model a block

[machine girl]

Just picked up a model A motor with a 55 cast into the lower rear of the block on the carb side. never saw this before??

 

[msmaron]

is it a Diamond Block Engine...

This is mine

 

[machine girl]

the 55 is larger than your 24 and on the outside of the block?

 

[msmaron]

Do you think your is a diamond block...could very well be

 

[machine girl]

were do you find the markings ?

 

[msmaron]

The infamous Diamond is just above side timing cover on right side of engine block, inside engine block, below valve chamber cover.

 

[machine girl]

I see the mark on the outside in the middle ?

 

[msmaron]

then it sounds like you have a Diamond block and that would be the reason for your originals question of the numbers...most likely they are casting numbers and such....

 

[triumphleroy]

When I bought my 29 Sport Coupe it came with a spare block that is a Diamond block; cast date late 1936. I have read some had model B cams ? This block is still on standard bore and there is no ridge, cylinders all look like new but someone borrowed the rear main cap! Has nice head also? Guess the rear main can be replaced and block line bored?
What if any are the benefits of this block?

 

[Joe K]

What if any are the benefits of this block?

Diamond blocks are generally considered as "better made." Issues with casting had largely been overcome (the need had been pointed out by various failures of the Model B build and the V-8 had its own similar set of challenges needful of solution) and the later produced diamond blocks benefited from these earlier solutions.

If you bought a replacement engine from Ford from say 1934 through WWII, likely it would have been a diamond. And may have incorporated improvements applied to the Model B (like the camshaft.)

Joe K