The Ford Barn

Anteek29 · 04-05-2021, 02:53 AM

I noticed today that both heads are cast marked Ford and an A and then stamped with the number 52 below. Shouldn't one of the heads have a cast B (as in left and right bank?) What does the 52 mean?
Thanks!

V8COOPMAN · 04-05-2021, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anteek29

I noticed today that both heads are cast marked Ford and an A and then stamped with the number 52 below. Shouldn't one of the heads have a cast B (as in left and right bank?) What does the 52 mean?
Thanks!

IF the two heads had been intended to be "left & right" as such, the RIGHT head would have a cast-in number "6049", and the LEFT would have a number "6050" cast-in. "A" and "B" markings usually indicate a difference, update, modification or even a different supplier than the ORIGINAL iteration. That 'STAMPED' "52" means nothing that anyone still alive today can verify. DD

Lamar Wadsworth · 04-05-2021, 08:23 AM

I have the original heads off the 85 HP that was in my '38 pickup, your '41 probably had the same engine. These heads have the A in the middle.

Kube · 04-05-2021, 08:32 AM

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The heads on an 85HP engine should have but one letter on them. That letter - "A" should be between the two center plugs.
The 52 is nothing more than a casting number.
In 1941 there were two distinct cylinder heads. One for the right side (81a-6049) and one for the left (81a-6050). The heads were NOT designed to be interchanged from side to side.
An easy way to remember which side each head goes on? The cast in part number should be placed near the dash panel (firewall).

If your truck was equipped with the optional 95HP engine, the heads will have a "T" in the center.

04-05-2021, 02:53 AM	#1
Anteek29 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Santa Maria, CA Posts: 985	My '41 PU Heads I noticed today that both heads are cast marked Ford and an A and then stamped with the number 52 below. Shouldn't one of the heads have a cast B (as in left and right bank?) What does the 52 mean? Thanks! __________________ Alan 1929 Special Coupe 1941 Pick-Up 1955 Victoria

04-05-2021, 08:23 AM	#3
Lamar Wadsworth Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 314	Re: My '41 PU Heads I have the original heads off the 85 HP that was in my '38 pickup, your '41 probably had the same engine. These heads have the A in the middle.

04-05-2021, 08:32 AM	#4
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,007	Re: My '41 PU Heads Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The heads on an 85HP engine should have but one letter on them. That letter - "A" should be between the two center plugs. The 52 is nothing more than a casting number. In 1941 there were two distinct cylinder heads. One for the right side (81a-6049) and one for the left (81a-6050). The heads were NOT designed to be interchanged from side to side. An easy way to remember which side each head goes on? The cast in part number should be placed near the dash panel (firewall). If your truck was equipped with the optional 95HP engine, the heads will have a "T" in the center. __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".