Hudson Year 1947 User manual

WHENYOUR
NEW HUDSON
ISDELIVEREDTOYOU
SEE THAT THESE THINGS ARE DONE
OWNER'S SERVICE POLICYproperly filled in and
its provisions fully explained to you.
IDENTIFICATION CARD completely filled in on both
sides. BE SURE THAT KEY NUMBERS ARE
RECORDED.
BATTERY properly registered with National Battery
Dealer.
RADIO WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD filled
in by dealer and attached to radio if car is so
equipped.

Welcome
As the purchaser of a new Hudson car we welcome
you into the fast growing family of Hudson owners.
This may be your first Hudson—or possibly you have
had previous experience with this fine product. In
either event you will have many pleasant reactions in
its ownership.
Naturally, you will want to keep it trouble free and
derive from it the many pleasures for which it was
purchased. With this thought in mind we have pre-
pared this Owner's Manual. In its pages you will find
many suggestions to fully acquaint you with its con-
struction, operating features and maintenance re-
quirements.
Before you drive your car take a few minutes to study
this manual. It contains a wealth of information--
just the things you will want to know. Then place
it in the locker box for convenient future reference.
HUDSON MOTOR CAR COMPANY
Service Department

WARRANTY
"We warrant each new car manufactured by us to be
free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal use and service, our obligation under this war-
ranty being limited to making good at our factory any
part or parts thereof, including all equipment or trade
accessories ( except tires) supplied by the Car Manu-
facturer, which shall, within ninety (90) days after
making delivery of such vehicle to the original pur-
chaser, or before such vehicle has been driven 4,000
miles, whichever event shall first occur, be returned
to us with transportation charges prepaid, and which
our examination shall disclose to our satisfaction to
have been thus defective ; this warranty being expressly
in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied, and
of all other obligations or liabilties on our part, andwe
neither assume nor authorize any other person to as-
sume for us any other liability in connection with the
sale of our vehicles.
"This warranty shall not apply to any vehicle which
shall have been repaired or altered by other than an
Authorized Hudson Dealer in any way so as, in the
judgment of the Manufacturer, to affect its stability
or reliability, nor which has been subject to misuse,
negligence or accident."
HUDSON MOTOR CAR COMPANY
Detroit, Michigan, U.S, A.
The Hudson Motor Car Company reserves the right to make
any changes in or improvements on its products without incur-
ring any liability or obligation whatever, and without being
required to make any corresponding changes or improvements
on products theretofore manufactured or sold.

OWNER'S SERVICE POLICY
We cannot too greatly impress you with the need for
reading fully and becoming acquainted with the provi-
sions of the Hudson Owner's Service Policy which was
furnished with this automobile.
AUTHORIZED
HUDSON SERVICE
STATIONS
HUD
SON
PARTS-
SERVICE

AUTHORIZED
HUDSON SERVICE
STATIONS
The majority of automobile owners are conscientious in the service
requirements of their cars and unhesitatingly call on their car dealer
for service as and when it is required. These car owners realize that
their Hudson Dealer is in a position to render the satisfactory and
efficient service to which they are entitled.
When touring or away from familiar surroundings the occasion may
arise for service needs. Look for the Hudson Authorized Service sign,
illustrated above. The Hudson Dealer displaying this sign is your
assurance of the same efficient, friendly service you receive at home.
It is your further assurance that his Service Department stocks only
genuine Hudson parts; uses factory approved service tools and meth-
ods and employs careful and courteous mechanics.

