Ford produced the 226 six-cylinder engine from 1941 through 1951 and installed it in full-size cars and light trucks. Although Ford flatheads are typically thought of as eight-cylinder engines, the flathead design was also used for a number of six-cylinder engines, including the 226-cubic-inch version. The engine remained largely unchanged from its inception, although the compression ration was raised in 1948 to increase power. Because of the engine's basic design and small physical size, tuning up the 226 is a fairly straightforward process.
The 226 was equipped with Champion-type H10 spark plugs. The spark plug gap for all six plugs was .030 inch. The 226's firing order was 1-5-3-6-2-4.
The distributor's dwell angle was 36 degrees. Dwell angle refers to the number of degrees the distributor cam rotates through while the ignition points are closed. The ignition point gap at the extreme open position was .025 inch. The breaker-arm spring tension must fall within 17 to 20 ounces. Correct spring tension prevents the ignition points from bouncing at high engine speeds.
A numerical timing specification was not used for the 226 in 1950. Instead, the groove on the edge of the crankshaft's pulley must align with the tip of the timing pointer.
Unlike most engines, where the valve lash is measured and adjusted when the engine is hot, the 226's valve lash must be measured when the engine is cold. Valve lash refers to the distance between the tip of the rocker arm and the top of the valve. The intake valve's lash was .010 inch. The exhaust valve's lash was .014 inch.
The 226 must idle at 475 revolutions per minute if equipped with a manual transmission and at 440 rpm if equipped with an automatic transmission.
The cylinder-head bolts must be tightened to between 65 and 70 foot-lbs. of torque.
