312

I had a '56 hardtop in 1966, it had a 292. The rockers arms were drier than the Gobi Desert, the cam bearings wear out and the upper engine oil pressure goes to zip. The cure for this was to T off behind the oil pressure sending unit (full pressure there) and hook up an overhead oiler kit to the valve covers. This would flood the rockers with oil and restore driveability to the vehicle if it wasn't too far gone. The Y blocks (272, 292, 312)were known for this and it was a common thing. About $5.00 for the kit at the time. If it has a LOT of valve noise I'd consider this. By the way, if anybody runs into this I had a '61 Ford truck with this problem, I had the valve covers off to inspect it, had it running. Evidently a pushrod/lifter combo had worn to the point where it thru a push rod past my head- Real close. Woke me up. Ha Gary
 
A '57 Mercury could have originally had a 312 or 368, but in the nearly 60 yrs since almost anything could have been changed.
Link to '57 Mercury specs....
http://www.automobile-catalog.com/m...ll-size_mercury_5gen_monterey_sedan/1957.html

Here's a link to an image of a 368 engine...
http://ford-y-block.com/lincoln.htm


A 312 y-block engine will have 'ECZ' cast into the main bearing caps.
From this link... 'Is it a Y-Block 312?'
http://www.ford-y-block.com/identify312.htm

IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO ABSOLUTELY IDENTIFY A 312 EXTERNALLY​

312's can have the following block casting numbers ECZ-6015A, ECZ-6015B, ECZ-6015C, EDB-6015E, B9AE-6015F.
Of these ECZ-6015A and ECZ-6015C are by far the most common 312's and are likely to be a 312.
Some 312 replacement blocks were C2AE-6015C. Any of these numbers can also be a 292.
The following blocks have never been seen as a 312: EBU, EBY, EBV, ECG, ECK, ECL.
​

312 crankshafts typically have an identifying mark on the crankshaft flange. This cannot be seen if the engine is installed in the vehicle with an automatic transmission.
On a manual transmission vehicle the mark might be seen between the block and flywheel. If the engine is out of the vehicle and the bellhousing is removed the mark can be seen.

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All 57 Merc's with a Yblock was a 312. Over the years, it could have been changed as noted above.
 
does the id number show what engine is in it


In '55 and '56 the Mercury VIN (ID) number didn't designate what engine. I think because there was only one engine. The 292 in '55 and the 312 in '56. In '57 I'm not sure if they did or not. Maybe they did because in '57 there was a 312 and a 368 offered.

Sal
 
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