6 HUDSON OWNER’S MANUAL
INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT SERVICE
The Hudson Owner's Service Policy provides that at the expiration of 1,000
miles and again at 2,000 miles of driving the Hudson Dealer from whom you pur-
chased your car will perform an Inspection and Adjustment Service without
charge, except for supplies or lubricants used.
Should either of these inspections be performed by another Authorized Hudson
Dealer (one who did not sell the car) a charge of not to exceed :$5.00 will be
made for either the 1,000-mile inspection or the 2,000-mile inspection. In this
event the owner should secure a receipted bill and present it with the Owner's Pol-
icy to his own Dealer (who sold the car) and that Dealer will provide for one or
two additional inspections, whichever the case may be, without charge, except for
supplies and lubricants used.
We urge you to carefully read the provisions of the Owner's Service Policy so
that you will fully understand this procedure.
The Inspection and Adjustment Service consists of the following :
1,000 Mile
1. Check Operation of All Locks.
2. Check Signals and Instruments.
3. Check Operation of Lights.
4. Check Battery and Connections.
5. Tighten Cylinder Head Stud Nuts.
6. Tighten Manifolds.
7. Check Cooling System and Coolant.
8. Check Clutch Pedal Clearance.
9.CheckAxleShaftNutTightness.
10. Check WheelHubBolts.
11. Check Rear Spring Clips.
12. Check Body Bolts.
13. Check Hand and FootBrakes.
14. Check Drive-Master.
15. RoadTest.
2,000 Mile
1. Check Operation of Signals and In
struments.
2. Check Operation of All Lights.
3. Check Operation of Windshield
Wipers.
4. Inspect Cooling System and Conn-
ections (Anti-Freeze in Winter).
5. Check Battery and Connections
6. Adjust Tappets—Engine Hot.
7. Tune-Up Engine.
8. Check Generator Charging
Rate.
9. Check Wheel Hub Bolts.
10. Check Hand and Foot Brakes.
11. Check Drive-Master.
12. Road Test

HUDSON OWNER’S MANUAL 7
1947 MODELS
MODEL DESIGNATION AND SERIAL NUMBERS
To simplify identification of the various models referred to in this Owner's Manual, model
referenceismadetoseriesnumberslistedbelow.
Thecarserialnumberwhichisalsotheenginenumberisstampedonasmallplateattachedtothe
rightfrontdoorhingepillarpost.Theseserialnumbersarebasedonasystemwhichcodesthefirst
three digits to the series : e.g. 171101 indicates series 171 while 172101 and 173101 indicate
series172and173respectively.Thefirstthreedigitsremainunchangedregardlessofthenumber
ofcarsproduced.Carsarealsonumberedconsecutivelyastheyleavetheproductionlinewithout
regardtoseries.Asanexample,thecarbuiltaftercarserial171999wouldbenumbered1711000,
1721000,1731000,1741000or1781000,insteadof172000.
TheenginenumberisstampedonthetopofthecylinderblockbetweenNos.1and2exhaust
manifoldflanges.
CAUTION: Do not confuse engine number with casting or other numbers appearing at
differentlocationsonengine.
Whenorderingservicepartsorcorrespondingwithyourdealeralwaysrefertothisnumber.
Also be sure this number corresponds to the one shown on your Owner's Service Policy,
IdentificationCard,andCarRegistrationCard.
Thecarcoloroptioncodeletterisstampedontheupperhingeoftherightfrontdoor.
LICENSE INFORMATION
HUDSON SUPER SIX MODEL—SERIES 171
Body Types No. of Cyls. Wheel- base Bore Stroke
A.M.A.
H.P.
Rating
Starting
Serial
No.
Dry
Weight
Pounds
4 Door Sedan
Brougham
3 Pass. Coupe
Club Coupe
Convertible
Brougham
6
6
6
6
6
121”
121”
121”
121”
121”
3”
3”
3”
3”
3”
5”
5”
5”
5”
5”
21.6
21.6
21.6
21.6
21.6
171101
and
up
3110
3055
2975
3040
3220
HUDSON COMMODORE SIX MODEL—SERIES 172
4 Door Sedan
Club Coupe 6 6121” 121” 3” 3” 5” 5” 21.6 21.6 172101 and up 3175 2090
HUDSON ¾-TON COMMERCIAL MODEL—SERIES 178
Cab Pick-Up 6 128” 3” 5” 21.6 178101 3110
HUDSON SUPER EIGHT MODEL—SERIES 173
4 Door Sedan
Club Coupe 8 8121” 121” 3” 3” 4½ 4½ 28.8 28.8 173101 and up 3260 3210
HUDSON COMMODORE EIGHT MODEL—SERIES 174
4 Door Sedan
Club Coupe
Convertible
Brougham
8
8
8
121”
121”
121”
3”
3”
3”
4½
4½
4½
28.8
28.8
28.8
174101
and
up
3330
3260
3435
The above weights include spare tire, tube and wheel, but do not include water, oil
or gasoline.

