ID numbers on a flathead block ?

[Hank the 36]

Where can I go to ID the serial numbers on the bell housing that I have ? I.E website, book ? I was told it's a 59AB but I'd like to verify.
Thank you

[52merc]

does it say 59 on bell housing ??

[Hank the 36]

On the top of the bell housing this is the numbers I can see: A18744
Thank you 52merc

[59ab]

Ford put the serial numbers on the top of the transmission case right above the inspection plate for the throw out bearing. The numbers on the bell housing have not been linked to any thing known maybe a production code or something like that. The big 59 is the only number on the back of the block that tells you anything.

[Hank the 36]

59ab that's what I was afraid of. I can't see the top of the trans case, was it marked anywhere else on the block ?
Thank you 59ab

[59ab]

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I don't think so. You might have to pull the floor boards up. Or maybe get a mirrow in there.

[59ab]

By the way, welcome to the Barn!!!!

[~~Walts37~~]

Look for 24 Studs on the heads, water pumps are part of the front motor mounts & water hoses input go to the top middle of the heads & heads usually say 59 A-B as well as the built in as part of the engine bell housing has a big 59 use a mirror from under the back of the engine to look for the 59. a 59 a-b, usually has a crab distrib. just some of the things to look for but it may have been modified along the way.
JMO ~~Walts37~~

[Hank the 36]

Walt it does have the letter "A" on the heads and it does have 24 studs on those heads as well as the crab distributor. I will use the mirror method when I have a chance. Is there any difference with a 59a block and a 59a-b block ? There seems to be a ton of variables when it comes to flathead motors.
And thank you for the help and thank you 59ab for the welcome. This flathead stuff is new to me.

[~~Walts37~~]

Originally Posted by Hank the 36

Walt it does have the letter "A" on the heads and it does have 24 studs on those heads as well as the crab distributor. I will use the mirror method when I have a chance. Is there any difference with a 59a block and a 59a-b block ? There seems to be a ton of variables when it comes to flathead motors.
And that you for the help and thank you 59ab for the welcome. This flathead stuff is new to me.

Hank I don't know the difference in thea & a-b but do not think it is anything you can see. Sounds like you have a so called 59 ab came out on the 46-47 v8 engines they are a great engine to have. Love mine & have had zero problems since I had it rebuilt several years ago. I am no expert on this subject and you will probably get some better response from the knowledgeable people on this site good luck to you.
. ~~Walts37~~

[flatjack9]

A heads were not standard on the 59AB. If a pencil will sit on the ledge at the front of the block above the timing cover, it is pre 59AB. If not, it is 59AB.

[26 lakes]

Sounds like he has 1939-40 Ford heads on the block.

[flatjack9]

Yep, they were used through 1942. Heads were often changed, that's why the pencil test is used on the block.

[Hank the 36]

Thanks guys for all of the good info. I think it's best for me to supply some pics, is there a area that I should focus on ?

[Bruce Lancaster]

To start...assuming no "59" on bell:
look at top of block...is there a "raised" area (actually, the shoulders are lowered) to support the manifold, looking about like an extra layer of gasket but cast iron? Thsi would be something in the 1941--WWII range.
Look at sides of block...if there are two distinct vertical ridges per side starting high on sides and continuing down to pan rail, then '39-40 or mebbe '38 (different crank).
The ridges allow room at bottom for two small casting plugs on each pan rail.
Once age is determined, next step is determining 221 or 239.
NO bolt on part is worth anything in determining age...everything can fit everything 1939-48, and after 70 years of rebuilders and tinkerers anything could have been swapped.

[Mike in AZ]

Hank, welcome to the 'Barn....here's a link to a website to help ID your engine....don't know if any of the numbers on the bellhousing help, but if it has the 59 as in Walts37's pic.....and the serial number for the car/transmission is on the flat place just above the inspection window/plate....which would be just below the 59 in Walts37's pic....good luck....Mike

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...85to100mid.htm

[Bruce Lancaster]

And...there isn't any 59AB engine, actually. The engines came first with 59A heads, then 59 A--B versions with more compression. The B part referred ONLY to the cylinder head with new design.

[ora masters]

bruce my 48 all orignal coupe has the 59a-b heads how many horse power would that make it thanks ORA

[Bruce Lancaster]

They (59's) are all rated at 100. The "B" head chambers were slightly (4 cc) smaller than the earlier head...Ford syas 5 pounds more cranking pressure, did not write up the tiny change in ratio at all. Really a minor change...and of course there were variations from spec in manufature probably about as large as that. Ford did not even note the differences between relieved ans unrelieved engines. Probably individual engines and individual dyno pulls varied more than identifiable tiny change.

