Diamond engine ID ?

Special Coupe Frank

Special Coupe Frank

Well-known member
Hi Folks,

Back after lengthy hiatus. :)

I have acquired a replacement engine for my '28 Special Coupe. :cool:

It is a diamond block, bears date code, F 9 5, which suggests June 9, 1935?

Also has this stamping above the #4 exhaust port: 8 <->5


The number pad above the water inlet is stamped: R C 55086 (star)

Does anyone know if the stamped numbers offer any clues to its previous application ?

I purchased the engine from a local club member, who obtained the long block from Bill Haberer out near Williamsport, PA.

That's as much as we know about its history.

Thanks for your help!

Frank
 
In England the "R" denotes a Ford factory rebuilt engine ,this was done on an exchange basis by Ford dealers . The "C" is most likely a date code . Check the bores, in England Ford sleeved exchange engines back to standard . Sometimes insert valve seats were also installed .I guess Ford in USA did the same thing .

John in lovely day Suffolk County England
 
My understanding is that the Engine number was sometimes stamped with the same number it was replacing. Researching this number may tell you what it was put in. I have a diamond B motor that was stamped as an AA and was pulled out of a truck.
 
Here in California we had two Ford Plants that built the Diamond Block Engines; Long Beach Ford engines were stamped LB**** and Richmond Ford engines were stamped RF****.

These were brand new blocks, standard bore, hard seats in the exhaust, a new "B" grind camshaft, a good low ground "A" crankshaft; these were sold outright by Ford, no exchange.

There is a small "Diamond" cast in the block just above the side timing cover.

Ron Rude
 
Thanks Ron !

Got the raised diamond above the side timing cover. :)

Any way to tell a B cam by visual inspection (any markings?)

I'm not familiar with "low ground A crank" - what does this mean ?

Thanks,

Frank
 
Frank,

The camshaft has a lobe toward the front which drove the fuel pump on the "B" "C" engines ( the camshaft is also copper plated between the lobes).
Ford may have had some new A crankshaft to use or surface a "A" crankshaft journals a few thousands to clean up ?

Ron
 
Frank,

Some additional information about the "B" cam; due to the whip of the camshaft the most wear is on the center journal so check this journal as it also drives the distributor and oil pump; journal #1 and #3 are quite often standard.

The nice thing about a "B" cam is the lobe shape, it gives a higher lift and a faster opening and closing of the valves.

When rebuilding the engine I suggest you go to stainless valves and modern keepers and adjustable lifters. I set my intakes at .014 clearance and exhaust at .018, have never had a burnt valve and they are quiet.

Ron Rude
 
The post from Jim 1932 was very interesting just curious to know what AA serial was stamped on his B block . Ford in England built AA trucks into 1936 . From 1932 these Dagenham trucks were fitted with B blocks serialled AA . I have a block out of a 1935 truck serialled AA 4981139 . USA servicemen could bring a vehicle home free after their stint in UK . Many brought in MGs and Jags etc but some brought in As and Ts . Could be that motor started life in England .

John in sunny Suffolk County England
 
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