Can anyone I.D. a flathead V8 Block with the casting number B142 on it?

 

I'm not a flathead expert, but that number doesn't ring a bell. Check out this link http://www.classictruckshop.com/id_flathead.asp and see if you can find one of the codes in the right-hand column on your engine. The location of the numbers is also described in the link.

 

George, thanks for the tip. I went to the site and all is there that I am familiar with, as far as the engine codes go.
I know this block is 49 on up, but am kind of at a dead end on the casting number. I just bought this block it is crack free has been hot tanked and magnafluxed, and the nice part is it is a standard bore.

 

Nice score on the block! My block numbers aren't listed either. The best way to identify it (though nothing is foolproof) is by the features. Check the valve springs -- specifically the retainers. Late '50-'51 had an "extra" retainer, very distinctive. Or did you buy a bare block? If you scout around on the forged and cast pieces you may find something that's got the date on it, in code of course.

 

There are no casting numbers that will id the block - all '48-'54 flathead blocks are the same. Cams varied a little, waterpumps changed in '53, hardened valve seats came and went and as Ross said, the valve spring retainer changed for '52/3.

If it's a late series block, that's all you will likely find. From my experience the info in the link George posted is of very little help. The model #'s there are accurate but are only on OEM parts. If the engine was ever rebuilt, you may find an occasional model prefix on some internal parts, but don't bet on it. And they are not found cast into the block where the bellhousing attaches. The cast number you listed only meant something to the guy who made the casting.

Passenger side rear intake flat may have an alpha-numeric code that is the assembly date. Check out the link here........

http://flatheaddrag.com/birthday.html