The Ford Barn - View Single Post

DavidG · 10-26-2019, 07:30 PM

It's a prototype '32 engine. Note the four-bolt timing gear cover for the earliest distributor (which was recalled after being used very briefly in initial production) and the clutch release lever which was intended for a vacuum-assisted clutch which never made it into production, although provision for mounting the vacuum canister on the firewall exists on all '32 firewalls. Note also that the intake manifold was designed to accept a downdraft Zenith carburetor which also did not make it into the production versions. The oil pan appears to be the same as those used initially in production with the drain plug below where the oil pump is located and the dipstick is located in the block rather than the pan on the right side of the engine.

While no starter motor is installed in the photos of this prototype, it would appear that this version is one of those with the starter motor mounted on top of the bell housing. Obviously not a practical location from a packaging perspective.

10-26-2019, 07:30 PM	#3
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: Who has one of these? It's a prototype '32 engine. Note the four-bolt timing gear cover for the earliest distributor (which was recalled after being used very briefly in initial production) and the clutch release lever which was intended for a vacuum-assisted clutch which never made it into production, although provision for mounting the vacuum canister on the firewall exists on all '32 firewalls. Note also that the intake manifold was designed to accept a downdraft Zenith carburetor which also did not make it into the production versions. The oil pan appears to be the same as those used initially in production with the drain plug below where the oil pump is located and the dipstick is located in the block rather than the pan on the right side of the engine. While no starter motor is installed in the photos of this prototype, it would appear that this version is one of those with the starter motor mounted on top of the bell housing. Obviously not a practical location from a packaging perspective.