Diamond Block Questions

[Model A Fan]

Here are some pics of the Diamond Block Engine. The stamping indicated 1938-39 manufacture.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/IVxe89sZdUG8q6Gf2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kZdgLqyW9j0UxzFf2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jIwAfZcjX0usrj6y1

[Chris Haynes]

The font on those numbers doesn't look like factory. Two different size A's?

[CarlG]

A diamond block manufactured in 1938-39 wouldn't have a factory stamped serial number anyway.

[Model A Fan]

Who would take the time or hassle to stamp it with the star and numbers then? And why stamp it with a number that would place it at such a late manufacture date? Regardless, it is a true diamond block.

[Railcarmover]

Thats a 4 bolt water pump...can you post a picture of the other side of that engine?

[Pickupman]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Well, I've been following this thread and haven't said anything yet. But now I will. It seems there are all a lot of experts out here. I really don't know where they come up with their information. My expertise is in my own personal experience with Gleaner Combines. I will agree with the Information on Vince Falters website that he has posted.

I have a lot of personal experience with diamond blocks. I've taken 25+ off Gleaner Combines in Kansas/Nebraska where I grew up. I just took one off in October. It had a 4 million number after Model A Production on the Pad.

In regard to the serial number pad. There is (3) variations I've found.

1. Pad with a "G" and numbers following it. These have all been lightly stamped. An
Example would be "G972" I believe this number was stamped by Gleaner.

2. No number at all. Very evident that there was never a number stamped on these pads.

3. Is a 4 million number like the one "Model A Fan" has pictured. These numbers were all
after the Model A Ford Production

I have several of all (3) variations of these blocks in storage in Kansas.

I've had a lot of fun buying Gleaner Combines for the Model A Motors and just buying the motors and taking them off. When I was younger my Dad would help me. We had it down to a science unbolting them and rolling them onto our trailer with pipe under the engine stand. When I was buying these in the 70's the biggest competition was the iron buyers.

[Railcarmover]

So you basically want to know what a non running model a engine is worth...its a pig in a poke,you'd be lucky to see 200 bucks..hook it up and run it? maybe 500 bucks to someone..special?it aint that special,they made over 4 million of them.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

"Maybe" the phrase, "A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH" came from these engines?????
Bill Wordplay

[Model A Fan]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

"Maybe" the phrase, "A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH" came from these engines?????
Bill Wordplay

Diamond in the Rouge?

[Railcarmover]

The diamond means it wasn't cast at the Rouge,dont know if that's a good thing or not.

[Pickupman]

Originally Posted by Railcarmover

The diamond means it wasn't cast at the Rouge,dont know if that's a good thing or not.

Where did you find the information that documents this?

[Railcarmover]

Originally Posted by Pickupman

Where did you find the information that documents this?

http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/diamondblock.htm


It appears diamond castings were assembled at the Rouge,but cast elsewhere.Mr Falter mentions Highland Park.Would be interesting to know the furnace that made the iron,no doubt the iron design was Ford spec..The Rouge heats were consistent,volume heats from a furnace in constant operation.Did the furnace that produced the diamond block heats have the same consistency? who knows..

[Pickupman]

Originally Posted by Railcarmover

http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/diamondblock.htm


It appears diamond castings were assembled at the Rouge,but cast elsewhere.Mr Falter mentions Highland Park.Would be interesting to know the furnace that made the iron,no doubt the iron design was Ford spec..The Rouge heats were consistent,volume heats from a furnace in constant operation.Did the furnace that produced the diamond block heats have the same consistency? who knows..

I think you need to go back and read what Vince stated in his article.

"Original documentation which explains specifically why the diamond symbol was added to the block, or what it signifies has not yet come to light. If found, it may indicate the casting supplier or location."

[Railcarmover]

Selective editing? Perhaps you need to read it again,the entire page.He makes it clear the heats weren't done at the Rouge,which was my point.

[Pickupman]

Originally Posted by Railcarmover

Selective editing? Perhaps you need to read it again,the entire page.He makes it clear the heats weren't done at the Rouge,which was my point.

LOL. You need to stop making false statements when It's stated what Vince found and his assumptions.

You stated: The diamond means it wasn't cast at the Rouge,dont know if that's a good thing or not.

That's False!

I'm done with this.

[Railcarmover]

Originally Posted by Pickupman

LOL. You need to stop making false statements when It's stated what Vince found and his assumptions.

You stated: The diamond means it wasn't cast at the Rouge,dont know if that's a good thing or not.

That's False!

I'm done with this.

It's ok if you can't comprehend what's written,just don't make an argument about it

[Model A Fan]

I was just making a play on words..."Diamond in the Rouge (Rough)". I wasn't insinuating the blocks were/weren't cast at the Rouge Plant.

[Railcarmover]

Originally Posted by Model A Fan

I was just making a play on words..."Diamond in the Rouge (Rough)". I wasn't insinuating the blocks were/weren't cast at the Rouge Plant.

Its all good,I looked at your HAMB pics,that would be a nice project..

Ford manufactured in a continuous process,when service demanded items no longer in production logic dictates that some process were too expensive to perform in a jobber type short run at the Rouge,like casting,production demands precluded service need..Ford did ride herd on their subcontractors,both for cost and maintaining standards, the oral histories give a good idea of what it was like in production at the time.

http://cdm15889.contentdm.oclc.org/c...on/p15889coll2

[mike657894]

duplicate

[mike657894]

I have a diamond on my block and no serial ill have to check my casting number. i had noticed a couple hardened seats but it didnt look like all were hardened but i may need to look closer. And how different is this B cam. my cam has very pointy lobes with no duration.