The Ford Barn

Stoker280 · 06-13-2020, 06:17 AM

Hi, this is my first attempt at vehicle restorations and Internet forum discussions so please be patient. I have a 53 M250 Classic purchased out of western Canada. The flathead was seized and after removing it and cleaning it for testing I have found multiple numbers stamped on it. It is a C8BA engine. Do any of the numbers indicate if it is a 255? Also, I am looking for a decent manual as I prep to re-assemble provided the magnafulx goes well. Any suggestions?

51504bat · 06-13-2020, 08:09 AM

For manuals I recommend Faxon's Auto Literature in Riverside, CA
http://www.faxonautoliterature.com/
My understanding is that the numbers on flathead blocks mean nothing in determining if it has a 4 inch crank. In addition a lot of changes may have been made to an engine that is 70 or so years old. I once had a block with the same C8BA number that had 3 oil line fittings on the rear of the block that I assumed meant that it was set up for a full flow oil filter system but I don't know that for sure. The block had pan rail cracks so I never used it.

Ol' Ron · 06-13-2020, 06:23 PM

Look for a Clinton manual from the 50's on of the best

rotorwrench · 06-13-2020, 06:30 PM

C8BA is likely what it is. Ford of Canada didn't put the Mercury or Monarch car engine in their trucks. Someone could have put one in there though but the only way to tell is to either measure the stroke or measure the distance across the crankshaft counterweight cheeks. There is no other way to really know for certain after all the water under that bridge. If the engine still has all the characteristics of a truck engine then it is likely a 239 CID engine.

Newc · 06-13-2020, 07:49 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

The real important parts are the Mercury truck trim and interior trim. I restored a M47 [48] and it was difficult to save all those Mercury only trim pieces. Newc

06-13-2020, 06:17 AM	#1
Stoker280 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 25	1953 M250 Classic questions Hi, this is my first attempt at vehicle restorations and Internet forum discussions so please be patient. I have a 53 M250 Classic purchased out of western Canada. The flathead was seized and after removing it and cleaning it for testing I have found multiple numbers stamped on it. It is a C8BA engine. Do any of the numbers indicate if it is a 255? Also, I am looking for a decent manual as I prep to re-assemble provided the magnafulx goes well. Any suggestions?

06-13-2020, 08:09 AM	#2
51504bat Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal-Redlands Posts: 3,024	Re: 1953 M250 Classic questions For manuals I recommend Faxon's Auto Literature in Riverside, CA http://www.faxonautoliterature.com/ My understanding is that the numbers on flathead blocks mean nothing in determining if it has a 4 inch crank. In addition a lot of changes may have been made to an engine that is 70 or so years old. I once had a block with the same C8BA number that had 3 oil line fittings on the rear of the block that I assumed meant that it was set up for a full flow oil filter system but I don't know that for sure. The block had pan rail cracks so I never used it. __________________ Making the simple complicated for over 30 years.

06-13-2020, 06:23 PM	#3
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,861	Re: 1953 M250 Classic questions Look for a Clinton manual from the 50's on of the best

06-13-2020, 06:30 PM	#4
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: 1953 M250 Classic questions C8BA is likely what it is. Ford of Canada didn't put the Mercury or Monarch car engine in their trucks. Someone could have put one in there though but the only way to tell is to either measure the stroke or measure the distance across the crankshaft counterweight cheeks. There is no other way to really know for certain after all the water under that bridge. If the engine still has all the characteristics of a truck engine then it is likely a 239 CID engine.

06-13-2020, 07:49 PM	#5
Newc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,488	Re: 1953 M250 Classic questions Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The real important parts are the Mercury truck trim and interior trim. I restored a M47 [48] and it was difficult to save all those Mercury only trim pieces. Newc