Flathead pencil test

[38 coupe]

The pencil test is for any pre-WW2 USA V8 block. There have been a handful of postwar 59 style blocks that pass the pencil test that came up on the site here in the last couple years, they turned out to be 221 replacement blocks that used a mixture of casting cores after the war.

[highbeams]

Originally Posted by Kube

If I understand correctly (at long last) you are wondering if that ledge has any effect other than for identification purposes. Am I correct?

No, it doesn't have any effect. Just a casting design.

Yes, my '33 has that above-the-timing-gear-cover ledge.

[highbeams]

Originally Posted by jimTN

That test generally refers to 36 or earlier than 37 21 stud engines that have insert main bearings.

Yes, my '33 has that above-the-timing-gear-cover ledge. And . . . the throwout bearing oiling tube only '33.