8 HUDSON OWNER’S MANUAL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
ENGINE
Series No.
Cyls. Bore
171, 172, 178............... 6 3"
173, 174 ..................... 8 3"
Compression Ratio
All Models 6. 50 to 1
Horsepower (Actual)
171,172,178....................102 0 4000 R.P.M.
173,174.........................128 4200 R.P.M.
Main Bearings (Number)
6 cylinder............................................ 3
8 cylinder............................................ 5
Pistons
Material ..........................Aluminum Alloy
Skirt Clearance—
Bottom................................ .0005" to
.001
A.M.A. Piston
Stroke H.P. Displacement
21.6 212 cu. in.
4½" 28.8 254 cu. in.
Oil Rings—
Number ...............................................2
Oil Rings-
Upper—Width ............................... 3/16"
Oil Rings-
Lower—Width.......................................5/32"
Compression Rings—
Number ...............................................2
Compression Rings—
Width..................................................................3/32"
Camshaft Drive
Type Silent Helical Gears
CARBURETORANDFUELSYSTEM
Carburetor
Make .............................................Carter
Series Size Type
171,172,178................l" Duplex Down-draft
173,174.................13/4" Duplex Down-draft
Choke Control
All
Models...............................Automatic
Manifold Heat Control Type
All Models .......................................Automatic
Air Cleaner
Standard..........................................Oil wetted
Optional................................Oil bath
STARTING,LIGHTINGANDIGNITION
Make.......................................................................................................................................Auto-Lite
Generator
Type ..................................................................................3rd brush—voltage regulated
Charging Rate—
Cold—AllModels.............................................................................................Max. 44 Amperes
Hot—AllModels...................................................................Max. 38 Amperes
Distributor
Spark Control. Automatic (Additional
vacuum control on 6 cylinder models)
Contact Point Gap
6 cylinder..........................................020"
8 cylinder..........................................017"
Ignition Timing
6 cylinder.............½" on flywheel B.T.D.C.
8cylinder......................................................T.D.C.
Firing Order
6 cylinder................................l-5-3-6-2-4
8 cylinder..........................1-6-2-5-8-3-7-4
Spark Plugs
Make and .type...Champion Hudson J-9
Size ..........................................14 M.M.
PointGap......................................................062"
Battery
Make ........................................National
Dimensions-6 cylinder, Length-10½"
Width-7½”
Height-7-13/1 6"
8 cylinder, Length-11¾"
Width-7¼"
Height-71 3 /1 6 "
Number of plates
6 cylinder ........................................51
8 cylinder ........................................57
Terminal grounded..........................Positive

HUDSON OWNER’S MANUAL 9
LAMP BULB SPECIFICATIONS
Position Mazda No. C.P. Base Volt- age
Headlamp
Bonnet Lamp
Fender Lamp (with Direction Indicator)
Fender Lamp (without Direction Indicator)
Tail and Stop Lamp
License Lamp
Dome Lamp
Generator and Oil Indicator
Clock
Speedometer—Series 171, 173, 178
Speedometer—Series 172, 174
Radio
Direction Indicator
Headlamp Beam
Ignition Lock
Courtesy Lamp
Fog Lamp
Spot Light
55
1158
63
1154
63
88
51
55
51
55
44
51
51
55
88
121lS
1209S
2
21-3
3
21-3
3
15
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
15
50
32
S.C.
D.C.
S.C.
D.C.
S.C.
D.C.
S.C.
S.C.
S.C.
S.C.
S.C.
S.C.
S.C.
S.C.
D.C.
S.C.
S.C
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
CLUTCH
Type
Series Fluid cushioned, cork-insert disc Disc Size
171, 172 without Overdrive, Vacumotive Drive, and Hudson Drive-
Master 9”
171, 172 with Overdrive, Vacumotive Drive, and Hudson Drive-Master,
and all 173, 174 and 178 models 10”
TRANSMISSION
Type
Speeds
Gear Ratios
SynchronizedSilentMesh—Allhelicalgear
3 forward-1 reverse
Sealed Beam Type
All Models Low 288.1 to 1 Second 1.82 to 1 High 1 to 1 Reverse 3.50 to 1
TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE
Final rear axle ratio when car is equipped with Overdrive—All Series
Actual Axle Ratio In Overdrive
4 5/9 to 1 3.28 to 1
4 1/9 to 1 2.96 to 1
FRONT SUSPENSION
Type
Camber
Caster
Toe-in
Independent Coil Spring
½° to 1½°
½º to 1½º
0 to 1/16"
REAR AXLE
Type
GearType
GearRatio:
StandardRatio
OptionalRatio
StandardRatiowithOverdrive
OptionalRatiowlthOverdrive
StandardRatiowithHudsonDrive-Master
OptionalRatiowithHudsonDrive-Master
4 l/9
4 5/9
4 5/9
4 l/9
4 5/9
4 l/9
4 l/9
4 5/9
4 5/9
4 1/9
4 5/9
4 l/9
4 1/9
4 5/9
4 5/9
4 1/9
4 l/9
4 5/9
4 l/9
4 5/9
4 5/9
4 l/9
4 l/9
4 5/9
4 5/9
—
4 5/9
—
4 5/9
—
Semi-floating
Helical bevel
Series
172 172 173 174 178

