1937 OLDSMOBILE



Model Designations:

Oldsmobile, Seires F, 6 Cylinder

Oldsmobile, Series L, 8 Cylinder



Oldsmobile, Series F, 6 Cylinder, Body Styles


2 Door Convertble, 3 Passenger, Body # 373667

Base Price: $965; Shipping Weight: 3,295 Pounds; Production Total: 1,619


2 Door Business Coupe, 3 Passenger, Body # 373627B

Base Price: $810; Shipping Weight: 3,220 Pounds; Production Total: 13,908


2 Door Club Coupe, 3 Passenger, Body # 373627

Base Price: $870; Shipping Weight: 3,225 Pounds; Production Total: 7,426


2 Door Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body # 373601

Base Price: $870; Shipping Weight: 3,275 Pounds; Production Total: 9,664


2 Door Trunk Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body # 373611

Base Price: $895; Shipping Weight: 3,285 Pounds; Production Total: 38,043


4 Door Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body #373609

Base Price: $920; Shipping Weight: 3,310; Production Total: 4,020


4 Door Trunk Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body # 373619

Base Price: $945; Shipping Weight: 3,395 Pounds; Production Total: 62,933




Oldsmobile, Series L, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles


2 Door Convertble, 3 Passenger, Body # 373867

Base Price: $1,080; Shipping Weight: 3,450 Pounds; Production Total: 728


2 Door Club Coupe, 3 Passenger, Body # 373827

Base Price: $985; Shipping Weight: 3,405 Pounds; Production Total: 2,302


2 Door Business Coupe, 3 Passenger, Body # 373827B

Base Price: $925; Shipping Weight: 3,395 Pounds; Production Total: 2,150


2 Door Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body # 373801

BasePrice: $985; Shipping Weight: 3,480 Pounds; Production Total: 5,818


2 Door Trunk Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body # 373811

Base Price: $1,010; Shipping Weight: 3,480 Pounds; Production Total: 398


4 Door Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body #373809

Base Price: $1,035; Shipping Weight: 3,510; Production Total: 457


4 Door Trunk Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body # 373819

Base Price: $1,060; Shipping Weight: 3,525 Pounds; Production Total: 30,465




General Specifications


Oldsmobile, Series F, 6 Cylinder

Wheelbase: 117 Inches

Engine: Inline 6 Cylinder, L-Head

Bore & Stroke: 3-7/16" X 4-1/8"

Engine Displacement: 229.7 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 6.10 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 28.40

Horsepower: 95 @ 3,400 RPM

Torque: Not Available

Rear Axle Ratio: 4.375:1

Carburetor: Single Downdraft with Automatic Choke .

Tire Size: 6.50 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 24, Rear, 28


Capacities, 6 Cylinder Models


Cooling System: 16 Quarts

Fuel Tank: 18 Gallons;

Engine Oil Refill: 6 Quarts;

Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;

Above +10F 20W;

Above -10F 10W

Manual Transmission: 2 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 140, Winter 90

Rear Axle: 2-1/2 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H



Tune Up Specifications, 6 Cylinder Models


Spark Plug Type: Champion J-8, J-11, or Equivalent

Spark Plug: Gap .040"

Point Gap: .020"

Distributor Cam Angle: 35 degrees

Ignition Timing: "TDC" Mark on Flywheel

Firing Order: 153624

Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .008", Exhaust .011"

Cylinder Head Torque: 60-70 Ft Lbs


Engine Bearing Data, 6 Cylinder Models


Camshaft End Play: Controlled by Spring & Plunger on the front.

Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .002"-.004"

Rod Journal Diameter: 2.123"-2.124"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .001"-.003"

Rod End Play: .005"-.010" inches

Rod Bolt Tension: 50-55 Lbs. Ft.

Main Bearing Journal Diameter:

#1: 2.478"-2.479"; #2: 2.5405"-2.5415";

#3: 2.6655"-2.6665"; #4: 2.6855"-2.6865;

Main Bearing Clearance: .001" -.003"

Crankshaft End Play: .004"-.008"

Main Bolt Tension: 120 Lbs. Ft.



Valve Specifications, 6 Cylinder Models


Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .008"; Exhaust .011"

Clearance for Timing: Intake: .0125"; Exhaust: .0155"

Valve Timing: Intake Opens 5 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 5 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Seat Angle: Intake 30 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,

Valve Spring Pressure: 46 Lbs @ 2-9/32 inches (New Springs)

Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .001" -.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"




Piston & Ring Data, 6 Cylinder Models


Piston Removal: From Above

Piston Clearance (Minimum):

Top Land Inch .026"

Top of Skirt, Inch: .0013"

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 4 to 11

Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .009"

Oil Ring: .009"

Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:

Compression Ring: .002"-.0035"

Oil Control Ring: .001"-.0025"





General Specifications


Oldsmobile, Series L, 8 Cylinder

Wheelbase: 124 Inches

Engine Type: Inline 8 Cylinder, L-Head

Bore & Stroke: 3-1/4" X 3-7/8"

Engine Displacement: 257.1 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 6.20 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 33.80

