1937 21 stud engine info

ckh

Member
I believe FoMoCo changed main bearings from babbit to inserts at some point
in 1937. Is this correct? If so, what was the last engine # that had babbit
bearings? All replys appreciated.

Thanks,
CKH
 
Agreed , mid 36 . I have 2 very good running motors . Both have hps ? Stamped on block / head surface . I have no idea what it means , hard seats ? , hard sleeves and pistons? Which one still had , standard bore , no ridge .
 
Thanks KiWinUS nd Ggmac. That's just the info I needed. Went through the hassle of
having the babbit replaced in an early 36. Never again!

CKH
 
I have a late 1936 21 stud with LB stamped on the block surface. I think that is how the late 1936 blocks were labeled.
 
FoMoCo changed main bearings from babbit to inserts with the LB blocks

574838
 
Ford produced babbitt main blocks along side insert main blocks from late 1935 through the end of 1936 model year production. This is typical of Ford practice at the time, using some part of the population to test a change while continuing the old method at the same time.
Not all LB blocks are stamped, the one dad picked up to use in my brother's 32 does not have any stamped markings indicating the insert mains.
 
The 2 I have do not have LB stamped. Ive had a few that were babbit and one of those were stamped LB . Probably to raise its resale value.
 
all the 36 blocks I have seen have a small hole(about1/2 -5/8) in the lower front right of the engine block down by the fan pulley, will post a pick later this morning,
Lawrie
 
all the 36 blocks I have seen have a small hole(about1/2 -5/8) in the lower front right of the engine block down by the fan pulley, will post a pick later this morning,
Lawrie

What do you feel this indicates Lawrie?
 
those holes are present in all Canadian engines with liner main bearings, ie 36 LB on.... Quick and easy way to identify LB 36 engines. American engines didn't have that feature. There is another of those holes at rear of those blocks, can't see it with the oil pan on. I assume they were drilled during manufacture to be used to locate the blocks in fixtures for machining.
 
I think you are right Brian.
unfortunately this block ended in the bin, Way too rusty in the bore to reclaim
the hole down the back of the block is a larger one, maybe so the block only went one way on the Jig.
Lawrie
 
Here is a picture of a Canadian engine with the oil pan off showing both the holes discussed by Lawrie and Brian:
533161
 
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