Hot Rods Weird ford flathead identification

I bought a rebuilt flathead with under 1k miles on it out of a 46 Mercury about a year ago. All the signs says it's a 59 a-b but it p***es the pencil test above the timing cover.

Here are a couple pics please let me know what you think

Thank you

Go***

 

The marker is not sitting on the timing cover either. Should have noted that.

The water ports are two round lower holes in the center and a keystone or v shape at the top

 

Did you measure the bore when you had the heads off? Could be a wartime-ish replacement block, which got the 59 stamp, small bore, and then might have the early-style front slope to go with the small bore. Maybe.

 

Bore is 3.287 so it's a stock 3 3/16 with .100 overbore

 

I have never heard about the pencil trick. what does it mean?? Please tell this old man about it.. Thank You..

 

I always thought the "pencil test" had something to do with ****s...........

 

I would suggest you ask this over on the Ford Barn. Those guys know all about flatheads & the different variants with them. Bill

 

Just copied this from the ford barn


The front area of the block above the timing cover on a prewar block comes down like a "J", leaving a space where you can rest a pencil right above the cover. A normal 59A comes down like "/", and a pencil rolls right off.
There have been sightings of 59's presumably made with a mix of foundry patterns showing the early front...
But whatever you have, you'll be happier keeping your pencil in the glove box.