59A-B Head Question
 

I have a late model 40's 59A-B engine (I think). The head on the right side has the raised letters: 59A-B on it. The head on the left side has the indented letters: 29A-LH on it and below that is: Ford(Script) USA. Both heads have the water outlet at top center. Is this a normal set of 59A-B heads or do I have a mismatch here?
Thanks -

Re: 59A-B Head Question
 

the 29A is a 1942 239 head.

Re: 59A-B Head Question
 

What# is on the bellhousing?

Re: 59A-B Head Question
 

The 29A head was for the prewar 239 as Bruce mentioned. They were set up for prewar engines that had a little bit different valve angle than the post war types. They could be made to work though. As 42deluxe asked, you need to see if the half bell on the top rear of the engine block has a 59 on there. It could be a pre war engine with a later head or vice versa.

Re: 59A-B Head Question
 

The engine is in the truck but I will see what I can see on the bell housing. With the two different heads do I have different combustion chambers from one side to the other?

Re: 59A-B Head Question
 

Since they are both 239, there probably isn't much difference.

Re: 59A-B Head Question
 

I will have to rig up some better mirrors or figure something else out to see what is on the bellhousing. Could not make out anything tonight on the first try with a mirror and flashlight. Is the number on the top center of the bellhousing? I assume it would be a longer serial type number starting with 59?

Re: 59A-B Head Question
 

It is cast in, not stamped so it is raised letters. Usually just '59' maybe 59L or another letter but only one. '5' denotes first year of production, 1945. '9' denotes size of engine-239 cu. in.

Re: 59A-B Head Question
 

If you have a cell phone that takes pictures you can hold it down by the back of the engine and get a picture of the back of the bell. I recently was trying to ID a 59AB engine in a vehicle and the cell phone did the trick for me.

Re: 59A-B Head Question
 

Try the "pencil" test. If a pencil will rest on the block above the timing cover, it is pre 59AB.

Re: 59A-B Head Question
 

Thanks for all of the tips guys. I will surely be able to figure it out tomorrow.

Re: 59A-B Head Question
 

MGG.......Here's a pic of where any numbers will typically be found CENTERED on the bell, IF there are any. SOME blocks have NO numbers/letter markings. This one shows a "C69A", with the "C" indicating a Canadian block. DD

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attach...3&d=1383972837

Re: 59A-B Head Question
 

The block flunked the pencil test. It would have rolled off onto the ground if the top of the timing cover sticking up a little had not stopped it. I must have the pre 45 block with one correct head and one later 59A-B head. I still can't see or feel anything on the bell. Thanks to all.

Re: 59A-B Head Question
 

If it fails the pencil test it's post war 59 series. All good though either way.