BRAKES
Type
Size: Series
171, 172
173, 174, 178
Diameter
10"
11"
Width
1¾"
1¾"
Lining Clearance .075" Pedal to Floor Board Clearance ¼"
Mechanical Follow-up Clearance 1¼"
STEERING GEAR
Type
Gear Ratio
6 cylinder
Worm and roller tooth
18.2 to 1 8 cylinder 18.4 to 1
CHASSIS DIMENSIONS
Series
171, 172, 173, 174
178
171,172,173,174
Wheelbase
121"
128"
Series
171, 173
172, 174, 178
Turning Radius
171,172,173,174
178
Tread
Front—AllModels
Rear—AllModels
Road Clearance
Front
Rear
95/8" 83/8"
9¾" 8½"
21’ 1"
21’ 10"
56¼"
59½"
Over-all Length—Including
Bumpers
171, 172, 173, 174 207"
178 214"
Over-all Height—Free Height
68¾"
Over-all Width—Including
Fenders
Froont—All Models 71"
Rear—All Models 72¾"
TIRES
Series
171, 173
172, 174
178
Size
6.00" x 16"
6.50" x 15"
6.50" x 16"
Ply
4
4
6
Front
Cold Hot Rear Cold Rear
Tire Pressures
Size
6.00"x 16"
6.50"x 16"
6.50"x 15"
7.00"x 15"(Opt.)
26 lbs.
26 lbs.
26 lbs.
26 lbs.
29 lbs.
29 lbs.
29 lbs.
29 lbs.
30 lbs.
40 lbs.
30 lbs.
30 lbs.
33 lbs.
44 lbs.
33 lbs.
33 lbs.
CAPACITIES
GasolineTank
AllModels
CoolingSystem
6cylinder
8cylinder
EngineCrankcase
6cylinder—dry
—refill
8cylinder—dry
—refill
Clutch
AllModels
U.S.
Measure
16½gal.
13qts.
18qts.
5½qts.
4½qts.
9qts.
7qts.
1/3pint
Imperial
Measure
13¾gal.
10¾qts.
15qts.
4½qts,
3¾qts.
9qts.
7qts.
¼pint
Metric
Measure
62½liters
12½liters
17liters
5¼liters
4¼liters
8½liters
6½liters
160c.c.

