what year flathead is this??

I just got a flathead for free from a friend of mine. He didnt know the year but he thinks that is 31 c.i. . On the back of the block the number is b7644 and there is a 59 there also and on one of the heads is shows A . Can you guys figure what year this motor is? Thanks Nate

 

If you are showing a pic..my server doesnt show it.
But a 59-A looks like this. And is the 85 horse 24 bolt engine
Years 38-48. Good engines !

 

Junk!! Send it to me!!

 

Petejoe hits the 3000 mark!

The postwar 58AB is actually 100 HP

 

so is a 59A and a 59AB the same?? I might pick up one that the owner says came out of 1936 but then someone told him its more like a '41. He said it has 59AB on the heads. I just dont want a 21 stud flatty. I have seen pics and it looks just like the above pic, I just cant view all of the studs to see for myself.

 

go here's to our own Mac's site.

The history and numbers are all there.

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_home.htm

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Common swap to replace the pre-37 engines with later models (my '34 has a 59A of some flavor in it). Very possible & actually likely that you have a 59A from a '36.

 

can you guys tell by looking at this picture. I get a different count evrytime I try to count the studs.

 

I counted 19 showin. So if it only has 3 more studs hideing its a 21 stud. Not likely.

 

The Stromberg does originally not belong to a 24 stud engine.
Anyway, good find. Engine is build between 1946 and 48.
That's what everybody wants a 59A block and stroms.

 

lucky dog...

 

so you say "not Likely" as in its prob. a 24 stud?? if so thats cool.

 

Consumer information bulletin:
Find a picture of a flathead of known type, and look at the lower row of studs; All the differences between 21 and 24 stud engines are right there.

Once you know that, you can spot the type at a glance and will no longer need to remove your shoes and get a friend to help when you count...

The difference came as a result of the preparation for the 3 3/16 bore engines...the lower stud was right at bottom center of each bore, and left very little room for the bigger bore, so they replaced that stud with a pair for each cylinder, moved out from center line of each bore in both directions.

59A's pretty much became the standard replacement motor after the war, and soon took over the rebuilt engine supply too. Most early Fords that stayed in use after the war eventually got one installed. That engine was just redressed in the heads and outer bits from a prewar engine--the A heads are 81A's, used in several variants '38-41 or 2. Real 59A's were postwar 3 3/16 engines--the "5" stands for 1945, the "9" is the designation for large bore engine, but Ford cast some with the 59 still in place that had 3 1/16" bore as replacement bare blocks for early engines, so you don't know for sure til the heads come off. I believe those small bore replacement blocks are the ones listed with a 41A designation in the catalog.

 

Thanks Bruce thats some valuable info.

 

Looks like a 46-48 truck engine to me. 59AB Good score.
Especially since somebody stuck a 97 on it.
Next question is what number is on that tranny case?

 

Good score on the 24 stud, Lots of speed equipment available, we make it. should make a good runner for you. If you're gonna do a complete rebuilt make sure that block gets magna fluxed or sonic tested before you stick any real bones into it. If it turns out good, build a driver out of it.

 

saltflataddict--an easy way to tell if it is a 24 or 21 stud is to count the bottom row. If there are 8 studs/bolts, it is a 24 stud engine.

The pic you showed has 8 on the bottom row, so it is a 24 stud.