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-   -   1937 21 stud engine info (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=352889)

ckh 10-05-2025 12:01 PM

1937 21 stud engine info
 

I believe FoMoCo changed main bearings from babbit to inserts at some point
in 1937. Is this correct? If so, what was the last engine # that had babbit
bearings? All replys appreciated.

Thanks,
CKH

KiWinUS 10-05-2025 12:10 PM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

Mid 36. Engines do not have any kind of serial number.

Ggmac 10-05-2025 12:15 PM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

Agreed , mid 36 . I have 2 very good running motors . Both have hps ? Stamped on block / head surface . I have no idea what it means , hard seats ? , hard sleeves and pistons? Which one still had , standard bore , no ridge .

ckh 10-05-2025 12:26 PM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

Thanks KiWinUS nd Ggmac. That's just the info I needed. Went through the hassle of
having the babbit replaced in an early 36. Never again!

CKH

nelsb01 10-05-2025 03:40 PM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

I have a late 1936 21 stud with LB stamped on the block surface. I think that is how the late 1936 blocks were labeled.

Ggmac 10-05-2025 04:12 PM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

Too many fake LB stamped blocks .

glennpm 10-06-2025 05:32 AM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

FoMoCo changed main bearings from babbit to inserts with the LB blocks

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...8&d=1759746527

38 coupe 10-06-2025 05:42 AM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

Ford produced babbitt main blocks along side insert main blocks from late 1935 through the end of 1936 model year production. This is typical of Ford practice at the time, using some part of the population to test a change while continuing the old method at the same time.
Not all LB blocks are stamped, the one dad picked up to use in my brother's 32 does not have any stamped markings indicating the insert mains.

Ggmac 10-06-2025 06:44 AM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

The 2 I have do not have LB stamped. Ive had a few that were babbit and one of those were stamped LB . Probably to raise its resale value.

Lawrie 10-06-2025 02:12 PM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

all the 36 blocks I have seen have a small hole(about1/2 -5/8) in the lower front right of the engine block down by the fan pulley, will post a pick later this morning,
Lawrie

Lawrie 10-06-2025 04:17 PM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

1 Attachment(s)
Picture o

petehoovie 10-06-2025 05:40 PM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lawrie (Post 2416388)
Picture o

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...8&d=1759785411

34fordy 10-06-2025 08:23 PM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lawrie (Post 2416368)
all the 36 blocks I have seen have a small hole(about1/2 -5/8) in the lower front right of the engine block down by the fan pulley, will post a pick later this morning,
Lawrie

What do you feel this indicates Lawrie?

Brian 10-06-2025 10:04 PM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

those holes are present in all Canadian engines with liner main bearings, ie 36 LB on.... Quick and easy way to identify LB 36 engines. American engines didn't have that feature. There is another of those holes at rear of those blocks, can't see it with the oil pan on. I assume they were drilled during manufacture to be used to locate the blocks in fixtures for machining.

Lawrie 10-07-2025 12:41 AM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

I think you are right Brian.
unfortunately this block ended in the bin, Way too rusty in the bore to reclaim
the hole down the back of the block is a larger one, maybe so the block only went one way on the Jig.
Lawrie

Ggmac 10-07-2025 05:03 AM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

I checked my 2 lb 36 motors and no holes .

38 coupe 10-07-2025 05:04 AM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

Here is a picture of a Canadian engine with the oil pan off showing both the holes discussed by Lawrie and Brian:
https://fordbarn.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1703973300

glennpm 10-07-2025 05:34 AM

Re: 1937 21 stud engine info
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 38 coupe (Post 2416440)
Here is a picture of a Canadian engine with the oil pan off showing both the holes discussed by Lawrie and Brian:
https://fordbarn.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1703973300

Pages 296 and 298 from https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/sfxwc...=24fyili9&dl=0

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...6&d=1759833078

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...7&d=1759833078


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