Model A serial number ?

[firetique57]

I bought a Model A engine to use in my pickup project build. The serial number stamped on the side is 2847487 no star before the number or after and no letter prefix. From all that I've been able to read so far the numbers show they have a star before and after the serial number. Is this motor a replacement block? How do I tell and date it?

Thanks,
Andy

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by firetique57

I bought a Model A engine to use in my pickup project build. The serial number stamped on the side is 2847487 no star before the number or after and no letter prefix. From all that I've been able to read so far the numbers show they have a star before and after the serial number. Is this motor a replacement block? How do I tell and date it?

Thanks,
Andy

The number sequence is a little strange but certainly within the Model A numbering system.

I'm not aware that stars were left off. It might be a rebuild or possibly a no-number engine provided to replace the original engine that has been re-stamped with the former chassis number only - stars were and are a little unusual in the standard shop numbering set.

The ford numbers have a distinct "pattern" to them. Pretty standardized in size. You might try making a photograph or rubbing/scan of a white paper so that we can see if the numbers match blocks of our acquaintance. If they're any bit different, either size or number motif (font) then likely a re-stamp of some sort.

Do you have an original color for this engine? My March 29 CC pickup with 140K on the odometer was very obviously on it's second engine - which had NO number on the number pad, NEVER had one (the cast surface was very distinct) and engine was painted RED. Strange color for a replacement from Ford or maybe a Sears engine sold aftermarket from Ford stocks either of which this one was very likely.

Curious to know more if you can take the time.

Joe K

[Mike V. Florida]

If you go to Steve Plucker site and look up the engine research he has the small differences in the block to help narrow down the date the block was cast.

http://www.plucks329s.org/40hb.htm

[firetique57]

Here's a picture of the number and the block is Ford green.

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by firetique57

Here's a picture of the number and the block is Ford green.

Just how long is the engine number pad?

Pluck

[firetique57]

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Pluck the pad is 3 1/4 inches long by 7/8's wide

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by firetique57

Pluck the pad is 3 1/4 inches long by 7/8's wide

The 3-1/4 inch pad came into production about February 1929.

Now, if you really wanted to key it out even more, go to my website and go to the 40 Horse Block file and there you will find the guide for which you can really key out this block to get an idea of about just where it is within the window of production.

I think that since the pad does not appear to be reground, that it was originally a block that was got by someone, a dealer say, from FORD which was not stamped, changed out and possibably the dealer put the original number on the new block minus the two "stars" and the "A"...but then again maybe the guy who was stamping the numbers at Dearborn just did not put thoes on the block when the numbers were stamped.

The 2, 4, and 7 just do not look right...wrong fount...it indicates it is a February 10, 1930 (your number)

Key out the block and see where it lands.

Pluck

[Rowdy]

Looking at the texture of the stamp pad it does not look to be a restamp. Curious is this a diamond block? that was made without a number and then a number was stamped on it at the dealership or other shop? Rod

[QGolden]

Yup, some of them are odd, and you wonder what the history is. Here is a shot of mine, the pad does not look machined, but the numbering makes no sense. Note the sideways "4" above the row of numbers, and they are smaller then average and not centered on the pad.