59 "L" Engine ???
 

Attached are photos of a 59 engine from a 45-46 Army AF fire truck. The stamping on the bell housing has an imbedded "L". The sleeved cylinders are 3.18" dia. The block is factory relieved. Is this a "L" block engine?

Re: 59 "L" Engine ???
 

The engine in my roadster is a 59-L factory relieved block that did come from a truck so I would think that is also the case for yours.

Re: 59 "L" Engine ???
 

My 59L block had a raised L right after the 59. It was factory relieved and 3 3/16 bore.
Bill

Re: 59 "L" Engine ???
 

In my opinion, it is not a 59L block nor is it factory relieved, my reasons follow:
1- The L is indented (recessed), smaller, and located on line with lot numbers, rather than raised, and same large size next to the 59, as has been the norm.
2- The Ford factory relieved blocks I've seen have the relief in an hourglass shape, rather than in straight parralell cuts.

Re: 59 "L" Engine ???
 

That's a factory relief

Re: 59 "L" Engine ???
 

Yes I think it's a factory relief and no I don't think it's an "L" block.

Re: 59 "L" Engine ???
 

Yes, that looks like the standard Ford relief which were all done in a straight line with a broach bar.

No, it is not a 59L.

Re: 59 "L" Engine ???
 

Factory relief.
That is definetly an "L" cast in the block.
No, it is not an "L" block.

Re: 59 "L" Engine ???
 

Thanks one and all...

Re: 59 "L" Engine ???
 

This is an authentic 59L engine. It has a 3 3/16" bore, factory relieved block. It came out of an early '46 tudor. As I understand it many early production '46 Ford and Mercurys had surplus military engines.

Tom