1959 Ford Edsel Corsair

Ford Edsel 1959 Description

VIN Code: W
361 cid (5.91 litre)
Maximum hp: 303 @ 4600 rpm
Maximum torque: 390 ft-lb @ 2900 rpm
Minimum compression pressure at cranking speed (lbs): 180
10.0:1 Compression Ratio
4.0469 x 3.500 Bore/Stroke
4-bbl Ford carburetor
Fuel: Premium
Carburetor fuel level - primary: 0.875 inches (fuel should just trickle when plug removed)
Carburetor fuel level - secondary: 0.750 inches (fuel should just trickle when plug removed)
Float setting - primary: 0.875 inches (bowl off carburetor and inverted)
Float setting - secondary: 0.5625 inches (bowl off carburetor and inverted)
Firing order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Distributor rotation (viewed from above): Counter-clockwise
Cylinder numbering (front-to-rear, viewed from front) Left: 1-2-3-4 Right: 5-6-7-8
18mm Champion spark plugs, 0.035 gap
Cam Angle (degrees): 26 - 28.5
Breaker Contact Gap (inches): 0.014 - 0.016
Breaker Point Arm Spring tension (ounces): 17-20
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 0 @ 450 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 1.25 - 2.25 @ 550 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 4 - 5 @ 675 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 6.5 - 7.5 @ 850 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 13.25 - 14.75 @ 2000 rpm
Vacuum Spark Advance @ 1000 rpm (degrees): 0 - 3 (7 inches of vacuum)
Vacuum Spark Advance @ 1000 rpm (degrees): 4 - 7 (10 inches of vacuum)
Vacuum Spark Advance @ 1000 rpm (degrees): 7.5 - 10.5 (14 inches of vacuum)
Ignition Timing with standard transmission: 3 deg BTDC
Ignition Timing with automatic transmission: 6 deg BTDC
Idle speed in Neutral with standard transmission (rpm): 475 - 500
Idle speed in Drive with automatic transmission (rpm): 450
Generator maximum controlled output (Std): 30 amp, 15 volt @ 2525 generator rpm
Generator maximum controlled output (Air Cond): 40 amp, 12 volt @ 2670 generator rpm
Generator brush tension (ounces): 36 - 40
Gernerator rotation (viewed from drive end): Clockwise
Regulator cut-out relay - Close: 12.4 - 13.2 @ 1200 generator rpm
Regulator cut-out relay - Open (Std): 6 - 9 amps reverse current
Regulator cut-out relay - Open (Air Cond): 2 - 6 amps reverse current
Current Regulator - Standard (amps): 28 - 32
Current Regulator - Air Cond (amps): 33 - 37
Voltage Regulator (volts): 14.6 - 15.4 with 5 amp load at 75 degF ambient
Starter motor free running speed: 4500 rpm (85 amps, 12.0 volts)
Starter motor lock torque: 15.5 min ft-lbs (550 amps, 5.0 volts)
Oil Pressure (lbs): 45 - 50
Valve Stem clearance - Intake (inches): 0.019
Valve Stem clearance - Exhaust (inches): 0.019
Valve Timing: Intake valves open at 12 degrees before top dead center
Cooling system capacity - 8-cylinder (qt): 19 (20 if equipped with heater)
Thermostat opening temperature (deg F): 157 - 162 with alcohol-type antifreeze
Thermostat opening temperature (deg F): 177 - 182 with permanent antifreeze)