LUBRICATION
Present day sustained high speed driving, fast acceleration, and closer fitting
precision machined parts, place chassis and engine lubrication in the category of a
highly specialized operation. A very definite plan of application is necessary to
provide the various working parts with the right amount of the correct lubricant at
the proper time. Quite contrary to ordinary belief one lubricant will not suffice for all
chassis parts. Varying load demands and peculiarities of operation of the various parts
require different types of lubricants to prevent friction and reduce wear toaminimum.
Your Authorized Hudson Dealer has been provided with the correct factory lubri-
cation specifications for your car, as well as the definite plan of application. This
is your assurance that the lubrication requirements of your automobile will be met
with the greatest care. Be sure to consult him on this most important matter.
For your guidance a copy of the Chassis Lubrication Chart is attached to the front
cover of this manual. Another quick reference chart will be found on the left side of
the dash in the engine compartment. Following is a Lubrication Schedule covering
the lubrication requirements from 500 to 10,000 miles. Careful study of these charts
and the schedule is recommended.
The lubricants placed in your car at the time of assembly are of the finest quality
procurable and NEED NOT be changed until the recommended change period
shown in the Lubrication Schedule has been reached.
LUBRICATIONS SCHEDULE
AT 500 MILES
See "The Proper Engine Oil to Use," page 14.
l,000 MILES
Upper Support Arm Eccentric Bushing..............Viscous Chassis Lubricant2 fittings
Upper Support Arm Pivot Bushing.................... Viscous Chassis Lubricant 4 fittings
Lower Support Arm to Support Pivot
Bushing ............................................................ Viscous Chassis Lubricant 2 fittings
Lower Support Arm Pivot Bushing................... Viscous Chassis Lubricant 4 fittings
Spindle Pivot Pin.................................................. Viscous Chassis Lubricant 2 fittings
Tie Rod End......................................................... Viscous Chassis Lubricant 4 fittings
Steering Center Arm Bearings............................ Viscous Chassis Lubricant 1 fitting
Drag Link ............................................................ Viscous Chassis Lubricant 2 fittings
Clutch and Brake Pedal Shaft Bushings............ Viscous Chassis Lubricant 1 fitting
Drive-Master Transfer Key (Opt. Equip.).........Viscous Chassis Lubricant 1 fitting
Transmission
WithoutOverdrive
WithOverdrive
RearAxle
AllModels
ShockAbsorbers
AllModels
U.S.
Measuure
2lbs.
3¼lbs.
2½lbs.
Imperial
Measure
2lbs
3¼lbs
2¾lbs.
Metric
Measure
.91kgs.
1.47kgs.
1.24kgs.
Front Rear
3¾ oz. (112 c.c.) 6¼ oz (187 c.c.)
HUDSON OWNER’S MANUAL 11

Clutch Throwout Bearing
Universal Joint Spline
Universal Joint Roller Bearing
Rear Spring Rear Shackle Bushing
Water Pump
Distributor-6 cylinder
Engine
Battery
Radiator
*Transmission
*Rear Axle
Steering Gear
Brake Master Cylinder
Front Door Hinge Pins
Door Dovetail and Striker
Front Door tipper and Rear Door Lower
Hinge Tension Springs
Striker Pawls
Viscous ChassisLubricant 1 fitting
Viscous Chassis Lubricant 1 fitting
Viscous Chassis Lubricant 2 fittings
Viscous ChassisLubricant 4 fittings
Aluminum Soap Base Grease 1 fit-
ting or other water-resistant grease
Water Pump Grease Turn grease cup 1
turn
Check Oil Level
Add water if less than % inch above plates
Check Water Level or Anti-Freeze
Check level and add lubricant if necessary
Cheek level and add lubricant if necessary
Check level and add lubricant if necessary
Check level and add fluid if necessary
Light EngineOil Hole in each lower
hinge
Light Engine Oil Two places each
door
Water Pump Grease. Apply by hand
Pencil lubricant. Coat lightly
2,000MILES
Perform operations listed under 1,000-mile lubrication in addition to the following:
Engine
Generator
Starting Motor
Distributor-6 and 8 cylinder
Distributor-6 cylinder
Distributor-8 cylinder
Throttle Linkage
Bonnet Support and Lock Shaft
Brake Operating Linkage
Carburetor Air Cleaner
•Drive-Master Linkage
•Vacumotive Drive Linkage
See "Proper Oil to
Use"—page 14
Light Engine Oil
Light Engine Oil
Water Pump
Grease
Light Engine Oil
Light Engine Oil
Light Engine Oil
Light Engine Oil
Light Engine Oil
Engine Oil
Light Engine Oil
Light Engine Oil
Drain and Refill
2 cups
2 cups
Cam lobes
Contact arm pivot
and wick in top
of rotor shaft
Oil cup, contact arm
pivot and wick in
top of rotor shaft
All joints
All joints
All joints
Clean and re-oil
All joints
All joints
5,000MILES
Perform the operations listed under 1,000 and 2,000-mile lubrication (except change
engine oil) in addition to the following:
Rear Brake Cables Viscous Chassis Lubricant Coat Cables
Distributor-6 cylinder Water Pump Grease Fill Cup
Oil Filter Replace Cartridge
Drain and Refill These Units:
Transmission S.A.E. 90 E.P. Summer 2 lbs.—with
S.A.E. 80 E.P. Winter overdrive 3% lbs.
Rear Axle S.A.E. 90 E.P. Summer and Winter 2¾ lbs.
Clutch Hudsonite 1/3pint
•Optional equipment.

