30's engine main bearing / crank question

[kehughes]

1. Can main bearing caps from '36 -'38 21 stud 85hp engines be used on a '39 24 stud 85hp?
2. What about crankshafts?

[Kurt in NJ]

No, the bolt centers are wider, Ford did make thick bearing shells to use the earlier crankshaft in the later block

[kehughes]

The real reason I asked was that through multiple moves of my '39 project, Ive lost my bearing caps and crank. Not good. I know with some different caps, I could get them line bored. I just don't know which year caps would work.

This 21 stud is for sale and thought I could steal the parts off of it. Not sure what year it is..was thinking late 30's

[kehughes]

Another pic

Also, would 24 bolt '38-'41 caps and crank work?

[JSeery]

If you have enough caps to pick between (of the appropriate years) it is possible to locate caps that do not require line boring.

[kehughes]

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What are the appropriate years?

[scooder]

1939 upto 1948 (1947 pickup) 24 stud. You need to swap the seal holder or slinger parts in the rear main to match the crank.
You can use cranks up to 53. Of you have a good set of rods, you'll want to get a crank to match, 221 ci stuff used smaller (2") rod journals.
Other issue is the crank snout, if you need the short snout, that narrows your search to rare stuff. If you can use a long snout, all the above will work. I spose a long snout crank can be cut to suit, be aware of this.

Think that covers it.
Martin.

[JSeery]

LOL, I was referring to the years that match your block. I do not know which caps and crank* will interchange with a 39 block, which I know is what you are asking. I was just saying that there was enough consistency with the flathead blocks that they can sometimes be interchanged and work. Might check with the folks that have a large number of blocks, they might be will to provide you a cap off of a damaged block. Two sources that come to mind are H&H in California and United Engine Specialists in Wichita KS.

*I see Martin provided the required information!

[kehughes]

Great info. Thank you guys