, or Equivalent
Point Gap: .017"
Distributor Cam Angle: 27 degrees
Ignition Timing: "IGN" Mark on Vibration Damper
Firing Order: 1-6-2-5-8-3-7-4
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .015", Exhaust .015"
Cylinder Head Torque: 65 Ft Lbs
Valve Specifications, Nash 600, Series 4240, 6 Cylinder
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .015"; Exhaust .015"
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .015"; Exhaust: .015"
Valve Timing:
Intake Valve Opens @ 19 Degrees Before Top Dead Center
Exhaust Valve Closes @ 23 Degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: 37 Lbs @ 1-3/4 inches (New Springs)
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .002"-.003"
Exhaust .002"-.003"
Valve Specifications, Ambassador 6, Series 4260, 6 Cylinder
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .015"; Exhaust .015"
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .015"; Exhaust: .015"
Valve Timing:
Intake Valve Opens @ 14 Degrees Before Top Dead Center
Exhaust Valve Closes @ 31 Degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: Inner Spring: 21 Pounds @ 1-3/8"
Outer Spring: 38 Pounds @ 1-11/16"
Combined Pressure: 59 Pounds
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .002"-.004"
Exhaust .002"-.004"
Valve Specifications, Ambassador 8, Series 4280, 8 Cylinder
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .015"; Exhaust .015"
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .015"; Exhaust: .015"
Valve Timing: Intake Valve Opens, 10.5 Degrees Before Top Dead Center
Exhaust Valve Closes, 35.5 Degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: Inner Spring: 21 Pounds @ 1-3/8"
Outer Spring: 38 Pounds @ 1-11/16"
Combined Pressure: 59 Pounds
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .002"-.004"
Exhaust .002"-.004"
Piston & Ring Data, Ambassador "600", Series 4240, 6 Cylinder
Piston Removal: From Above
Piston Clearance (Minimum):
Top Land Inch .020"
Top of Skirt, Inch: .0003"
Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:
Piston Supported at its own weight anywhere in the cylinder
Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):
Compression Ring: .010"
Oil Ring: .010"
Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:
Compression Ring: .002"-.004"
Oil Ring: .002"-.004"
Piston & Ring Data, Ambassador 6, Series 4260, 6 Cylinder
Piston Removal: Above
Piston Clearance (Minimum):
Top Land Inch .020"
Top of Skirt, Inch: .001"
Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:
Piston Supported at its own weight anywhere in the cylinder
Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):
Compression Ring: .010"
Oil Ring: .010"
Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:
Compression Ring: .002"-.004"
Oil Ring: .002"-.004"
Piston & Ring Data, Ambassador 8, Series 4280, 8 Cylinder
Piston Removal: Below
Piston Clearance (Minimum):
Top Land Inch .020"
Top of Skirt, Inch: .001"
Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:
Shim Thickness: .0025"
Pounds Pull on Scale: 8 to 15
Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):
Compression Ring: .010"
Oil Ring: .010"
Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:
Compression Ring: .002"-.004"
Oil Ring: .002"-.004"
Engine Bearing Data, Ambassador "600", Series 4240, 6 Cylinder
Camshaft End Play: .004"-.006"
Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .001"-.003"
Rod Journal Diameter: 1.875"
Rod Bearing Clearance: .0015"-.002"
Rod End Play: .006"-.012" inches
Rod Bolt Tension: 27-30 Lbs. Ft.
Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 2.4785"-2.4795"
Main Bearing Clearance: .002"
Crankshaft End Play: .006"-.008"
Main Bolt Tension: 70 Lbs. Ft.
Engine Bearing Data, Ambassador "Six", Series 4260, 6 Cylinder &
Ambassador "Eight", Series 4280, 8 Cylinder
Camshaft End Play: .004"-.006"
Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .001"-.003"
Rod Journal Diameter: 1.9995"- 2.0005"
Rod Bearing Clearance: .0015"-.002"
Rod End Play: .006"-.014" inches
Rod Bolt Tension: 50-55 Lbs. Ft.
Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 2.4785"-2.4795"
Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003
Crankshaft End Play: .006"-.010"
Main Bolt Tension: 70 Lbs. Ft.
Ambassador "600", Series 4240, 6 Cylinder
Cooling System: 14 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 1 Pint Without Overdrive: 3 Pints With Overdrive
Grade of Oil: Summer 70, Winter 50
Rear Axle: 3 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Capacities, Ambassador 6, Series 4260, 6 Cylinder
Cooling System: 17 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 6 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 4 Pints Without Overdrive; 6 Pints With Overdrive
Grade of Oil: Summer 70, Winter 50
Rear Axle: 4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Capacities, Ambassador 8, Series 4280, 8 Cylinder
Cooling System: 16 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 7 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 4 Pints, Without Overdrive: 6 Pints With Overdrive
Grade of Oil: Summer 70, Winter 50
Rear Axle: 4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Beginning Engine Numbers:
Model 4240: K-56001
Model 4260: R-384001
Model 4280: B-114001
Beginning Serial Numbers:
Model 4240: L-56001
Model 4260: R-384001
Model 4280: B-114001
Brake Specifications, Ambassador "600", Series 4240, 6 Cylinder Models
Lining Material: Molded
Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: 20-1/2"
Width: 1-3/4",
Thickness: 3/16"
Pedal Free Play: 3/8"
Brake Specifications, Ambassador 6, Model 4260 &
Ambassador 8, Model 4280
Lining Material: Molded
Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: 22"
Width: 2",
Thickness: 3/16"
Pedal Free Play: 3/8"
Wheel Alignment Specifications, All Series:
Caster: Zero Degrees
Camber: +1/4 Degrees
Toe In: 1/32"
Kingpin Inclination: 5-1/2 Degrees
Rear Axle Specifications, All Series:
Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .005"-.007"
Drive Pinion Adjustment: Shims
Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Shims
Axle Shaft End Play: .002"-.004"
Delco-Remy Distributor Specifications, Series 40:
Distributor #1110512
Cam Angle: 35 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .020"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-21 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degrees @ 400 RPM
Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 1,200 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 3"-5" Vacuum
Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 14"-17" Vacuum
Maximum Vacuum Advance: 8-1/2 Degrees
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, Series 60:
Distributor #1GS-4205
Cam Angle: 38 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .020"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 2 Degrees @ 340 RPM
Full Advance: 9 Degrees @ 900 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 6-5/8" Vacuum
Full Advance: 6 Degrees @ 15" Vacuum
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, Series 80:
Distributor #1GK-4102
Cam Angle: 28 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .017"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 4 Degrees @ 400 RPM
Full Advance: 12 Degrees @ 1,100 RPM
Delco-Remy Generator Specifications, Series 40:
Generator #1102684
Brush Spring Tension: 25 Ounces
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 6 Volts: 1.75 - 1.90 Amperes
Maximum Output (Cold): 30 Amperes; .0 Volts @ 1,750 RPM
Maximum Hot Output: Controlled by Current Regulator
Auto-Lite Generator Specifications, Series 60:
Generator #GDZ-4806A
Brush Spring Tension: 35-53 Ounces
