55 Yblock help please
 

I need help with a few questions about my 55 F500 with 239 Y block engine. I don't know what has been changed electrically as of yet. I have found a mix of 6V and 12V parts so who knows. I know it was factory 6V system.
First question: was it original negative ground or positive ground system?
Second question: what is direction of rotation when facing the flywheel? I assume counter clockwise but would like to know for sure.
It looks like PO attempted a tune up but with point gap completely closed and cap turned 180 degrees from its proper spot so the alignment notch holds it up a bit high, I want to start over making sure wires are on right.
I appreciate the knowledge of the fine folks on here and value your advice.

It was originally six volt positive ground.
The engine turns top toward the driver side. Facing the front or rear of the engine, it will turn top toward the driver. CW or CCW, = confusion factor.

Does it run? Remember that these old trucks sometimes have had dizzy pulled and #1 locaation does not always line up like book. ALWAYS rotate and find #1 cyl. then set up firing order. Yes cap does need to set all the way down to run. My Y came to me for free because PO had firing order all messed up and motor would not run. I fixed it in like 10 minutes, after that it was bad fuel.

Thanks Ray. That helps. I hooked it up negative ground 6V to spin her over and it turned the direction you indicated. Starter growled bad though and turned really slow.

No, Kurt, it doesn't run yet. I figured after I was sure of rotation I would locate #1 position of the rotor and then be sure not to wire it backwards lol

Are the cylinder numbers still standard Ford order?

Passenger side starting at the front, 1,2,3,4
Driver side starting at the front, 5,6,7,8
The cylinder number should be cast onto the intake runners of the manifold. The firing order should be cast across the manifold in front of the carb.

OK. I didn't see cyl numbers but firing order is there. Thanks ray that helps a bunch.

I would like to have one of those ford parts and or service discs but I don't know where to get them

Ford-lisenced copies are available on FleeBay.

Thanks Horvath. I will check there

The starter will take 12 volts if you don't run it too long. You also can hook the start up negative ground and it will still spin correctly. Since it is running slow, that starter might be going. Or you battery needs to be charged. :) I was able to get a 6 volt starter at Napa for around $60. I will have to find that info. Just did a quick look online and it looks like they want $110.

Here is the shop manual on Amazon in CD format:
I got the actual book because I like holding the pages.

Here is another cd that is a must.
1948-56 Ford Truck Master Parts Catalog CD - HiPo Parts Garage

Absolutely +1 on the HiPo CD. Between that and NumberDummy (to provide updated part numbers) I have actually been able to find a few precious NOS gems out there to work on our Albatross.

I will for sure get the CDs thanks for the links. I also prefer books over electronic format. This old stuff is a new adventure for me. You guys are shedding much needed light for me.

Lots of good info here, too: Ford Tuneup Specifications for 1954-59 V8 Engines