1938 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 # 383667
Base Price: $1,046; Shipping Weight: 3,360 Pounds; Production Total: 1,184
2 Door Business Coupe, 3 Passenger, Body # 383627B
Base Price: $873; Shipping Weight: 3,205 Pounds; Production Total: 8,538
2 Door Club Coupe, 3 Passenger, Body # 383627
Base Price: $928; Shipping Weight: 3,215 Pounds; Production Total: 5,632
2 Door Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body # 383601
Base Price: $919; Shipping Weight: 3,275 Pounds; Production Total: 3,975
2 Door Trunk Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body # 383611
Base Price: $944; Shipping Weight: 3,285 Pounds; Production Total: 22,390
4 Door Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body #383609
Base Price: $970; Shipping Weight: 3,290; Production Total: 1,477
4 Door Trunk Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body # 383619
Base Price: $995; Shipping Weight: 3,305 Pounds; Production Total: 36,484
Oldsmobile, Series L, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles
2 Door Convertble, 3 Passenger, Body # 383867
Base Price: $1,163; Shipping Weight: 3,530 Pounds; Production Total: 475
2 Door Club Coupe, 3 Passenger, Body # 383827
Base Price: $1,035; Shipping Weight: 3,410 Pounds; Production Total: 1,136
2 Door Business Coupe, 3 Passenger, Body # 383827B
Base Price: $989; Shipping Weight: 3,400 Pounds; Production Total: 1,098
2 Door Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body # 383801
BasePrice: $1,030; Shipping Weight: 3,275 Pounds; Production Total: 143
2 Door Trunk Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body # 383811
Base Price: $1,056; Shipping Weight: 3,287 Pounds; Production Total: 1,948
4 Door Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body #383809
Base Price: $1,081; Shipping Weight: 3,290; Production Total: 200
4 Door Trunk Sedan, 5 Passenger, Body # 383819
Base Price: $1,107; Shipping Weight: 3,595 Pounds; Production Total: 14,987
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; 3.55:1 with Semi-Automatic Transmission
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: 17 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
For Automatic Transmission: Use 3-1/2 Quarts of Engine Oil
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: .0005"-.0025"
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: .0005" -.002"
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: 55 Lbs @ 2-1/4 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; With Semi-Automatic Transmission, 3.55:1
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: 21 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
With Automatic Transmission use 3-1/2 Quarts of Engine Oil
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: .0005"-.0025"
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: .0005" -.002"
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: 55 Lbs @ 2-1/4 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: .0015"-.003"
Oil Control Ring: .001"-.0025"
Beginning Engine Numbers:
6 Cylinder: 828001
8 Cylinder: 296001
Beginning Serial Numbers:
6 Cylinder: CF-504001 Callifornia
LF-545001 Linden, New Jersey
F-600001 Lansing, Michigan
8 Cylinder: CL-187001 California
LL-197001 Linden, New Jersey
L-212001 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: - 3/8 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 Distributor Specifications - 8 Cylinder Models
Distributor #1110802
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 #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 #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, 6 Cylinder
Carburetor Model: W1
Part #388S
Casting # 333
Repair Kit # 1035A
Float Level: 3/8"
Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 1 Turns
Metering Rod Gauge: T-109-25
Pump Travel: 19/64"
Anti-Percolator Setting: With throttle valve open .030", there should be .005" to .015" clearance betewwn rocker arm & pump arm
Unloader Setting: 3/8"
Fast Idle Setting: 5/8"
Choke Lockout Adjustment: 1/16"
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
Carter Carburetor Specifications, 8 Cylinder
Carburetor Model: WD0
Part #389S
Casting # 192
Repair Kit # 1042
Float Level: 3/8"
Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 1-1/4 Turns
Metering Rod Gauge: T-109-104
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, Luggage Compartment Mat, Fender Markers, Safety Automatic Transmission.
1938 Oldsmobile Historical Data
Total 1938 Oldsmobile Production was 99,951.
Copyright 1999, Custom Solutions & Services