Flathead identification

[miniceptor86]

Thanks Jeff, I’m in a learning process on all things Flathead. Since I don’t have enough posts I can’t reply to Will D’s PM. I’m not ignoring you Will.

[Will D]

Originally Posted by miniceptor86

Thanks Jeff, I’m in a learning process on all things Flathead. Since I don’t have enough posts I can’t reply to Will D’s PM. I’m not ignoring you Will.

no worries. I forgot about the 10 posts for PM.

[rotorwrench]

All 8BA family engines use the same basic block whether Ford, Mercury, or F1 thru F6 trucks. There should be a date code on the right rear area of the intake deck but that won't tell you what it started life as. There are different water pumps, oil pans, transmission bell housings, timing covers, etc. Even all this stuff won't tell you much after all these years.

Things like the 4-inch stroke Mercury crankshaft & pistons will tell you it is a 255 but that stuff can also be changed. Valves changed from non-rotator type to rotator type in early 1951 and Ford started to eliminate the hardened intake & exhaust valve seats about this time but trucks generally still had hardened exhaust valve seats. I've seen a lot of blocks with 1BA casting marks in the intake galley area so this was an identifier for 1951 & later blocks.

[miniceptor86]

Thanks rotorwrench. I’m still curious as to what the stamping and cast in numbers and letters signify.