I have started rebuilding my spare Flathead. I found an older thread discussing engine identification. My engine is a is cast with "C1BA". According to the earlier thread this is a Canadian 1951.
I also went to Flatheaddrag.com. Flathead date code. Here it describes how to translate the hand stamped code located on the back end of the passengers side on top of the engine. There is a small machined area of the block that is still exposed when the intake manifold is attached. I hope I explained that location correctly. Its really easy to find. My code "ABB52".
Does anyone have a way to de-sipher that? That does not match what Flatheaddrag.com shows.

Any thoughts????? More specifically any thoughts on the Code???

 

None of the flatheads I've owned had a code that "worked" with the flatheaddrag "birthday" deciphering. Are your heads C1BA, or the block?

Check your valve springs; they changed in '51 to a style with rotators and eliminated the hardened valve seats. See below (51-on is the lower pic). But the old style valve springs could be retrofitted during a rebuild, so it isn't a definitive sign. And it really doesn't matter, it's an 8BA and that's all you need to know.

 

Same here when I checked my Merc 8CM. The stamping didn't match anything I could find on any web site.

 

OK, that letter-number pattern does not fit, could that be a Canadian block? I have 4 different flathead 8's and I was able to decipher the 'birthday' on all of them with this key from New Page 1

It consists of a series of a letter, a one or two digit number, and a second letter. The first letter is the month. The number is the day, and the second letter is the last digit of the year.

The letter code is M=0, G=1, B=2, L=3, A=4, C=5, K=6, H=7, T=8, R=9, S=10, E=11, F=12.

For example, one engine I have is H29M = July 29, 1950

 

Yes I believe it is a Canadian engine. The heads are cast with 8BA Made in Canada.
I guess my code of ABB52 could mean 4/22/52
My valve spring set up is like the 51' you have pictured. Using the 2- 6534 pcs.


I was also surprised that there is no adjustment. I thought you had to adjust the valves on the old engines. While looking on line I saw some lifters with an adjustment screw on top. But these are smooth rounded tops. No adj...

I have a lot to learn.
Thanks

 

Dave, where on your engine did you find your "ABB52" code. I have a C1BA engine but not sure where to find the "date of birth"?

 

Wow that post was 11 years ago.... I must be getting old.
Go to Flatheaddrag.com
It will show you pics as to where to look.
If that doesnt help let me know.
Dave

 

Just a word to ponder....
Jim Marlett (flatheaddrag.com) is a friend of mine. He references Flathead Jack who put this info out 20+ years ago. I have never seen this info verified anywhere else although it was reprinted in catalogs from the same time period, always crediting Flathead Jack. His numerical coding isn't logical in my opinion and certainly doesn't follow the firewall stampings. At the time it was the best info we had, but to my knowledge and research, the original source is AWOL... unless that source was Flathead Jack.

You decide - I don't find the codes to be credible or helpful.