Horsepower: 110 @ 3,600 RPM

Torque: Not Available

Rear Axle Ratio: 4.375:1

Carburetor: Duplex Downdraft with Automatic Choke

Tire Size: 7.00 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 24, Rear, 24



Capacities, 8 Cylinder Models


Cooling System: 20 Quarts

Fuel Tank: 18 Gallons;

Engine Oil Refill: 7 Quarts;

Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;

Above +10F 20W;

Above -10F 10W

Manual Transmission: 2 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 140, Winter 90

Rear Axle: 2-1/2 Pints

Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H


Tune Up Specifications, 8 Cylinder Models


Spark Plug Type: Champion J-8, J-11, or Equivalent

Spark Plug: Gap .030"

Point Gap: .015"

Distributor Cam Angle: 31 degrees

Ignition Timing: Steel Ball in Flywheel

Firing Order: 16258374

Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .008", Exhaust .011"

Cylinder Head Torque: 60-70 Ft Lbs



Engine Bearing Data, 8 Cylinder Models


Camshaft End Play: Controlled by Spring & Plunger at the front

Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .002"-.004"

Rod Journal Diameter: 2.123"-2.124"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .001"-.003"

Rod End Play: .005"-.010" inches

Rod Bolt Tension: 50-55 Lbs. Ft.

Main Bearing Journal Diameter:

#1: 2.478"-2.489"; #2: 2.5405"-2.5415";

#3: 2.603"-2.604"; #4: 2.6655"-2.6665";

#5: 2.6855:-2.6865"

Main Bearing Clearance: .001" -.003"

Crankshaft End Play: .004"-.008"

Main Bolt Tension: 120 Lbs. Ft.




Valve Specifications, 8 Cylinder Models


Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .008"; Exhaust .011"

Clearance for Timing: Intake: .0125"; Exhaust: .0155"

Valve Timing: Intake Opens At Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 10 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Seat Angle: Intake 30 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,

Valve Spring Pressure: 46 Lbs @ 2-9/32 inches (New Springs)

Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"




Piston & Ring Data, 8 Cylinder Models


Piston Removal: From Above

Piston Clearance (Minimum):

Top Land Inch .026"

Top of Skirt, Inch: .0013"

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 4 to 11

Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .009"

Oil Ring: .009"

Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:

Compression Ring: .002"-.0035"

Oil Control Ring: .001"-.0025"




Beginning Engine Numbers:

6 Cylinder: 670001

8 Cylinder: 250001



Beginning Serial Numbers:

6 Cylinder: CF-364520 Callifornia

LF-544720 Linden, New Jersey

MI-503300 Lansing, Michigan

8 Cylinder: CL-140001 California

LL-195001 Linden, New Jersey

LMI-186544 Lansing, Michigan



Brake Specifications, 6 Cylinder Models


Lining Material: Primary Shoe, Molded: Secondary Shoe, Woven

Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: 21-5/16"

Width: 1-3/4",

Thickness: 3/16"

Pedal Free Play: 1/4"



Brake Specifications, 8 Cylinder Models


Lining Material: Primary Shoe, Molded: Secondary Shoe, Woven

Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: 23-3/64"

Width: 1-3/4",

Thickness: 3/16"

Pedal Free Play: 1/4"






Wheel Alignment Specifications, 6 & 8 Cylinder Models


Caster: +5/8 Degrees

Camber: +7/16 Degrees

Toe In: 5/32"

Kingpin Angle: 4-5/6 Degrees




Rear Axle , 6 & 8 Cylinder Models


Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .004"-.008"

Drive Pinion Adjustment: Shims

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: None

Axle Shaft End Play: .000"-.008"



Delco-Remy Distributor Specifications - 6 Cylinder Models

Distributor #647-F

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: 1-1/2 Degrees @ 250 RPM

Full Advance: 14 Degrees @ 1,850 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 5"-7"

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 15"-18"

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 10 Degrees

Delco-Remy Distributor Specifications - 8 Cylinder Models

Distributor #663-W

Cam Angle: 25 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .015"

Condenser Capacity: .20 -.25 Mfds.

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 19-23 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1-1/4 Degrees @ 300 RPM

Full Advance: 15 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 5"-7"

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 14"-17"

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 7-1/2 Degrees




Delco-Remy Generator Specifications


Generator #936-T

Brush Spring Tension:

Main Brush: 25 Ounces

Third Brush: 17 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 6 Volts: 2.3-2.6 Amperes

Maximum Cold Output:

27 Amperes, 9.0 Volts @ 3,000 RPM

Maximum Hot Output:

23 Amperes, 8.7 Volts @ 3,200 RPM



Generator #918-H

Brush Spring Tension:

Main Brush: 25 Ounces

Third Brush: 17 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 6 Volts:

Shunt: 1.44-1.56 Amperes

Third Brush: .89-.94 Amperes

Maximum Cold Output:

29 Amperes, 8.0 Volts @ 4,000 RPM

Maximum Hot Output:

28 Amperes, 8.0 Volts @ 4,200 RPM



Generator #1100002

Brush Spring Tension:

Main Brush: 25 Ounces

Third Brush: 17 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 6 Volts: 2.3-2.6 Amperes

Maximum Cold Output:

30 Amperes, 8.0 Volts @ 3,400 RPM

Maximum Hot Output:

28 Amperes, 8.0 Volts @ 3,600 RPM




Delco-Remy Regulator Specifications


Regulator Type: Voltage

Part #1118203

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage to Close Relay Points: 6.3-6.6 Volts

Amperage to Open Relay Points: 0-4.0 Amperes

Maximum Operating Voltage: 7.0-7.1 Volts



Delco-Remy Starting Motor Specifications - 6 Cylinder Models


Part #739-G

Brush Spring Tension: 24-28 Ounces

No Load Test: 65 Amperes, 5.0 Volts, @ 5,000 RPM

Lock Test: 525 Amperes, 3.37 Volts, 12 Ft. Lbs. of Torque.



Delco-Remy Starting Motor Specifications - 8 Cylinder Models


Part #729-J

Brush Spring Tension: 24-28 Ounces

No Load Test: 60 Amperes, 5.0 Volts, @ 6,000 RPM

Lock Test: 600 Amperes, 3.0 Volts, 15 Ft. Lbs. of Torque.



Carter Carburetor Specifications, 6 Cylinder


Carburetor Model: W1

Part #351S

Casting # 290

Repair Kit # 1033A

Float Level: 3/8"

Idle Screw Setting: 3/4 to 1-1/4 Turns

Metering Rod Gauge: T-109-25

Pump Travel: Set for Longest Stroke In Cold Weather, Shortes Stroke in Warm Weather

Anti-Percolator Setting: With throttle valve closed, indicator lines should be flush with top on anti-percolator plugs..

Unloader Setting: 3/8"

Fast Idle Setting: 5/8"

Choke Lockout Adjustment: 1/32"



Carter Carburetor Specifications, 6 Cylinder


Carburetor Model: W1

Part #385S

Casting # 290

Repair Kit # 1034A

Float Level: 3/8"

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

Metering Rod Gauge: T-109-25

Pump Travel: Set for Longest Stroke In Cold Weather, Shortes Stroke in Warm Weather

Anti-Percolator Setting: With throttle valve closed, indicator lines should be flush with top of anti-percolator plugs.

Unloader Setting: 3/8"

Fast Idle Setting: 5/8"

Choke Lockout Adjustment: 1/32"



Carter Carburetor Specifications, 8 Cylinder


Carburetor Model: WD0

Part #345S

Casting # 153

Repair Kit # 1040A

Float Level: 9/64"

Idle Screw Setting: 3/4 to 1-1/4 Turns

Metering Rod Gauge: T-109-27

Pump Travel: 16/64" (Long Stroke)

Anti-Percolator Setting: With throttle valve closed, indicator lines should be flush with top of anti-percolator plugs.

Unloader Setting: 1/4"

Fast Idle Setting: .018"

Choke Lockout Adjustment: None



Carter Carburetor Specifications, 8 Cylinder


Carburetor Model: WD0

Part #367S

Casting # 153

Repair Kit # 1040A

Float Level: 9/64"

Idle Screw Setting: 3/4 to 1-1/4 Turns

Metering Rod Gauge: T-109-27

Pump Travel: 16/64" (Long Stroke)

Anti-Percolator Setting: With Throttle Valve Closed, Indicator Lines Should be Flush With Top of Anti-Percolator Plugs.

Unloader Setting: 1/4"

Fast Idle Setting: .018"

Choke Lockout Adjustment: None



Carter Carburetor Specifications, 8 Cylinder


Carburetor Model: WD0

Part #386S

Casting # 153

Repair Kit # 1041

Float Level: 9/64"

Idle Screw Setting: 3/4 to 1-1/4 Turns

Metering Rod Gauge: T-109-27

Pump Travel: 19/64"

Anti-Percolator Setting: With throttle valve closed, indicator lines should be flush with top of anti-percolator plugs.

Unloader Setting: 1/4"

Fast Idle Setting: .018"

Choke Lockout Adjustment: None





Fuel Pump Data:

Pump Model: AH

Maximum Pressure: 3-3/4 PSI


Pump Model: AJ

Maximum Pressure: 4 PSI



Dash Gauge Manufacturer:

Gasoline: AC

Temperature: AC

Oil Pressure: AC

Ammeter: AC




Popular Options


Single Sidemounts, Bumper Guards, Radio, Radio with 2 Speakers, Heater, DeLuxe Heater, Fan Defroster, Dual Windshield Defroster, Clock, Electric Clock, Cigar Lighter, Seat Covers, Spotlight, Wheel Trim Rings, Wheel Discs, DeLuxe Steering Wheel, Luggage Compartment Mat, Fender Markers, Insect Window Screens, Winter Grille Cover, Winter Radiator Shutter Controlled From Instrument Panel, Safety Automatic Transmission.



1937 Oldsmobile Historical Data


Total 1937 Oldsmobile Production was 200,546.

Column Shift Introduced.

Automatic Safety Transmission introduced as an option.


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