VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 1933 Master Engine

Does any one know where I might find a good 1933 Master engine? Because of this bad winter I think I have cracked the head and popped the freeze out plugs from my engine. I did not put enough antifreeze in before storing the car this winter. If you know of anyone who can spare an engine or have a lead on one please let me know. You can email me at hnathj@optonline.net or just reply here on the forum. Thanks John H.

I would first verify the condition of the head and block. Freeze plugs can be replaced if the block is not damaged. Good heads are hard to find and even if yours is cracked it may be repairable. You will also want to check the condition of the radiator.

That is the main reason freeze plugs are there to reduce the pressure when the coolant is starting to freeze greatly reducing the chances of busting the block.
I would fit new plugs and test for leaks before condemning the engine.
Tony

The "freeze plugs" have nothing to do with freezing. They are expansion or welch plugs and they are part of the casting process.

Thanks for your replies. I can get the freeze out plug at the Filling Station and the gaskets I will need. I also need the Thermostat Housing. It also cracked at the both bolt locations. I think the block is ok but there is a bad crack in the casting of the Head. I will definitely need to replace the Head. Any leads would be greatly appreciated. I have sent an email to Dave Slyvain the tech advisor also.

Yes. They locate the internal sand patterns relative to the outside sand block and also serve to wash the sand out of the castings. In some cases, the plugs will relieve minor freezing, but a hard freeze will pop the block.

Doug

If the head is not broke completely in two it can be repaired. Today they use a process called "zipping/sleveing". Most of the "top end" type shops "do" this process. It will be well worth your time to find and get your head done. The problem is that 1933 replacement heads were "improved" by the chevy plant as the years went by. Some even required a new carburetor that went with the new replacement head. These produced more horse power than the old original head. Chevy was trying to keep pace with other car producers of the day by bringing forward improved heads. That is why a person will say, "I've got your head or head replacement [if they really know what they are talking about]." The problem being does it require a matching carb? And then where will you find that? Yes, they will inter exchange, but problems abound when that is done.

Correctiom. 1933 Master had only one head. Part number 836960 and casting number 836961.

There were two different heads in 1935 for The Standard series. The early Standards used a slightly modified 1934 Master head. The late Standards used a 1935 Master version. The horse power remained the same at 74. It lost 6HP as the Master had 80 HP. Thi was due to a smaller intake manifold. The Smaller intake was used on all 1936 engines and they had 79 HP \, raised slightly due to camshaft and higher conpression ratio. Chevrolet said the smaller intake made the engine run better when cold and limited top engine speed to 78 MPH.
Early 1935 Standard head was castin number 837230 (same as 1934 Master)
Late Standard and all Master head was part number 837682.
In 1936 both heads were discontinued for replacement parts and replaced with the 837981 1936 head.
In theroy this would have raised the 1935 Master H.P> from 80 to about 84..