1962 Ford 390 Engine: Specifications and Service Intervals

1962 Ford 390 Engine Specs

The 1962 Ford 390 engine was a powerful V8 engine produced by Ford Motor Company. It was part of the FE (Ford-Edsel) engine family and was introduced in 1961. The 390 engine was widely used in various Ford vehicles during the 1960s and early 1970s. Let’s take a closer look at the engine specifications of the 1962 Ford 390.

Engine Configuration

• Engine Type: V8
• Displacement: 390 cubic inches (6.4 liters)
• Bore x Stroke: 4.05 inches x 3.78 inches
• Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
• Fuel Delivery: Carburetor
• Valvetrain: Overhead Valve (OHV)
• Number of Valves: 16 (2 valves per cylinder)

The 1962 Ford 390 engine featured a V8 configuration, meaning it had eight cylinders arranged in a V-shaped pattern. With a displacement of 390 cubic inches or 6.4 liters, this engine was capable of producing significant power.

The bore and stroke measurements of the 390 engine were 4.05 inches and 3.78 inches, respectively. These measurements determine the size of the engine’s cylinders and the distance the piston travels inside them. The 10.5:1 compression ratio indicates the ratio of the cylinder’s volume when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke (bottom dead center) to its volume when the piston is at the top of its stroke (top dead center).

Fuel delivery in the 1962 Ford 390 engine was handled by a carburetor. The carburetor mixes air and fuel in the correct proportions before delivering it to the engine’s cylinders for combustion. The engine also utilized an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain, which means the valves were located in the engine block and operated by pushrods and rocker arms.

Engine Oil Specs & Service Intervals

Proper engine oil is crucial for the smooth operation and longevity of any engine, including the 1962 Ford 390. Here are the recommended engine oil specifications and service intervals for the 390 engine:

• Engine Oil Type: SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 (API Service Classification SF or SG)
• Oil Capacity: 5 quarts (including filter)
• Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 miles or every 3 months

The 1962 Ford 390 engine required high-quality engine oil with a viscosity of either SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) viscosity rating indicates the oil’s flow characteristics at different temperatures. The API (American Petroleum Institute) service classification SF or SG ensures that the oil meets the necessary performance standards.

The oil capacity of the 390 engine, including the oil filter, was approximately 5 quarts. It is important to check the oil level regularly and maintain it within the recommended range for optimal engine performance.

For proper maintenance, it is advised to change the engine oil in the 1962 Ford 390 every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. Regular oil changes help remove contaminants and ensure the engine operates smoothly.

In conclusion, the 1962 Ford 390 engine was a powerful V8 engine that played a significant role in Ford’s lineup during the 1960s. With its impressive specifications and proper maintenance, this engine provided reliable performance and power to various Ford vehicles of its time.