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Originally Posted by 30-9
Would like to learn more about the pencil test....never hesrd of that
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It is just a casting change in the way the block was made. Earlier engine blocks had a ledge cast into the block just behind and at the top edge of the front cover, a ledge that you can place a pencil on, "pencil test". The casting was changed which reduced this ledge where it would not allow a pencil to rest in that area.
"All prewar, 1932 through 1942, V8 blocks will pass what is known as the pencil test. The front of the block above the timing cover has a little shelf that makes the top of the timing cover face in the block. If you can rest a pencil on the block at this location, you have a prewar block. Make sure you are not resting the pencil on the timing cover itself."