I.D. Block

[Jim]

How do I I.D. a 59 block as to what year it is and do the early ones have hard valve seats? Thanks Jim

[Ol' Ron]

First what's the bore size and yes most 59 series blocks I've seeh have hardened seats in both int and ex. Can't find the date code stamped on the rear of the block??

[38 coupe]

As far as I know 59 blocks had hard seats on both intake and exhaust. Other than bore I think all are equivalent. We put together a lot of block ID information in this thread: http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...5301&showall=1

[Jim]

Bore is 3 3/16 + .30, it has cast right above the 59 on the bell housing 01 07 1, I could not find anything else on the bell housing. Thanks guys. Jim

[alchemy]

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

First what's the bore size and yes most 59 series blocks I've seeh have hardened seats in both int and ex. Can't find the date code stamped on the rear of the block??

I've never seen a date code on a flathead block.

[Bruce Lancaster]

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59's with no hard seats exist...I am pretty sure that 59 type engines were made for some years after 1948 for the replacement parts market, and that this is the origin of seatless blocks as the new 'whiz kid" accountants took over at Ford. I'm also pretty sure that many replacement motors were also originally built with 8BA cranks, locked bearing rods, etc. as well.
I think extra markings on bellhousing are also an indicator of later blocks made for replacement sale. Regular 59's IMHO are the ones with just the 59, later built ones have all sorts of number codes back there.
As far as I know there is absolutely nothing to distinguish between the years of production use 59's, and very little on the complete engines other than the change from 59A to AB heads.
There ARE apparently a very few odd blocks around with 59 in back and prewar style characteristics at front of block, most likely very early postwar production.

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by alchemy

I've never seen a date code on a flathead block.

Never seen a date code on a flathead block?
Although an 8BA, here's a little enlightenment.

[alchemy]

That doesn't apply to the original poster's 59-style block though. I don't own any late-model flatheads, so that's why I've never seen this code.

[scooder]

Bruce, I got one of the odd 59 blocks here, 59 on the back, 59 valve angle, has a pencil test shelf above the timing cover, 59 deck face, 3 1/16" bore. Odd thing.
Martin.

[38 coupe]

scooder, can you post pictures of this block? I'd like to add them to the block identification thread I mentioned above (or post pictures of the block on that thread for me)?

[scooder]

Originally Posted by 38 coupe

scooder, can you post pictures of this block? I'd like to add them to the block identification thread I mentioned above (or post pictures of the block on that thread for me)?

Yes I could do that, gonna be a few days till I get time to do it. Got silly busy at the moment.
Shoot me a pm, that should help me remember to do it. Memory like a sieve these days.
Martin.