VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc 1941 Chevy Master Deluxe Sedan Engine Questions

Hello again to everyone;


Some questions have come up for us; so we now have a 41 Chevy Master Deluxe 2 door Sedan all original except for the paint. How do we find out the specs on the engine? Was there more than one type of straight line V6 & if so how do we find out which one we have? We would like to buy a new carb for it & wanted to know our different options. Next question; is it normal for the distributor to turn counter clockwise & spring back into it's original postion when you turn it with your hand? Thank you in advance for all replies!

A 1941 Chevrolet passenger would have come with ONE engine choice being a 216 cubic inch engine with a single barrel Carter W-1 carburetor. The 1941 engines used AC 104 10mm spark plugs. The engine would be called an in-line 6 cylinder. V-6 would not refer to any Chevrolet engines during this time period.
A 1941 Chevrolet Shop Manual would be a must if you are restoring the 1941 to original. I believe that the 1941 shop manuals are being reproduced at a cost of about $20.

Dave

These engines were often rebuilt or replaced over the years. There should be a serial number stamped on the side of the engine. This will indicate it the engine was for the same year car that you have. Later engines do mount in this car so there is the possibility it was changed out before you got it.

My 41 the engine and transmission dates match that of the car. Unfortunately I found that the Carter carb that was on it was from a 38 or 39. Someone prior to me had swapped it out. With cars this old you never know all of their history so check the serial numbers to see what you have before ordering any parts for it.

The distributor rotation is the vacuum advance.

Thank you Rusty!

Thank you Mr87Monty, I will look for that serial number asap. Would you be interested in my original carburetor? I will most likely be buying a new one, the museum where this car was at said everything was original except for the paint.

Dave we appreciate your reply thank you! Here is a new question that came up today; what is the best way to tighten the antenna located by the driver's side mirror? Through the door hinge?

That would depend on what antenna you have. Pictures??

The engine number is stamped behind the distributor. That will tell us what the engine is.

Good morning Tiny! Not sure how to post a picture, but will give it a try...

Thank you Keith!

Hi Keith,

Just now getting a chance to reply with a picture. Does this engine have a thermostat right before/after the radiator? Need to buy the right carburetor for this engine & belt

Hi Danny

That does indeed appear to be a 1941 passenger car engine, and was produced in Tonawanda.

So your engine may be and probably is original to your car.

Congratulations on that! 🙂 👍

Thank you Stovblt!

The thermostat for this is connected to the engine where the upper radiator hose is connected. I was able to get the belt at NAPA, forget the part number.

I would I would check all of the radiator and heater hoses (if installed) when you do the thermostat. You will loose coolant when you change it. This is a non-pressurized system and when you refill the radiator you will need to leave a little space for expansion at the top. Any extra coolant will be pushed out the overflow and onto you garage floor unless an aftermarket expansion tank has been added.

If you have not already get a reprint of the shop manual for the car. They are about $20 and priceless when working on it. Pay close attention to the lubrication points. Remember to lubricate the starter and generator, those were new ones for me.

The thermostat fits 1934- up to the 1970's. The car would have came with a 130 degree, They are no longer made and i would recomend a 160 degree.