The Ford Barn

700rpm · 03-20-2014, 11:32 AM

I have a block that has never had a number stamped on it. It is .060 over. There are four Ford script ex. valves in it, and non-adjustable tappets. Can you experts tell me anything more about its origins or possible previous uses? Marine/industrial, perhaps, or after-market? No diamond on the block.

1930artdeco · 03-20-2014, 11:43 AM

Was the number ground off? Maybe in preparation for a re-stamping that just never happened?

Mike

700rpm · 03-20-2014, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1930artdeco

Was the number ground off? Maybe in preparation for a re-stamping that just never happened?

Mike

I considered that at first, but now I don't think so. The number area looks full height and still shows original casting roughness.

Joe K · 03-20-2014, 12:04 PM

Some rebuilders would simply rework the block and then set it aside for a future customer. If the new customer didn't demand that he repeat the number stamping - then it might not have been done.

My original truck engine was a red painted engine, possibly a sears replacement. It was fully worn out when I got the truck which showed 140K on the odometer. A typical life for a Model A engine was reported by my engine rebuilder at about 70K miles so this might have been the end of the second engine?

This no-number red engine has the 'as cast' appearance on the block. I've considered that when I rebuild this engine for use in the truck I would re-stamp to match the frame.

Isn't that the desired condition?

Not necessary for NH state registration, however.

Joe K

Kurt in NJ · 03-20-2014, 12:18 PM

It could have been a replacement block
It could be a " diamond" block, look at the space between the lower left corner of the valve cover and the Sydenham timing gear cover for a diamond

Mike V. Florida · 03-20-2014, 12:31 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

It could have been a replacement block
It could be a " diamond" block, look at the space between the lower left corner of the valve cover and the Sydenham timing gear cover for a diamond

That's what i first thought of when I read the post.

700rpm · 03-20-2014, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

That's what i first thought of when I read the post.

I checked for that when I first got it; no diamond.

CarlG · 03-20-2014, 01:14 PM

My "diamond block" was obviously stamped by an amateur as the font isn't correct and the numbers don't line up properly. But it does look like it was stamped on the "as cast" surface of the pad.

SLPreston53 · 03-20-2014, 06:26 PM

There are folks who have shaved the number boss in a milling machine and then went over it with a scaling tool. It is very hard to detect that this is not an original block without numbers. Might be what you have...

Mike V. Florida · 03-20-2014, 11:40 PM

All engines that passed final inspection and run in on the electric motor and was slated for installation in the Model A/AA was stamped with a number.

No number 1) it was removed, 2) Industrial engine.

As Ford assembled a series of what were called Industrial Engines during 1929 and 1930 they would not have a diamond on the block.

John LaVoy · 03-20-2014, 11:44 PM

I have an industrial block with no number. It wasn't shaved off it was never stamped. I think that block used for farm implements etc. were left with out a number since they were not being used to license a car.

03-20-2014, 11:32 AM	#1
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 6,039	No engine number I have a block that has never had a number stamped on it. It is .060 over. There are four Ford script ex. valves in it, and non-adjustable tappets. Can you experts tell me anything more about its origins or possible previous uses? Marine/industrial, perhaps, or after-market? No diamond on the block. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.

03-20-2014, 11:43 AM	#2
1930artdeco Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lynden, Wa Posts: 3,777	Re: No engine number Was the number ground off? Maybe in preparation for a re-stamping that just never happened? Mike __________________ 1930 TownSedan (Briggs) 1957 Country Sedan

03-20-2014, 12:04 PM	#4
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,610	Re: No engine number Some rebuilders would simply rework the block and then set it aside for a future customer. If the new customer didn't demand that he repeat the number stamping - then it might not have been done. My original truck engine was a red painted engine, possibly a sears replacement. It was fully worn out when I got the truck which showed 140K on the odometer. A typical life for a Model A engine was reported by my engine rebuilder at about 70K miles so this might have been the end of the second engine? This no-number red engine has the 'as cast' appearance on the block. I've considered that when I rebuild this engine for use in the truck I would re-stamp to match the frame. Isn't that the desired condition? Not necessary for NH state registration, however. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.

03-20-2014, 12:18 PM	#5
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,555	Re: No engine number It could have been a replacement block It could be a " diamond" block, look at the space between the lower left corner of the valve cover and the Sydenham timing gear cover for a diamond

03-20-2014, 01:14 PM	#8
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,192	Re: No engine number My "diamond block" was obviously stamped by an amateur as the font isn't correct and the numbers don't line up properly. But it does look like it was stamped on the "as cast" surface of the pad. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

03-20-2014, 06:26 PM	#9
SLPreston53 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Beach, CA. Posts: 219	Re: No engine number There are folks who have shaved the number boss in a milling machine and then went over it with a scaling tool. It is very hard to detect that this is not an original block without numbers. Might be what you have...

03-20-2014, 11:40 PM	#10
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida between Sarasota and TampaSouth Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: No engine number All engines that passed final inspection and run in on the electric motor and was slated for installation in the Model A/AA was stamped with a number. No number 1) it was removed, 2) Industrial engine. As Ford assembled a series of what were called Industrial Engines during 1929 and 1930 they would not have a diamond on the block. __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

03-20-2014, 11:44 PM	#11
John LaVoy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rocklin, CA Posts: 1,219	Re: No engine number I have an industrial block with no number. It wasn't shaved off it was never stamped. I think that block used for farm implements etc. were left with out a number since they were not being used to license a car.