*Important: When checking transmission and rear axle oil level care should
be taken that the oil foam has subsided. If the car has been run for any length
of time it should be permitted to stand long enough to allow the oil to reach
its actual level before checking.
The S.A.E. 90 E.P. and S.A.E. 80 E.P. gear oils specified should be of a mild extreme
pressure, non-corrosive type.When adding lubricant to or refilling the transmission or
rear axle be sure the lubricants used meet these requirements for satisfactory operation.
BREAK-INOILSNOTREQUIRED
Special "break-in" oils or compounds are not necessary in Hudson engines. Your
decision to use them should be based on the manufacturer's assurance that they contain
no harmful ingredients.
CRANKCASE CAPACITIES
The capacity of the oil reservoir in SIX cylinder engines is five and one-half
quarts ; in EIGHT cylinder engines nine quarts. When oil is drained in the
conventional manner, refill SIX cylinder engines with four and one-half quarts of
oil and EIGHT cylinder engines with seven quarts.
When the oil reservoir is removed for cleaning, pour one and one-half quarts of oil
into the upper tray of SIX cylinder engines before the reservoir is reassembled.
Then pour the additional four quarts through the oil filler hole. On EIGHT
cylinder engines pour two quarts of oil into the upper tray before reassembling it
to the engine and pour the additional seven quarts in through the oil filler hole.
CHECKINGENGINEOILLEVEL
It is not unusual to add oil between change periods. Its rate of usage is governed
by the individual engine and is dependent on operating speeds, temperatures,
viscosity of oil used, etc.
The level should be checked each time f uel is added. The oil gauge, illustrated in
10,000 MILES
Perform the operations listed under 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000-mile lubrication in addition to
the following:
Front Wheel Bearings Milled Sodium Base 4 ounces per wheel
Lubricant
Rear Wheel Bearings Milled Sodium Base 1½ ounces per
Lubricant wheel
Spring Covers Viscous Chassis Lubricant
Vacumotive Drive Cylinder Hudson Shock Absorber 1 ounce
(Optional Equipment) Fluid
Drive-Master Cylinder Hudson Shock Absorber 1 ounce
(Optional Equipment) Fluid
HUDSON OWNER’S MANUAL 13

Fig. 1, is located on the left side of the
engine. It is divided off at the lower end
into two divisions — Oil Level Range and
Low.
For normal operation the oil level is
satisfactory when it is within the Oil Level
Range. For high speed operation the level
should be maintained at the full mark, that
is the top line on the Oil Level Range.
To make an accurate check of the oil
level it is best to wait a minute or two after
the engine has been shut off to permit the
oil on the engine parts to drain back into the
reservoir.
Two and one-half quarts of oil are required
to restore the level from low to full in both six and eight cylinder engines. If the level
is low, and the speedometer reading indicates that the oil change period is near at
hand, it is more economical to have the oil changed.
WHEN TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
During the first 500 miles of driving it is satisfactory to use the oil which was
placed in the engine at the factory.
Thereafter at intervals of 2,000 miles the oil reservoir should be drained and
refilled with the proper grade of oil. If the car is operated constantly in dusty areas or
for short distances at slow speeds in the winter, which permits foreign matter to
accumulate in the oil and contaminate it, the oil should be changed more frequently.
The actual change period, however, depends largely on the individual circumstances.
To drain the oil remove the plug at the rear of the oil reservoir. Always drain the
oil when it is warm as it will then flow more freely.
It is good practice to remove the oil reservoir at least twice a year, preferably in
the fall and spring, to permit cleaning the screens and removing all traces of sludge
which may have accumulated in the lower pan.
Caution: When flushing oils or compounds are used in the engine, it is important
to remove the oil reservoir and thoroughly clean it out before installing the new oil.
THE PROPER ENGINE OIL TO USE
There are two important factors to consider when buying engine oil. The first is
the selection of a well-known, dependable brand. There are many good, well-bodied,
long-lived oils on the market and your selection should be based on the reputation of
the refiner or marketer. He is responsible for the quality of his product and his
reputation is the car owner's best indication of quality.
14 HUDSON OWNER’S MANUAL
Figure 1

