The Ford Barn

Tacoma Bob · 08-22-2021, 09:36 AM

Looking at a 33 1/2 ton pickup in a high end street rod shop. It has a flathead v-8 21 studs. Are the engines stamped like the four bangers and if so where on the block should I look.

Thanks, TB

Kurt in NJ · 08-22-2021, 10:09 AM

in that era the serial numbers are on the transmission, on 4 cylinders on the upper flywheel housing

JM 35 Sedan · 08-22-2021, 10:17 AM

I have no idea how the four banger engines are/were stamped, but know the early 21 stud V-8 engines were not stamped with much information, if at all.
Some of the LB (loose main bearings) engines were stamped with LB on the intake deck, and a serial number for the vehicle was stamped on top of transmission bell, above the clutch inspection opening, but not on the engine block.

DavidG · 08-22-2021, 12:55 PM

Ford stopped stamping numbers on four-cylinder engine blocks at the beginning of '32 model-year engine production. Instead, they were stamped on the separate upper bell housing. Starting with the first production V8 engine, the top of the transmission bell housing was stamped with the engine number, not on the blocks themselves.

rotorwrench · 08-22-2021, 01:30 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Block characteristics is the only way to get a close idea of what time frame and engine was made but it will only get a person close. As was mentioned, the transmission was marked due to it being a part of the built up powerplant assembly. This is the Ford Barn thread for engine block ID.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...5301&showall=1

I always figured that "LB" indicated the "Large Bearing" assembly after they started changing over to removable main bearing shells in late 1935 or so. It's always been up for debate though so no arguments here. They both mean a similar thing.

08-22-2021, 09:36 AM	#1
Tacoma Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 1,025	Engine I.D. numbers Looking at a 33 1/2 ton pickup in a high end street rod shop. It has a flathead v-8 21 studs. Are the engines stamped like the four bangers and if so where on the block should I look. Thanks, TB

08-22-2021, 10:09 AM	#2
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,159	Re: Engine I.D. numbers in that era the serial numbers are on the transmission, on 4 cylinders on the upper flywheel housing

08-22-2021, 10:17 AM	#3
JM 35 Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland Posts: 10,858	Re: Engine I.D. numbers I have no idea how the four banger engines are/were stamped, but know the early 21 stud V-8 engines were not stamped with much information, if at all. Some of the LB (loose main bearings) engines were stamped with LB on the intake deck, and a serial number for the vehicle was stamped on top of transmission bell, above the clutch inspection opening, but not on the engine block. __________________ *John* *"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein* Last edited by JM 35 Sedan; 08-22-2021 at 10:25 AM.

08-22-2021, 12:55 PM	#4
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: Engine I.D. numbers Ford stopped stamping numbers on four-cylinder engine blocks at the beginning of '32 model-year engine production. Instead, they were stamped on the separate upper bell housing. Starting with the first production V8 engine, the top of the transmission bell housing was stamped with the engine number, not on the blocks themselves.

08-22-2021, 01:30 PM	#5
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: Engine I.D. numbers Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Block characteristics is the only way to get a close idea of what time frame and engine was made but it will only get a person close. As was mentioned, the transmission was marked due to it being a part of the built up powerplant assembly. This is the Ford Barn thread for engine block ID. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...5301&showall=1 I always figured that "LB" indicated the "Large Bearing" assembly after they started changing over to removable main bearing shells in late 1935 or so. It's always been up for debate though so no arguments here. They both mean a similar thing.