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Subject: Engine Block Serial Numbers vs. Casting Date Codes

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Tim Daley(MI)    Posted 05-28-2009 at 11:56:37 [URL] [DELETE]        [Reply] [No Email]  
  • Engine Block Serial Numbers vs. Casting Date Codes
  • The method of identifying engine block serial numbers by Ford was done by a human worker after the block passed QC inspection using hand stamps (see picture) and therefore some numbers and characters didn't always get equal clarity. Many of us will remember the end of the old TV shows "Dragnet" and later, "Adam 12" which showed a medieval-type strong arm with a hand stamp that slammed a steel hammer down that read "Mark VII Limited". This is the same principle that was used for the N-Series Serial Numbering system and earlier vehicles- the ad says it is a Service Bulletin from 1931, so I assume this method was used on all Ford vehicles. The numerals 1; 6; and 9 were changed to letters I for numeral 1; lower case b for numeral 6; and an inverted lower case b for numeral 9 in the effort to help prevent falsifying a serial number. However, in the case of casting code date bosses used to identify casting part numbers; date of pouring; and/or foundry trademarks, the numerals used appear to be of a normal font from what I have seen. They should be because the method used on casting bosses is different than the hand stamp method. The characters and numerals are raised on a bar or band prepared prior to casting and inserted in the sand mold prior to pouring. I mention this because of the on-going discussion about Ford not using the letter I in numbering. The discussion centers around if and when "I" was used and if and when it was discontinued. My early s/n 1948 8N shows engine casting code as I167. We know 8N production began in July, 1947, so a September 16, 1947 casting code would coincide. Bear in mind that cast iron requires about a thirty day "curing" period, sort of like "seasoning" wood, before it can be machined otherwise it is too brittle and can create problems with machinery such as broken tooling as well as scrap castings. That being said, don't assume because your engine casting code date boss shows September 16, 1947 your tractor was built on that date, it wasn't. Only your block was cast on that date. Your tractor was built at least a month later.


    Tim Daley(MI)

    *9N653I* & *8NI55I3*

    Tim Daley(MI)    Posted 05-24-2012 at 08:15:22 [URL] [DELETE]        [Reply] [No Email]  
  • Methods To Read Serial Numbers
  • The hand stamped tractor serial numbers were often weakly stamped -picture the guy that had to stamp numbers 8-10 hours a day - and some times numerals got difficult to read especially over the years where paint, grit, grime, and rust took over the area. My early 8N serial number was hard to read and after a few attempts with the usual methods, I opted for a procedure that is used to detect cracks in cast iron parts. I used Magna-Flux to finally show what I had. It is a two-stage system where you apply a purple liquid film over the area then quickly apply a film of white developer and it enhances any crack that might be present in the casting. You use a black light to view the area to show the cracks. Magan-Flux kits can be picked at auto-supply stores or industrial supply houses. You can get a cheap black light 60W incandescent bulb at any major place that stocks light bulbs. You first should clean the area of all dirt using mineral spirits or brake cleaner and then remove the paint by using a paint remover or Naval Jelly type substance. Avoid using anything that will remove metal such as a file, sandpaper, wire wheel, etc. The edges of what remains of the letters and numerals need to be kept sharp. Sometimes simply by removing all the dirt and paint and with a good light on the area you will be able to read the serial number clearly.

    Tim Daley(MI)

    *9N653I* & *8NI55I3*

    Tim Daley(MI)    Posted 05-24-2012 at 07:51:38 [URL] [DELETE]        [Reply] [No Email]  
  • Additional Information On My Casting Date Code
  • It was Ford's practice in the day to let cast iron parts 'cure' for 30 days prior to machining. Since my early '48 8N engine casting code shows I167, the code breaks down as I = September; 16 = day of the month; and 7 = year/1947. Adding thirty days to the 16th of September puts the date at October 14, 1947, the day that my 8N was more than likely actually manufactured. This date is also an important date in American and World aviation history as it was on this date that Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier flying the Bell X-1 over Mach I. Interesting fact that I can now brag about...

    Tim Daley(MI)

    *9N653I* & *8NI55I3*

    kamikazee350@yahoo.com    Posted 05-14-2016 at 22:35:30 [URL] [DELETE]        [Reply] [No Email]  
  • Re: Additional Information On My Casting Date Code
  • John see if this helps. If not get on these links find out anything you need

    GREENTHUMB    Posted 08-01-2009 at 00:02:57 [URL] [DELETE]        [Reply] [Email]  
  • Re: Engine Block Serial Numbers vs. Casting Date Codes
  • Thanks for the help I got a better Idea.

    GREENTHUMB    Posted 07-08-2009 at 18:33:38 [URL] [DELETE]        [Reply] [Email]  
  • Re: Engine Block Serial Numbers vs. Casting Date Codes
  • That is good to know I know I got a 8N but my vin number on the engine is scraped down can't see it really well. Where you find the casting codes for a 1947 to 1948?
    Thanks

    Tim Daley(MI)    Posted 08-01-2009 at 07:01:59 [URL] [DELETE]        [Reply] [No Email]  
  • Re: Engine Block Serial Numbers vs. Casting Date Codes
  • If you can't read the s/n on your block, and many are unreadable simply because they were hand-stamped and thus the depth of the chatacters/numerals is unequal, there are other spots where you can get a ballpark idea of when it was cast. The starter port is cast right into thge block and is one with the block. There should be a boss tag on it with a casting code in raised letters. Letters were used to designate month, The letter "A" designated the month of January, etc, and the letter "I" was used up to a certain year on the 8N early on. For example, my casting code reads "I167" making the cast date of September 16, 1947 for my early 8N. There are other areas to check too like the axle housings and aluminum cover underneath diffy. Go to www.8nford.com -John Smiths web site where he goes into much detail on How To Identify Your Tractor...

    GREENTHUMB    Posted 08-01-2009 at 12:43:30 [URL] [DELETE]        [Reply] [Email]  
  • Re: Engine Block Serial Numbers vs. Casting Date Codes
  • My ford seems to be both a 8N and 9N. The enigine seems to be a 9N and the axle I think that the owner before me had to and then made one a parts Tractor. Hard to find the date of the tractor because numbers are not the same.. Now I know how to get when it was made thanks for the help and link.

    Tim Daley(MI)    Posted 08-02-2009 at 09:55:54 [URL] [DELETE]        [Reply] [No Email]  
  • Re: Engine Block Serial Numbers vs. Casting Date Codes
  • Many N's were mutts as when the engine blew and a replacement was installed, or parts broke and were swapped out with used ones from a parts tractor etc. Yes, it makes it difficult to determine exactly what you have unless you know the previous owner and/or the tractors' history. I ususally go by the s/n first and when that is unreadable, I go the engine casting code on the block starter pocket. Remember the s/n and casting code are all part of the block which was cast as one. The date is just the date it was cast, not the actual build date. Add at least another month to the casting code for the build date. Serial numbers got hand-stamped on the blocks AFTER they passed Quality Control.

    Tim

    Jeffery Eggersgluss    Posted 07-02-2011 at 19:11:06 [URL] [DELETE]        [Reply] [Email]  
  • Re: Engine Block Serial Numbers vs. Casting Date Codes
  • i have a engine listed as e3ae 6059 i am trying to identify what kind of engine it is i was told it's a 302 i could use some help finding out what the heck it is.

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