[ora masters]

Originally Posted by Bruce Lancaster

They (59's) are all rated at 100. The "B" head chambers were slightly (4 cc) smaller than the earlier head...Ford syas 5 pounds more cranking pressure, did not write up the tiny change in ratio at all. Really a minor change...and of course there were variations from spec in manufature probably about as large as that. Ford did not even note the differences between relieved ans unrelieved engines. Probably individual engines and individual dyno pulls varied more than identifiable tiny change.

thanks BRUCE

[38 coupe]

I did a write up with pictures on flathead block identification here: https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25301

[Hank the 36]

Originally Posted by 38 coupe

I did a write up with pictures on flathead block identification here: https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25301

Good Morning 38 coupe and thank you, I have a lot of reading to do later today ! In fact Thank You all for the help.

[ford38v8]

38 Coupe, May I have permission to post your list on another website?

http://www.goldengatev8.org/tips.htm

[Seven cylinders]

Hello Everyone, I have a ford flathead and have been looking to identify the year so i can start to buy parts for a rebuild. the block has numbers C10144 X1 on the bell housing. The heads are 24 stud with nuts, the water pumps are bolt on in front of the block. The heads have a center water flow spout. The intake is three bolt. the distributer id front mounted. Just put it on the engine stand today so i don't have the bore and stroke yet. Let me know if any of this helps you figure out the year. I have been on many forums looking at ID numbers but my n umbers seem odd for sum reason. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much
Seven Cylinders

[JSeery]

Welcome to the Barn. How did you mount it on the engine stand? It is best to NOT mount it by the bellhousing, they have been known to break. The normal method is to use the exhaust bolts on the side using an adapter.

[V8COOPMAN]

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Originally Posted by JSeery

Welcome to the Barn. How did you mount it on the engine stand? It is best to NOT mount it by the bellhousing, they have been known to break. The normal method is to use the exhaust bolts on the side using an adapter.

Here are two examples of the results of a bellhousing breaking while mounted on an engine stand like JSeery mentioned above. Not Good! DD








…..

[cas3]

generally speaking, flathead blocks do not have any meaningful numbers on them unless added by someone after it left the factory. yours however, starting with a C may be canadian. i believe vanpelts sales has canadian numbers too, perhaps it would show up there. you will want to see vanpelts web site if you have never been there, google it up

[VeryTangled]

Seven Cylinders, Flathead engines are not numbered, either cast or stamped, in a way to identify their year of manufacture. There do exist numerous physical characteristics that give a generational type ID. I really only know 21 stud engines so can not assist further.

[dakot]

Hello Still wondering about the large x12 on my bell housing on the block Thanks

[dakot]

Originally Posted by 52merc

does it say 59 on bell housing ??

Thanks for the response! there is a spot about the size of a quarter, and the only thing i can see for sure in that spot is a 9 it's also those letters and numbers to the right of that circle they are X12 they are stamped in and aprox 3/4 inches tall Thanks

[cas3]

the 59 blocks usually have the 59 very visible, raised up enough to see, and often a letter following. about 3/4" tall numbers, raised up an 1/8" or so, easy to see on every one i have had.

[rotorwrench]

Ford USA in Dearborn didn't mark blocks very much. They used paint color of the blocks to ID them for a time. Some have a date code on the right rear of the intake deck but not all. Canadian Fords have more ID info than USA. Some were made in France by SUMB as late as 1991 for French military trucks.

These old threads have some info but it is usually better to start a new one and post a photo just so we know what a person is looking at. Adding a basic location to your Avatar info can help us tell if it might be in this hemisphere or elsewhere. Ford made stuff in more than one country.

[26 T Roadster]

So this is a great forum topic and I am joining to see if folks here can help me ID my motor

I have a 59 cast on bell house, 3 bolt “round style” distributor, A marked on head, cast number G157

I think I have a 1947 (G= January, 15 = day of month, 7 = 1947) 59A - but when I look up distributor data my 3 bolt style makes this year come into question, see pictures attached.

‘32-‘41 = 3 bolt distributor
‘42-‘48 = 2 bolt distributor

Thanks all.

[JSeery]

Heads do not tell you much, it is too easy for them to have been changed over the years. That applies to just about anything bolted to the block.

[26 T Roadster]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Heads do not tell you much, it is too easy for them to have been changed over the years. That applies to just about anything bolted to the block.

This Motor came out of generator so the heads are most likely stock.

Generator had 430 hours. so this is low "hour" run motor.

I need to ID this to order some replacement parts.

Thanks.