engine idenfition
 

I am working on a 1941 1/2 ton pickup trying to tell if it is the original motor.
What letter or letters would be on the head?
Any help would be appreciated....

Thanks, Jim

Re: engine idenfition
 

Hi Everyone. Jim, this is a popular question and the search feature will turn up a lot of information.

But, to get you started... Anything that bolts to a block, is easily changed, and you should assume has already been changed (maybe even more for a commercial vehicle). So the heads aren't going to help your question get answered.

The configuration of the engine block is the only way to identify the year of the engine. There is a very informative thread around here somewhere with a ton of photos and simple explanations.

Passing the question of where that thread is, to the next member in line.

Re: engine idenfition
 

As mentioned, the engine block characteristics will get it into a range of model years. If you check this thread, you can do a close ID by characteristics. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...5301&showall=1

It's the best thread for this purpose on the Ford Barn.

Re: engine idenfition
 

The block should have a shelf at the top of the timing cover and not sloping. The exhaust Ports on the block protrude from the block. Should be two humps in the block along the oil pan rail. With the intake removed it may appear to have a raised area around the top of block at the intake mating surface.

Re: engine idenfition
 

Just a side note: Even if it is the correct vintage engine, there is no way to know that this specific engine actually came with your vehicle. Ford did not stamp the engines with a serial number - as it did the frame and transmissions (at least on the early V8s). I've never seen a VIN on a block to date - on any flathead that I've taken apart --> 32 - 53