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Old 04-18-2021, 05:36 PM   #1
Orca62
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Default Model B bell housing numbers

Have 2 Model B bell housings with numbers on them. How can I identify them by numbers 1st one is B5II809I Second one is attached to Model B oil pan number is AB5002409. Have a Model B motor so trying to match up which one would be best. Are there any ID numbers on a Model B motor that I could look for? Thanks.
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Old 04-18-2021, 06:05 PM   #2
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

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Originally Posted by Orca62 View Post
Have 2 Model B bell housings with numbers on them. How can I identify them by numbers 1st one is B5II809I Second one is attached to Model B oil pan number is AB5002409. Have a Model B motor so trying to match up which one would be best. Are there any ID numbers on a Model B motor that I could look for? Thanks.
The full four cylinder numbers were AB or B followed by a seven digit number commencing in 5. So, you have sequentially-serialed 1932 4-cylinder bells from cars #2,409 (very early), and from #118,091. DD
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Old 04-18-2021, 06:40 PM   #3
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

Agreed with one minor quibble, namely that unlike with '32 V8 engine numbers where low engine numbers coincide with early production vehicles, nearly 40,000 Model B engine/transmission assemblies were produced before any were installed in vehicle production given the decision to postpone all '32 vehicle production until a production version of the V8 engine became available. There is ample evidence that that huge inventory of Model B engines was not used in vehicles on a first-in, first out basis.


The last Model B engine produced with the AB prefix was 5062386. From 5062387 upward, the prefix was simply B.
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Old 04-18-2021, 08:15 PM   #4
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

Great Thanks. I will have a spare upper bell housing and want to use the less rare on a race car project when someone might need it for a proper restoration. So the question would be which one would be more desirable for a correct restoration? thanks.
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Old 04-18-2021, 08:45 PM   #5
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

I would think one that matched a frame number.
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Old 04-18-2021, 09:43 PM   #6
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

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I agree that the one that goes with a frame with the same number would be the more valuable by far. Without regard to the numbers on them, the B upper bell housing did not change from first job to last job, only the steady rod brackets that attached to the sides of the bell housing changed over the course of the model year (there are three versions). The bell housings themselves are not rare.
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Old 04-19-2021, 09:02 AM   #7
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

A word of caution do not put a B engine on an engine stand using the bellhousing as the attaching point. The cast iron housing will break causing the engine to fall.
A dangerous and tragic event( especially if it matches the frame number )
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Old 04-19-2021, 11:05 AM   #8
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

Good counsel; V8s are at risk as well with that type of engine stand.
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Old 04-19-2021, 11:11 AM   #9
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

O.K. Just trying to get the spare bell housing to someone who would appreciate it for it's numbers. If it is a common part that's great. And yes thanks on the tip for mounting motor on a stand. I am pulling the motor out of storage and look for any numbers on it possibly identifying it. Was told it came from a 1932 coupe but who knows. Again forum is a great source of info!
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Old 04-19-2021, 02:40 PM   #10
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

Unlike Model A engine blocks, the '32-34 four-cylinder blocks normally do not have their engine numbers stamped on them. However, there is a noticeable casting variation on very early '32 B blocks. Once you have the subject engine out of storage, if you could take photo of the left side of the block, I can assist you in identifying if it is one of those very early blocks that might be a mate to your early flywheel housing or a run-of-the-mill subsequent block casting.
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Old 04-19-2021, 05:40 PM   #11
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

O.K. Will do. Will be out next week and will photograph the left side for ID and post it. Thanks again. Appreciate it!
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Old 04-20-2021, 07:42 PM   #12
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

Just to add.... you do see B motors with numbers stamped on them. David can correct me if I am wrong, but I believe those were usually replacement motors. I have a B block with an AA number stamped in it which came out of an AA truck.
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Old 04-20-2021, 08:44 PM   #13
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

Jim,


You're right as some jurisdictions required that the engine block be stamped when the original was replaced, often with number sequences that bear little or no resemblance to Ford's numbering system
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Old 04-20-2021, 10:49 PM   #14
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

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Jim,


You're right as some jurisdictions required that the engine block be stamped when the original was replaced, often with number sequences that bear little or no resemblance to Ford's numbering system
Not to mention all the B-engines produced for industrial applications where the blocks were stamped by the end-user with numbers that devolved from their own operational asset designations. Out West, the railroads, mining, and timber outfits all had their own peculiar numbering systems for engines that were never destined for passenger car use.
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Old 04-23-2021, 10:20 AM   #15
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

Hi All. Got the engine out. Noticed a C stamped on the cylinder head with a small stamped C116 right in front on top of cylinder head. No stamping numbers on pad where you would expect a number. Here are some photos.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_4616.jpg B mot1.jpg (104.5 KB, 131 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4617.jpg Bmot2.jpg (96.6 KB, 37 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4618.jpg Bmot3.jpg (83.6 KB, 41 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4619.jpg Bmot4.jpg (35.6 KB, 40 views)
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Old 04-23-2021, 10:21 AM   #16
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

I am seeing I should pull cylinder head and check for cracks before I go any further with this motor. Any other areas to look for cracks? thanks.
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Old 04-23-2021, 03:21 PM   #17
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

.
Man....what a 'tease'! I'm one of THOSE guys, too! '58-'61? Wanna elaborate? DD





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Old 04-23-2021, 04:35 PM   #18
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

Thanks for providing the photos of the B engine. The cylinder block is not one of the early versions; sorry.


If you pull the head, look for cracks between the valve seats and adjacent stud holes and more rarely encountered, between the valve seats and cylinder bores.
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Old 04-23-2021, 04:42 PM   #19
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

Thanks for the reply. Now I know she is a later model so assume 1934! Yea forgot the Corvette was in the photo. Have had her since 1972. Was a drag car and brought her home as a basket case. Have a surviving photo of her when she was raced. Just found history on dealer she came from. That took over 40 years and many searches but now have her history. Still locating correct bits to make her more accurate. I will pull the head and check for cracks and get back to you.Thanks.
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Old 04-24-2021, 11:08 AM   #20
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Default Re: Model B bell housing numbers

It's a '32, not a '33 or '34 four banger judging from the timing gear cover, crankshaft pulley, and front motor mount bracket, all of which are quite different on '33-'34 fours.
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