What size engine is in a 1952 Dodge truck?
The standard engine for most 1952 Dodge B-Series light trucks was a 218 cubic-inch flathead inline-six.
Context and how the engine fits the lineup
In 1952, Dodge’s light- and medium-duty trucks were built on the B-Series platform. The 218 cu in inline-six was the backbone of the lineup, offering a simple, durable powerplant typical of American trucks in the early post-war era. The engine is a flathead (L-head) six, meaning its valves are located in the block rather than overhead.
Engine specifications at a glance
Here's a concise snapshot of the core characteristics that define the common 1952 Dodge truck engine. This helps distinguish it from other engines of the period and from different Dodge offerings.
- Displacement: 218 cubic inches (approximately 3.6 liters)
- Configuration: Inline-six, flathead (L-head) design
- Usage: Standard powerplant across most light- and medium-duty 1952 Dodge trucks
In practice, variations existed between models and end-user configurations, but the 218 cu in flathead inline-six was the typical specification for most delivery, pickup, and cab/chassis variants in 1952.
How to verify the engine in a specific vehicle
To confirm the exact engine in a particular 1952 Dodge truck, use a few practical steps:
- Inspect the engine stamping for displacement and model code.
- Check the engine bay tag or firewall stamp for the engine family and code.
- Cross-reference the VIN/build sheet with the factory specifications for that body style and year.
If you’re dealing with a restored or modified truck, catalog numbers from parts or a known build log can help confirm whether the engine matches the original factory option.
Notes on variants and caveats
While the 218 cu in flathead inline-six was standard, Dodge’s heavier-duty and cab/chassis configurations sometimes shared the same engine family. There were not widely documented alternative sixes or V8s for the typical light-duty 1952 Dodge trucks; however, regional or dealer-ordered variations could exist. For exact, model-specific data, consult Dodge-U.S. automotive catalogs or a factory service manual for the 1952 B-Series and the corresponding VIN application.
Summary
In short, the 1952 Dodge truck lineup predominantly used a 218 cubic-inch inline-six flathead engine, a durable and straightforward powerplant emblematic of post-war American trucking. Always verify with the vehicle’s serial and engine codes to confirm the exact engine fit for a given truck.
How much horsepower does a 1952 Dodge Coronet have?
103 hp
The only engine for Dodge was a 230-cubic-inch (3,800 cc) flat-head straight six cylinder engine with a single barrel Stromberg carburetor, producing 103 hp (77 kW) (gross). The stock Dodge Coronet was a smooth-running car, and the six-cylinder engine could power the car to 90 mph (145 km/h).
What engine came in a 1950 Dodge truck?
flathead-straight-six engine
The B1-B were ½-ton trucks standard with a 95 hp flathead-straight-six engine.
How much is a 1953 Dodge truck worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $31,000 for a 1953 Dodge B-4-PW 1 Ton Power Wagon in good condition with average spec.
What size engine is in a 1952 Chevy truck?
The 1952 Chevy trucks featured a Thriftmaster 216.5-cubic inch in-line, six-cylinder, valve-in-head engine.
