Another engine ID issue

Prawbly

Prawbly

Senior Member
I bought a 36 Tudor with what I was told a 48 59AB. I've bought parts for the 59AB and they all fit okay. I finally got time to pull the engine for detailing and cleaning and there wasn't a thing on the bell housing. Now I don't know what I got. LoL !! The engine runs great I just wanted to clean it up. What can I look for to identify the engine? Are there specific dates they didn't put the numbers on the bellhousing ? I would just like to know what engine this is. Thanks Pat:rolleyes:
 
I'll get some pics out of the heads and block. Those heads are so interchangeable it's hard for me to rely on those numbers. The only thing I know for sure is that the engine is later than my 36 because it has 24 bolts. Anything other than that is just a guess. I have the heads off and in the process of putting new valve train in, so it will be easy to get some pictures.
 
No sleeves I'll have to re- measure the bore. I did awhile back but I've slept since then and can't remember. Thanks for replying. If I can figure out how to post pictures, I just took some, and maybe we can figure it out.
 
I hope I did this right. I'm sure someone will let me know. Thanks to all who responds.
 

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I forgot this one. The other head - which matches - is one number lower.

I'll sure be glad when I start putting it back together I like that.:(
 

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You need to look for a couple of things. Are there freeze plugs in the oil pan rail? There will be two little bumps on the side if they are there or it will be straight down the side. Without seeing the entire head, they appear to be '38 heads. The first '38 24 stud engines did not have the "A" on them like the '39-'41's yet all of them carry the 81A-6049/6050 part numbers. The '39 style heads generally had the part number cast into them on the back side of the head and the number would have been near the fuel pump. Make sure to put them on the correct side when you put them back on. Another thing that bothers me is that the crank shaft looks like it has the long snout which would require a crankshaft mounted fan, whereas the '38 blocks still used the generator mounted fan.
 
I believe it is somewhere around a 38 - 40 221 cubic inch engine . . . though check for the welch plugs in the pan rail. If it has no plugs, then it is probably a 41-42 221 Ford block. As noted - people swapped parts all over the place - so one can't tell all that much. Are the bores 3 3/16 or 3 1/16?
 
Fordman - there are no freeze plugs. Your right about the crank snout. The pulley has a flange on it that looks like a fan mount. Tomorrow I'm going to measure the bore, and stroke. It has been bored. The pistons have .040 on them. I'm taking the engine out to detail it, as well as the engine compartment. While the engine is out I want to check the universal joint and trans mount. Seems like one thing leads to another. It had a bad vibration in it, so I'm checking about everything from the flywheel back. Man I'm rambling! I'm sorry. Thanks a million for answering. I appreciate. it. Pat
 
If it doesn't have the freeze plugs in the pan rail, it is going to be a '41 style block. I can't see from the pictures if it has a raised deck, but there were some '41's that did not have that. I will be interested in knowing what the bore is? I know what I am betting. Let us know.
 
Fordman The deck is not raised. Its smooth . I'll measure it tomorrow and let you know what the bore is. Thanks a million. Pat
 
59's are 59's and if it doesn't have a 59 on the bell houseing it ain't a 59 Block. However, ebuilders wern;t fussy when rebuilding 24 stud blocks so just because it doesn't say 59 on the rear, there is no telling what inside, because just about everything ford ever mad will fit. So it could be a 221 or a 239. measure the bore and look at the pan rails.
 
1941 style 221 cube block is what it is.
It does have the pencil shelf above the timing cover (can see it in the pic), no plugs in pan rail, key stone water holes without the round middle hole.
That's the clues.
Martin.
 
Prawbly;
Good pictures--how about one showing the lower side of the block:
no freeze plugs on side of block---but casting core holes / plugs in pan rail
surface --covered by the pan bolt flange.
Never say never , but generally 39/40 model blocks had cast core holes and
flat intake surface. 41/42 model blocks -no cast core holes and "raised" intake surface.

1939 standard Fords had generator mounted fan --the crank pulley has an
extended snout hub due to long crankshaft (39 and up).

As you are aware these engines have much history , changes, mods to be
discovered as you work .
Thanks
Gene Tulsa
 
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I took this picture just to make sure. I'm rather sorry it isn't a 239, but just the same 221 is better than nothing.
 

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I forgot - - I measured the bore and stroke and got 3 1/4 bore and 3 3/4 stroke. It was a loose fit at 3 1/4 but it has been bored .,040 it was a tiny bit over 3 1/4. It runs great. I just want to clean it all up and paint it. I do have some Red's headers and some Offenhauser for it. I put in all new valve and lifters, and a little rumpty rump.
I just love the sound of a flathead. I want to thank all who took the time to help, your a great bunch of people, thank you all. Pat
 
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