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Old 03-16-2018, 09:54 AM   #1
HOTRODPRIMER
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Default Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

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

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Old 03-16-2018, 10:22 AM   #2
johnneilson
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

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.

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Old 03-16-2018, 10:31 AM   #3
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

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

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Old 03-16-2018, 01:04 PM   #4
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

25% more horsepower in the B.
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Old 03-16-2018, 01:38 PM   #5
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

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Originally Posted by HOTRODPRIMER View Post
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 !!

Last edited by hardtimes; 03-17-2018 at 01:25 PM. Reason: ..........
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Old 03-16-2018, 06:52 PM   #6
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

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The fuel pump was required because the fuel tank was relocated to the rear of the car.
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Old 03-16-2018, 08:42 PM   #7
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

Your lower water pipe needs to be turned end for end.
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Old 03-16-2018, 09:34 PM   #8
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

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Your lower water pipe needs to be turned end for end.
Can you elaborate? HRP
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Old 03-17-2018, 01:03 AM   #9
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

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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/

Last edited by Tom Wesenberg; 03-17-2018 at 03:30 AM.
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Old 03-17-2018, 03:32 AM   #10
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

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.

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Attached Images
File Type: jpg 1932 Ford Model B.jpg (58.7 KB, 518 views)
File Type: jpg 1932 Ford Model B engine #2.jpg (69.1 KB, 523 views)
File Type: jpg 1932 Ford Model B engine #1.jpg (82.7 KB, 529 views)
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Old 03-17-2018, 05:20 AM   #11
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

What is this, so called, "vibration dampener"????
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Old 03-17-2018, 08:11 AM   #12
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

Looks attached to me.
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Old 03-17-2018, 11:15 AM   #13
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

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Looks attached to me.
The whole arm is missing between the stabilizer and the engine.

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Old 03-17-2018, 01:20 PM   #14
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

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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 ??

Last edited by hardtimes; 03-17-2018 at 01:34 PM. Reason: .............
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Old 03-17-2018, 03:19 PM   #15
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

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.
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Old 03-17-2018, 07:13 PM   #16
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

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.
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Old 03-17-2018, 08:00 PM   #17
Bob C
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

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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??
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Old 03-17-2018, 09:23 PM   #18
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

Sorry. The other one.
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Old 11-24-2019, 07:00 PM   #19
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

What is this dampener you are talking about? I've never heard of that. Did you notice that the band is coming off of the end of the starter on the red engine?
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Old 11-24-2019, 07:26 PM   #20
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Default Re: Just what is the difference in the "A" & "B" 4 cylinder Ford engine?

Quote:
Originally Posted by hardtimes View Post
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 ??
I doubt that it is an engine because I can see a rectangular boss on the engine (mostly hidden by the water pipe) that appeared on the early B engines for use with the never adopted vacuum assisted clutch. I have never heard of this boss on an A engine.

It is hard to tell from the camera angle but that could be an early B oil tube that was the same diameter as the A but longer. Note that the engine has the rectangular mounting pad for the never adopted vacuum assisted clutch. This would point to it being an early engine. What is the serial number on the flywheel housing and on the frame?

The attached photos show he rectangular boss on the block, the vibration damper installed and the oil fill pipe on a Model A (it is hard to tell from the picture but it is shorter).

Charlie Stephens
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_1738.jpg (91.9 KB, 52 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_1739.jpg (41.3 KB, 57 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_1745.jpg (43.8 KB, 51 views)

Last edited by Charlie Stephens; 11-24-2019 at 08:06 PM.
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