The Ford Barn - View Single Post - 40--41 A heads

Kube · 07-07-2014, 08:16 AM

Walt, there were a few design changes on these "A" heads during the years they were called for.
The head with that "lip" for the mechanical gauge is for the left side on 1938 and 1939 only. As you know, Ford went to an electric gauge in 1940 so no longer machined that "lip" in there.
Typically the part number was cast in to the edge of the cylinder head very near the back. It would be just adjacent to the valley surface when installed. I am willing to bet if you look a bit closer, you'll find the numbers.
There were definite 'right' and 'left' heads during these years.
Many guys install them opposite of their respective and intended placement. When properly installed (to reiterate) that cast number will be very near the back of the engine. If the number is near the front, the head is improperly (wrong side) installed.
Numbers cast in to the face of the head typically occurred in 1938.
Kind regards,
Mike

07-07-2014, 08:16 AM	#2
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,008	Re: 40--41 A heads Walt, there were a few design changes on these "A" heads during the years they were called for. The head with that "lip" for the mechanical gauge is for the left side on 1938 and 1939 only. As you know, Ford went to an electric gauge in 1940 so no longer machined that "lip" in there. Typically the part number was cast in to the edge of the cylinder head very near the back. It would be just adjacent to the valley surface when installed. I am willing to bet if you look a bit closer, you'll find the numbers. There were definite 'right' and 'left' heads during these years. Many guys install them opposite of their respective and intended placement. When properly installed (to reiterate) that cast number will be very near the back of the engine. If the number is near the front, the head is improperly (wrong side) installed. Numbers cast in to the face of the head typically occurred in 1938. Kind regards, Mike __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".