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08-12-2018, 07:59 PM | #1 |
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Location: Indiana
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Y-Block 292
Who can tell me if there is any difference between a Ford or Mercury 292 c.i. engine. Maybe identical except for the I.D. number? And will the 292 bolt right in as a replacement for my '54 Mercury 256 c.i. motor? Reason for asking: my 256 motor developed a water leak somewhere in the back close to the firewall, dripping down between the flywheel and the block. Not enough room to detect the source of the leak above the flywheel without pulling the engine. A retired Ford dealer mechanic told me to put the original Bar's Leak in the radiator (the old stuff with the pellets in it.) I did and it stopped the leak; I'm just not sure how long it will hold up. The mechanic told me that they used Bar's Leak all the time in older engines, but not in modern engines as it will stop them up. I'm going to try to find a 292 Y-Block to replace my 256.
Thanks, Scott [email protected] |
08-12-2018, 08:27 PM | #2 |
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Re: Y-Block 292
I believe the 292 block casting numbers for Ford & Merc are the same in a given year, if that engine was an available option. That said... original Y-block engines in a Mercury from '56 to '59 were 312's.
The engine block to bell-housing bolt pattern is the same. My '55 Ford had a '54 Mercury 256 in it instead of the 292 it was born with. I put a 292 back in with no mismatch problems except to shorten the flex-plate/crankshaft bolts about 1/8 inch. Standard transmission input shafts need a pilot bushing in the crank, automatics do not. '54 was the first year of Y-blocks and Ford made several production changes to the engines during the year. Some '54 engine parts are usually not interchangeable with the '55 and newer versions. Distributor, carburetor, intake & exhaust manifolds, timing cover and water pump for example... Get as many of the bolt-on parts with a replacement 292 as you can. Ford did more upgrades in '57 and one that might catch you off guard is the fitting for the water temp sensor. The '57+ versions are smaller and your '54 temp sensor won't fit in the threaded hole without modification. Without a matching sensor the '54 Temp gauge will not work correctly. Keep the Temp sensor you have if it's working, to reuse in the replacement engine. Here are a few links to block casting number charts and crankshaft dimensions. http://www.ford-y-block.com/crankshaftid.htm http://www.ford-y-block.com/Block%20identification.htm I believe the "6010" digits in the three charts at this link are a typo, should have been 6015. http://www.y-block.info/casting/blocks.html . Last edited by dmsfrr; 08-15-2018 at 03:59 PM. |
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08-12-2018, 09:50 PM | #3 |
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Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ
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Re: Y-Block 292
The sites d gave above are the best ones to track down numbers. But a water leak, more commonly down the side, from a failing head gasket isn’t uncommon. I’ve had it happen on new builds, and cured it with retorquing the head gasket. If the motor runs well, I’d just drive it. If the head gasket goes into the chamber, that’s trouble.
For sure a 292 is easier to find parts for, especially performance parts. I don’t know about the parts difference on a 54 merc, but the steady rest and the exhaust manifolds on the 256 might be a problem on a 292. Someone here will know. |
08-12-2018, 10:15 PM | #4 | |
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Re: Y-Block 292
Quote:
Good to have if you're running a 4bbl carb and dual exhaust. http://www.y-block.info/casting/exhaust.html . Last edited by dmsfrr; 08-12-2018 at 10:29 PM. |
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08-12-2018, 10:40 PM | #5 |
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Re: Y-Block 292
Ford and Merc are the same. Heads may varry depending on the year. Best heads are ECK-G. Used on 292 in '57 & '58 and all 312's. Much better performance and parts avalilability than the 256.
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08-12-2018, 11:30 PM | #6 | |
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Re: Y-Block 292
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Quote:
They can be harder to find and expensive. Here's a head casting number chart... http://www.ford-y-block.com/cylinderheadchart.htm . Last edited by dmsfrr; 08-12-2018 at 11:53 PM. |
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08-13-2018, 03:16 AM | #7 | |
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Re: Y-Block 292
Quote:
It seems to me that it would be much easier (and cheaper) to find and repair the actual leakage(s), unless of course you are looking for a reason to re-power ...
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08-12-2018, 10:52 PM | #8 | |
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Re: Y-Block 292
Quote:
There is a water passage at the rear of the head gaskets. (yellow circles) Last edited by dmsfrr; 08-12-2018 at 11:09 PM. |
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08-13-2018, 06:26 AM | #9 |
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Re: Y-Block 292
best option IMHO for a rebuild/replacement is a 292 with either C or G heads, B intake if 4 bbl, later B9 or C0 intake for 2 bbl. Do all the modifications to the oiling system, pressurize the rocker assemblies, and follow other best practices for rebuild. If you're stuck on having a 312, I'd build one off a 292 block.
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08-13-2018, 09:04 AM | #10 |
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Re: Y-Block 292
another thing i didnt add if you didnt want to take the head of pull the motor and replace all the core plugs.
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08-13-2018, 09:18 PM | #11 |
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Location: Indiana
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Re: Y-Block 292
Wow, lots of good information here! I think that I will go the easy route first. i.e. Checking & retorquing the head bolts. Then if the water leak comes back later, I will pull the heads and check & replace the head gaskets. I'll stay with the original 256 if I can. I'm not looking for more power, just reliability. I'm not a car show person but go on lots of tours with my car club. I've already retro-fitted power front disc brakes, Borgeson power steering conversion, 4-barrel carb, 12-volt electrical, dual exhaust, and air-conditioning. It also has what I assume is the optional 3.90 differential instead of the standard 4.10. (Gets 24 MPG and slow take-off in 1st gear) I plan on my wife disposing of the Mercury in my estate sale so I'm not concerned about lessening the value of the car; '54 Mercury convertibles are rare enough anyway and I've saved the original parts. I agree about parts being changed mid-year also. Mercury convertibles came standard with power windows and seat. Unfortunately, mine had the early window motors with the integrated gearbox and motor as one unit. I never could find anyone to re-build these early style units which forced me to replace them with '56 style units. Thanks for all the info so far, Scott
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