Is this a 37 motor?

[snappydon]

Hi guys,

I just picked up this motor today, am told it is a 1937-38, 85-78. Was reported to have come out of a 37 Panel delivery that got rodded.

By all I can see from researching it and based on what I'm reading it is correct for my 37 1-1/2 ton.

I also got the air cleaner assembly shown but it is missing the bracket that attaches it to the head. Anybody got 1 they would part with?

All information and input is appreciated!

[petehoovie]

Well, it certainly does look like a '37 to me....But the oil filter canister is not correct for the '37 model year....

[snappydon]

Is the canister maybe an accessory or option?

Regardless it's staying on!

[JM 35 Sedan]

That is a '37 or early '38 21 stud engine, built prior to intro of the 81A, '38 24 stud engine, which according the Motor Building Ledgers, was first built 11/24/37, and was number 18-4380120.

I personally consider the '37-E'38 engines to be the best of the 21 stud engines for these reasons:

● Improved water pumps over earlier pump in heads design. Better water flow, better cooling.
● Thicker cylinder walls allow boring to 3-3/16" if performance increase is important. Earlier 21 stud blocks could only be bored safely to ~ 0.060" over the standard 3-1/16" bore.
● Good replacement engine for '32 to '36 vehicles allowing use of their original type heads with water pump in heads. Block off plates are available to cover holes required for '37-'48 type water pumps. Final assembly looks very much like an original '32-'36 engine IF that is of any importance to the vehicle owner. Of course this would not be show correct.
● Same insert main bearings and crankshaft as used in '36 LB engine.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by snappydon

Is the canister maybe an accessory or option?

Regardless it's staying on!

The canister looks to be from a later model Flathead like the one my '53 Ford has....

[JSeery]

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Don't think 37s came from the factory with an oil filter. It is one of the early add-ons that return the oil into the fuel pump stand. Have no idea about the year of the canister, but the plumbing is the early style.

[petehoovie]

Here are pictures of the Flathead in my '37....

[snappydon]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Don't think 37s came from the factory with an oil filter. It is one of the early add-ons that return the oil into the fuel pump stand. Have no idea about the year of the canister, but the plumbing is the early style.

Is it possible then that the canister is vintage correct? or close to it anyway?

The coil is cracked and broken but I talked to Skip this morning about it and he said he could fix me up!

But I need the air cleaner mount that attaches to the head.

[petehoovie]

The air cleaner you have is the accessory severe duty type. The canister is not "vintage correct"....

[snappydon]

That's frickin beautiful...

[snappydon]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

The air cleaner you have is the accessory severe duty type. The canister is not "vintage correct"....

Ok...so is the general policy to not run an oil filter? Seeing as how they didn't come with any? Just seems like any filter is better than none...even if not "correct". I'm not looking to be perfect but relatively close would be nice.

[JSeery]

Unless you are looking for a points car what's wrong with it the way it is (oil filter)?

[snappydon]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Unless you are looking for a points car what's wrong with it the way it is (oil filter)?

That's what I wanted to hear...I just wanted to know if it was kinda in the right era as a modification or add on. I like the idea of a filter.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by snappydon

Ok...so is the general policy to not run an oil filter? Seeing as how they didn't come with any? Just seems like any filter is better than none...even if not "correct". I'm not looking to be perfect but relatively close would be nice.

Build it the way YOU want it to look and run - the way that makes you feel good....Screw the purists....

[JSeery]

If at some future date you decide you want an earlier oil canister you can always look for one and switch them out. For now I sure wouldn't be concerned in the least.

[snappydon]

Thanks guys!

[bbrocksr]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

Here are pictures of the Flathead in my '37....

Very nice!

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by snappydon

Is the canister maybe an accessory or option...

Your oil filter is a Ford authorized accessory introduced in 1939. Its design was modified in mid 1940 to change the oil return line from fuel pump banjo fitting to distributor banjo fitting. It was later changed to return directly to the oil pan at the dipstick, and was available in that configuration for the rest of the flathead era.



[QUOTE=JM 35 Sedan;1322404]'37 or early '38 21 stud engine, prior to intro of '38 24 stud.... [QUOTE]

John, The 24 stud was introduced as job 1 in 1938, and due to overproduction of the 1937 21 stud, that engine was also job 1, until inventory was depleted, different dates at different plants.

[Terry,OH]

Typically the air filter you have would be for the 24 stud engine. There is a heavy duty air filter for the 21 stud, the pipe to the top of the carb. is round and not flat. I am not sure if the earlier style bracket will fit the later style filter and allow you to use the filter you have with the 21 stud engine??? Either of the heavy duty filters are not too hard to find in nice condition. You may be able to modify the later style bracket for the 21 stud pattern.

[snappydon]

So much good info and insight!