The first requisite is closely related to the
second factor, in that the oil should have the
ability to flow at low temperatures, to permit
easy starting, and at the same time afford ade-
quate lubrication when the engine reaches nor-
maloperatingtemperatures.Theoilusedshould
be based on its ability to perform these two
functionsatthelowestanticipatedtemperatures
expected before thenextoilchangeperiod.See
Fig.2.
Thefollowingtablewillhehelpfulinmaking
thisselection:
Use
Use90°AveragetemperatureS.A.E.30
Minimumanticipated
temperatures
32°
10°
—10°
Below—10°
kerosene.
Note: Kerosene should be added only when
temperaturesbelowminus10°areexpectedforlongperiods
YourAuthorizedHudsonDealer, whohashad
long experiencewith the brands of oils available
in your locality, will be glad to help you with
yourlubricationproblems
OILFILTER
A HudsonOil Filter, seeFig. 3, whichaids in
removing foreign matter and impurities under
low pressure, and at the same time maintains a
normalflowofoilthroughtheengineisavailable
through your Authorized Hudson Dealer. This
filter will keep the oil cleaner for longer periods
andhelpminimizewearonengineparts.
The cartridge should be replaced every 5,000
to6,000milesorwhenevertheoilshowsdefinite
signs of becoming cloudy. Replacement car-
tridges should be secured from your Authorized
HudsonDealer
HUDSON OWNER’S MANUAL 15
S.A.E. 20
20 W
10 W
10 W, plus 10%
Figure 3

16 HUDSON OWNER’S MANUAL
1Replacethecartridgebyturningthehandleonthecoverinacounterclockwise direction.
Lift out the old cartridge and replace it with the new one. Be sure touse the new cover
gasket furnished with the cartridge. The gasket must set squarely on the filter body to
prevent damage to it and avoid oil leaks.
Note : Whenever tightening hose connections be sure to use two wrenches to
prevent twisting the hose.
Itisalsogoodpolicytochangetheengineoilatthistime.Usingnewoil with the new
cartridge will help keep the oil cleaner for a longer
period.
CRANKCASE VENTILATION
Diluents, consisting mainly of water resulting from condensation and unburned gasoline,
contaminate the engine oil. If these diluents were permitted to remain in the engine oil for
any length of time, early deterioration of parts would result.
In the Hudson engine a ventilating system is provided whereby the diluents are drawn
out of the crankcase by vacuum through ventilator tubes on the right side of the engine.
The violent agitation of the oil by the connecting rod dippers tends to vaporize the water,
unburned fuel and other harmful diluents, allowing them to be withdrawn from the
engine by the vacuum created when the car is in motion.
OPERATING CONTROLS
From year to year new devices are introduced by the automobile industry to make
driving easier, safer, and to provide more comfort. While many of the controls on the
present day automobile are self-evident to the driver, nevertheless a review of their
purposesand operation, and a full knowledge of the newer controls before driving your
new Hudson will be helpful. It is, therefore, recommended that you carefully read these
instructions.
SEAT ADJUSTING LEVER is located
on the left side of the seat to secure fore
and aft movement of the seat for greater
comfort. On long drives, periodically
changing the seat position will prove
restful. The small knob shown in Fig. 4,
is raised with the finger to unlock the
seat. Simply releasing the knob locks it
in position.
ACCELERATOR PEDAL (A), Fig. 5,
controls the speed of the car. Never
pump the accelerator when starting the
engine as it will result in flooding. When
starting a cold engine, the accelerator
pedal should be pressed down one-half
way and released slowly. With a warm
Figure 4

