Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

[HOTRODPRIMER]

Being new to original 4 cylinder Ford engines and trying to educate myself share with me what you have learned over the years.


This is my introduction to the 4 in a row. HRP

[johnneilson]

HRP,

the best advise I can give you is to read and think thru what you will hear.

in a nut shell, "B" motor has larger journals in rotating assembly than the "A".

Fuel pump added, cam marginally better, chamber difference in head are just some details.

Both models are prone to cracking if not properly cared for.

John

[Bob C]

Go to Vince's site and scroll down to Engine Mechanical Assembly, a
lot of information on the two engines. http://www.fordgarage.com/

Bob

[Jim Brierley]

25% more horsepower in the B.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by HOTRODPRIMER

Being new to original 4 cylinder Ford engines and trying to educate myself share with me what you have learned over the years.


This is my introduction to the 4 in a row. HRP

Ford built the B to improve on the A. Just like Ford built the flathead V8 to improve. Easy to digest, eh ?
So, logically the B is a better engine for reasons stated. More reasons added, is that Ford added better oiling to B for mains. Ford also added a fuel pump with improved performance under most conditions.
Going from a '32 B engine in you '32 car , to an A engine would be regressive, IMO, unless you got a hot A engine over a stock B engine.
Oh, and red paint adds mph and hp to both A/B !!

[daren007]

The fuel pump was required because the fuel tank was relocated to the rear of the car.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Your lower water pipe needs to be turned end for end.

[HOTRODPRIMER]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Your lower water pipe needs to be turned end for end.

Can you elaborate? HRP

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by HOTRODPRIMER

Can you elaborate? HRP

Loosen the two clamps, remove the steel pipe and turn it end for end. It's installed backwards now. It'll fit better, and the drain cock will be at the lowest spot.


OK, I was just informed you have a 32, not a Model A, so this pipe isn't correct for your car, and the 32 pipe isn't reproduced. Vince has the correct pipe though.
Here's a like to Vince Falter's website.


http://www.fordgarage.com/

[Randy in ca]

Normally what Tom initially said above would be correct, except that it appears that your's has been modified for a heater hose. What does the other side of the engine look like? Definitely not stock carburetor. Also noticed that your vibration damper is not attached to the rear of engine.

-

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

What is this, so called, "vibration dampener"????
Bill Neverheardofit

[daren007]

Looks attached to me.

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by daren007

Looks attached to me.

The whole arm is missing between the stabilizer and the engine.

Bob

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

What is this, so called, "vibration dampener"????
Bill Neverheardofit

Hey Bill,
If you look closely...as old eyes like mine can't do, you will notice that that is not a model a firewall (IMV).
Ford , most likely, thought that the '32 engine would 'feel' like it was operating more smoothly , if it was not transmitting engine vibes thru the frame / vehicle...ergo he added (on firewall) vibration dampener. Someone more familiar and/or owning a '32 car can correct or add to this info if necessary, as I'm not in the class ($ wise) to own a '32, but like many admire Fords change of styling from that of Model A.


BTW...that's if behind the red colored coil cover.
Also, evidently, pic shows 3 bolt waterpump B head, but I'm not convinced that this is not an A block. That does not look like a B oil tube(?). HRP...show other side of block. I think that it is A blk shown (in a '32) and that is why he is asking about A vs B question..no ??

[Randy in ca]

Should post this on the Early V8 (1932 to 1953) forum also - there's several experts on the Model B 4 cylinder engines and the differences there.

[daren007]

There appears to be a bracket from the dampener to the top two bell housing bolts as far as I can tell. The breather is a model B.

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by daren007

There appears to be a bracket from the dampener to the top two bell housing bolts as far as I can tell. The breather is a model B.

Are you looking at the red engine??

[daren007]

Sorry. The other one.