Bought a truckload of Ford Flattie parts and I don't know what some of this stuff is. Any help will be appreciated! I was told the block was a 59A as per the supplied crank but the casting number on the back of the block says X16! By the water jacket holes and machining of the upper deck, I suspect it's no newer than a 42.
The crank is from a 49-53 flathead. Notice the two oil holes for the rod bearings. The block is what's known as a keystone block, with the raised intake deck. Could be a merc block and is the one everyone wants. If it's not cracked and over bored too much it will make a great motor. The crank needs to be checked it could be 3-3/4 or 4" or even 4-1/8 stroke. If it's 4 or above that's also a good score. I do also think it's a 39-42 block as well. Shoot some more pictures if the other end of the cam by timing gear and also the front of the block. Good luck great find.
It's easy to put a tape measure across the big counterweights of the crank and see if they measure 6". If so, it's a Merc crank, if not just a Ford. The block may be a "99" block, which means the walls are thicker in the bores and can take more overboring. Look on the top surface near the right front corner for a "99" stamped or cast into the surface. Even if nothing there it could still be a "99" block. Does it have the frost plugs in the pan rails? The cam has got to be for the early style block since it seems to be sitting just fine on its nose. But the front surface may have some aftermarket numbers stamped in it showing a regrind spec.
Sorry this took so long, internet issues! Crank measures 65/8" across cwts. No frost plug on pan rail, Front of cam is stamped ER 5-T. No "99" but a raised casting dot on right front. FFJ at left rear and HH about the middle of the right side. Bore is 3.142". Is 24 stud.
I also just noticed that the crank in question has a cam drive gear of the opposite hand. I have a 51 on the bench and they are opposite hand.
Not sure how your crank is 6-5/8" across the counterweights. A 6" is a Merc, and a 5-1/2" is a Ford. Never heard of one bigger than a 6". No frost plugs means it was built after 1940. Probably a prewar 41 or 42 since it doesn't have a 59 on the bellhousing. This would also agree on the bore being smaller than a 3-3/16" which means it was originally a 221 (original bore 3-1/16").
Exactly where are you measuring the counterweight? Can I use a 49 crank in it by matching rods and changing the crank gear?
Measure across the side of the big counterweight, from flat spot to flat spot. Not around the arc. You can use the late crank, and it's cheaper to use the late rods and rod bearings if you want to keep the stock stroke. If you have a Merc crank and want to offset grind it to a 4-1/8" stroke you will need to use 21A rods and bearings, which are getting expensive. Use the gear set (and cam) to match the distributor style you use. If you are staying pre-49, use the early direction gear. And vise versa.
Awesome! This is making sense now. I have no plans for this block as it came with all the other stuff I bought. Am putting together a 51 for my 33 Truck. This block will be for sale once I have identified it all.
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