HUDSON OWNER’S MANUAL 17
engine, depress the accelerator pedal one-
quarter to one-half way and hold in this
position when cranking. On cars equipped
with Hudson Drive-Master, Overdrive, or
Vacumotive Drive the accelerator pedal is
used to engage or disengage the clutch for
gear shifting.
ASH RECEIVER (6), Fig. 6, may be
opened by lifting the knob.
BONNET LOCKING HANDLE (12),
Fig. 6, should be pushed fully forward to
unlock the bonnet. Pull handle back all the
way to lock it.
BRAKE PEDAL (C), Fig. 5, hydraulically operates brakes on all wheels. In event
of disablement of the hydraulic system, continued pressure on the pedal automatically
applies the brakes on the rear wheels mechanically.
CLOCK (20), Fig. 6. Mechanical clock requires winding every day. Turn knob
clockwise to wind. Pull knob out to reset. Electric clock requires no attention. Fuse is
located in back of clock. Pull out knob to reset.
CLUTCH PEDAL (D), Fig. 5, should be depressed fully to floor board when
shifting gears. The clutch pedal must be depressed before pressing the starter button
or the starter will not operate on cars equipped with Hudson Drive-Master. When
starting the engine, particularly when it is cold, depressing the clutch pedal manually
will disconnect the load of the transmission from the starting motor and facilitate
starting.
Figure 5

COURTESY LAMPS, at bottom of door lock pillar, are standard on Series 172 and
174.Theselampsare lightedbyswitchesoperatedbythe doors when they are opened, day or
night.
COWL VENTILATOR HANDLE (17), Fig. 6, should be pushed forward to open
ventilator and pulled back to close it.
DIRECTION INDICATOR (2) is optional on all models. Push lever up for right
turn and push it down for left turn. Lever returns to off position automatically when
turn is completed. Pilot light (1) on instrument panel flashes with front and rear indicator
signals.
DOOR LOCKS—see page 63.
DRIVE-MASTER (optional equipment) control switch. Pressing in "HDM" button
permits operation with Hudson Drive-Master. Pressing in "VAC" button permits
power clutch operation with conventional gear shifting. Pressing in "OFF" button
permits conventional operation of clutch and gear shifting. For more complete details, see
page 51.Control buttons are located at lower center on face of panel.
FRONT DOME LAMP SWITCH (Series 172 and 174) is of the sliding type located
at bottom of instrument panel on right side.
FUEL GAUGE (3) indicates the fuel level in the gasoline tank when the ignition is
turned on. When needle reaches empty mark, approximately 2 gallons of fuel remains in
reserve.
GENERATOR CHARGING INDICATOR (10) shows red when ignition is turned
on or when engine is idling at low speed. Light should go out as speed is increased. If
difficulty is encountered in the electrical system or generator is not charging, the light will
either flash or stay on as a warning. Have the electrical system checked by your nearest
Authorized Hudson Dealer.
HAND BRAKE HANDLE (11), Fig. 6, should be applied by pulling straight back
and at the same time depressing the brake pedal. Release byturning
1
/4turntoright
and pushing downward as far as it will go.
HEADLAMP BEAM INDICATOR (4), Fig. 6, shows red when heal lamp beam
is in upper or country driving position.
HEADLAMP FOOT SWITCH (G), Fig. 5, controls country (upper) and traffic
(lower) beams. When meeting oncoming traffic and headlamp beam indicator shows red,
depressfootswitchonceandreleaseforlowerbeam.Pressingswitchthesecondtimerestores
beam to upper position.
HORN BUTTON RING (14), Fig. 6 (Opt. equipment on Series 171, 173,and178;
std. on Series 172 and 174). Press down from any position to operate horns.
IGNITION SWITCH (15) key should be turned to the right to turn ignition "on."
LIGHTING SWITCH (19) controls instrument lights, headlamps, bonnet lights,
fender lamps, tail and license lamps. Pressing button once and releasing it turns on
instrument lights, bonnet light, fender lamps, when used, tail and license lamps. Second
position of button turns on headlamps in addition to other lamps previously lighted.
Pressing the button the third time turns off all lights.
18 HUDSON OWNER’S MANUAL