How to identify a 292 from a 312?

[bullrunmotor]

Can anyone tell me if there are any external differences which one can use to identify a 292 from a 312. Someone told me ford only used 312 motors for automatic transmission applications. I've read you have to take the oil pan off and look at rod caps. Others have said engine paint was different color. Would engine block numbers tell the difference? I'm going to look at a bunch of motors and parts cars for sale and would like to figure out some method of identification. Thanks in advance

[richard crow]

i have been told that the crank shaft rear flange is different where the flywheel bolts to it is visable with out taking the pan off

[Dobie Gillis]

All y-blocks for sale are 312s unless proven otherwise. Caveat emptor!

[scicala]

This link will give you info on how to identify a 312. You can't tell from block or head casting numbers since they shared the same numbers between 292 and 312.
If the engine is out of the car, by far the easiest way to identify a 312 is by the crankshaft flange for the flywheel.
Also the thing about all 312's being for auto trans vehicles is BS.


http://ford-y-block.com/identify312.htm


Sal

[Sid]

On the outer edge of the crank shaft there is a flat spot with an aspirin sized dot on it. It should be 180 deg. from the larger notch on the crank. (about the size of a nickle cut in half) With the dust cover removed this should be visible with a flashlight.

[Alaska Jim]

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The dot on the crank flange, and the letters on the MAIN caps, not the rod caps will ID a 312. you can not go by just the rod numbers. I have a 292 block that I have fitted with a 312 crank, and rods, and the block is bored oversize and is using 292 pistons. It now displaces 313 C.I. so you see unless you pull the pan and check the numbers/letters on the main caps it is impossible to determine if it is a real 312 block, even if it has a 312 crank.

[dmsfrr]

There are no obvious external differences, that's why sellers often identify them incorrectly.
(Dobie Gillis is correct, 'buyer beware'.)
Many sellers don't actually know what they have, others rely on incorrect information they were told, and a few wouldn't know the truth if it bit 'em.

Start by looking for the dot on the crankshaft rear flange and ECZ on the main bearing caps. Also look for the '6015' block casting number. It's above the oil filter or on top of the block at the base of the distributor, depending on which foundry cast the block.
The block number will not tell the difference between a 292/312 but if nothing else may be able to rule it out. (too early or too late)
'Most' blocks from the Dearborn foundry were not 292's or 312's, but 272's.

http://ford-y-block.com/Block%20identification.htm

Since you're planning on looking at several engines print a copy of any of the pages at this link you think will be helpful and take them with you. (or save them in your cell phone)

http://ford-y-block.com/technical.htm
.

[streetdreams]

Only way for sure I know is ECZ on the main cap along with the proper mark on the crank flange.

[34pickup]

If you can't tear it apart you could always pull a spark plug and use a rod in the hole to measure the stroke. A 312 has a longer stroke than a 292. \Also, Ford didn't put 2 barrels on a 312 unless maybe Mercury did in later years.

[scicala]

There were two barrel carbs on Mercury 312's after 1957. ('58 thru '60).





Sal

[dmsfrr]

Originally Posted by bullrunmotor

. . . Others have said engine paint was different color.

Here's a partial list of original engine colors, but original paint on an engine may be hard to find after all these years.
There does not appear to be a color difference by engine displacement for y-blocks, but only by model year for; Ford, Mercury, Edsel and Truck.

http://www.y-block.info/enginecolor.html


Oil pans -
If an engine is not in a vehicle it may help you to know what was in last. If the oil pan is on it there were three basic types: Full Sized car, Truck, and Thunderbird. Full sized cars have a front sump pan, trucks & '55/'57 Tbirds are rear sump. Oil dipstick placement matches the pan, right front corner or center passenger side. Ford did not put 312's in trucks.


Intake / Exhaust -
4bbl intake manifolds and dual exhaust vs. single / crossover style exhaust manifolds.
I suspect that all 312's came with 4bbl carbs and dual exhaust, except for the previously mentioned late Merc (2bbl) engines.

However -
The engine blocks are 99% functionally interchangeable from '55 thru '64. Basic parts that bolt onto one will fit on another. Given the number of years since new and the 'creativity' of previous owners, you're liable to come across almost anything.

[34pickup]

Originally Posted by scicala

There were two barrel carbs on Mercury 312's after 1957. ('58 thru '60).





Sal

Thats why I mentioned it. I had heard that there were but I have never seen one.

[Flathead]

I think the Y-block became an instant has-been after 57. When the FE came out Ford never looked back.

[bobscogin]

Originally Posted by Dobie Gillis

All y-blocks for sale are 312s unless proven otherwise. Caveat emptor!

And, the ones that can't be run have all just been professionally rebuilt.

Bob

[streetdreams]

"I think the Y-block became an instant has-been after 57. When the FE came out Ford never looked back. "
They looked back to the Y Block in '63 when they introduced the 427 priority main, side oiler block and started winning races.