Got the 53 started today. What are the basics on a flathead v-8? How much oil does it hold? What is the points and plug gap? Where are the timing marks? What is the timing and can i time it with a regular light? I know this sounds stupid,but how do you tighten the fanbelt? Just loosen the 2 bolts at the block and pull up? I want to get this thing where i can pull it in and out of the shop on its own power. Thanks fellas.

 

Check out Van Pelt Sales website: Flathead Ford

Everything you asked for is there.

 

Thanks,still need to know how much oil it holds.

 

Should hold 5 quarts. Dump in 4, then check the stick.

You may want to get a shop manual, or even an old Motors manual. They have lots of good info....

 

Oh, sorry. I have a flattie 6 and the oil spec is on their page for that.

 

5 quarts of earl and if you got the oe filter like the 52 customline i also have , it takes a lil' more . bookmark van pelts as it is a source for great info and parts . points gap is .015 i believe , at least what the 52 is set at too run . personally i'm switching my 53 effie to electronic if and when it gets back together , and the customline is slated for a petronix after i work out all the little bugs from it's 45 year slumber , and get some headers and duals on it .

 

Thanks fellas. I am pleased with the fact it started easy,now on to get it running. The van pelts page is a great resource. My local ma and pa parts store says he can get most parts for me. I plan some day on electronic ignition also. next is to see if the fuel pump is working, get the fan belt tight,change the oil. My filter is a napa,so hopefully i can cross reference the number. As i told my wife,all it takes is money and time!

 

Careful on the fan belt. You want 3/4 - 1" of deflection on the belt. Too tight and you'll toast the bearings/bushings. Same with the belt on the generator/waterpumps.

Timing, line up the pointer with the bump on the pulley. Check to see if your rotor is pointing at #1 lead.

Flathead info? here's the place:
Ford Flathead V8 .. 1932 thru 1953 • Index page

 

Mtflat,thanks for the advice. I have a lot of mechanical experience,but not much with something from this era,other than tractors. My belt is probably stretched a little.I plan on putting an alternator on soon, probably would have done some harm. Oh yeah,thanks to all of the advice,and keep it coming!

 

Great project, glad you are finding the info you need. Oil is a complex subject amongst old truck guys. I always run the 15-40 delo I use in my diesel stuff. I have many years experience with flathead V8s. I love getting them running for the first time. They idle so smooth. I ran one in a 38 tonner express for 11 years as my daily driver beginning in 1989. 2 pieces of advice from an old guy. If you can ever find a 4" stroke merc crankshaft, that was my favorite improvement, second be careful about telling your wife they cost money (or time). Keep them guessing. I always 'traded' for my parts.

 

All the following unless otherwise stated is out of the 1953 Ford Truck Shop Manual:

1. How much oil does it hold?
5 quarts in the pan, 1 quart in the filter.

2. What is the points and plug gap?
points: .014-.016 plugs: .025-.028

3. Where are the timing marks?
The pointer is in the timing cover and there is a bump on the back of the crank pulley. This bump is TDC.

4. What is the timing and can i time it with a regular light?
I set the timing at TDC (0 degrees) with the engine off. Turn the engine by hand until the pointer is aimed at the "bump". Pull the distributor cap. Loosen the distributor. Turn the ignition on. Start with the distributor at full retarded and slowly advance it. When the points spark, stop turning the distributor and lock it down. No timing light needed.

5. I know this sounds stupid,but how do you tighten the fanbelt?
Loosen the two bolts holding the fan onto the generator bracket and loosen the large (7/8 if I remember correctly) nut holding the generator up. You must have the fan loose to correctly adjust the generator. Pull the generator up until the belt is tight enough (I set at 1 inch deflection) and tighten the generator down. Make sure to have the generator lined up with the intake when you tighten it or you will break off the ears on the front of the intake. Next pull the fan up and tighten it.

 

The bump is actually 4 deg BTDC

 

Keep it coming fellas,i have come to the right place!Thought i would start off with a filter and straight 30W oil,changing again soon . This thing started easy after setting for 17 years,and yes it idles smooth. next thing is to see if the fuel pump is working so i can run it for awhile.

 

Assuming you have a truck oil pan with the cleanout, I'd pull out the inlet screen and have a look around, clean the screen, etc. For now you could re-uses the cleanout gaskets.

 

I prefer the 15W-40 diesel oil in my flatheads. I get better oil pressure and fewer leaks. I do not recommend running straight 30W.