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 6 Volts: 1.60 - 1.78 Amperes
Low Output Test: 8 Amperes, 7.6 Volts @ 1,250 RPM
Maximum Output: 35 Amperes; 8 Volts
Auto-Lite Generator Specifications, Series 80:
Generator #GDZ-4803B
Brush Spring Tension: 35-53 Ounces
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 6 Volts: 1.60 - 1.78 Amperes
Low Output Test: 8 Amperes, 7.6 Volts @ 1,250 RPM
Maximum Output: 35 Amperes; 8 Volts
Delco-Remy Regulator Specifications - Series 40:
Regulator Type: Voltage & Current
Part #1118202
Ground Polarity: Positive
Voltage to Close Relay Points: 6.2 - 6.7
Amperage to Open Relay Points: 0 - 4.0 Amperes
Maximum Operating Amperage: 34 - 36 Amperes
Maximum Operating Voltage @ 70 Degrees: 7.2 - 7.4 Volts
Operating Voltage @ 70 Degrees: 7.35 Volts
Auto-Lite Regulator Specifications - All Series, Except Series 40:
Regulator Type: Voltage & Current
Part #VRP-4004F-1
Ground Polarity: Positive
Voltage to Close Relay Points: 6.4 - 6.6
Amperage to Open Relay Points: 4 - 6 Amperes
Maximum Operating Amperage: 34 - 36 Amperes
Maximum Operating Voltage @ 70 Degrees: 7.35 Volts
Delco-Remy Starting Motor Specifications - Series 40
Part #1109451
Brush Spring Tension: 24 - 28 Ounces
No Load Test: 60 Amperes, 5.7 Volts @ 6,000 RPM
Lock Test: 540 Amperes, 3.3 Volts @ 11.5 Ft Lbs Torque
Auto-Lite Starting Motor Specifications - Series 60
Part #MAB-4076
Brush Spring Tension: 42 - 53 Ounces
No Load Test: 60 Amperes, 5.5 Volts @ 3,700 RPM
Lock Test: 775 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 22.5 Ft Lbs Torque
Auto-Lite Starting Motor Specifications - 8 Cylinder Models:
Part #MAB-4104
Brush Spring Tension: 42 - 53 Ounces
No Load Test: 60 Amperes, 5.5 Volts @ 3,700 RPM
Lock Test: 775 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 22.50 Ft Lbs Torque
Carter Carburetor Specifications - Series 40:
Carburetor Model: BB
Part #513S
Casting # 177
Repair Kit # 1307A
Float Level: 5/64"
Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 1-1/4 Turns
Metering Rod Gauge: None
Pump Travel: 30/64" (Long Stroke)
Anti-Percolator Setting: None
Carter Carburetor Specifications - Series 60:
Carburetor Model: WA1
Part #464S
Casting # 290
Repair Kit # 1065
Float Level: 3/8"
Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 1-1/2 Turns
Metering Rod Gauge: T109-102
Pump Travel: 27/64" (Long Stroke)
Anti-Percolator Setting: With throttle valve open .020", there should be .005" to .015" clearance between rocker arm & pump arm.
Unloader Setting: 31/64"
Fast Idle Setting: 5/8"
Choke Lockout Adjustment: 1/32"
Carter Carburetor Specifications - Series 80:
Carburetor Model: WD0
Part #538S
Casting # 397
Repair Kit # N/A
Float Level: 3/16"
Idle Screw Setting: 1/4 to 1-1/4 Turns
Metering Rod Gauge: T109-113
Pump Travel: 32/64" (Long Stroke)
Anti-Percolator Setting: With throttle closed, indicator lines should be flush with the top of the anti-percolator plugs.
Unloader Setting: 9/64"
Fast Idle Setting: .015"
Choke Lockout Adjustment: None
Fuel Pump Data:
Pump Type: W
Maximum Pressure: 4-1/2 PSI
Dash Gauge Manufacturers:
Gasoline: King-Sealey
Temperature: King-Sealey
Oil Pressure: King-Sealey
Ammeter: King-Sealey
Popular Options
Radio, Antenna, Heater, Clock, Cigar Lighter, Bed Conversion, Fender Skirt, Overdrive, Hill Holder, Seat Covers, Spot Light Fog Lights, Oil Filter, Left & Right Outside Mirrors.
1942 Nash Historical Data
Model Year Introduction was on October 1, 1941.
Total 1942 Nash Production was 5,248.
Model year production ended on February 1, 1942.
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