So a few things. I need to replace the valve cover gasket on my 1960. I have the one that has like 8 bolts. Which puzzles me because the PO swore it was the original motor in the truck (old dude had A LOT of restorations he had done over the years, this one was half done). It also puzzles me because the thermostat gasket was 1957-1960 i bought that was for this motor didn't fit and I went back to Napa and the guy admitted he handed me the wrong one.

Anyway... While I am gonna have the cover off, I thought about finding an old cover like mine and having it chromed for some fun engine eye candy when I pop the old (instead of the generic orange cover I have now)

Anyone ever done this or does someone make a cover with all those bolts.

Back to the 1960 question, is it possible someone had a 1960 block and dropped another head on it? I have read the 262 head fits. Would the later head (like a 1961 and up) fit an old block?

I see numbers stamped in differ spots... What should I be looking at?

Thanks in advanced for the help!

 

I have been told that they changed the attaching method on the 223 valve covers sometime in 1960 or beyond. The later 223s used a perimeter bolt down setup versus the two top bolts on the early 223. I think I have 1960 223 valve cover that you are looking for if you wanted to buy one to chrome. Very little 223 stuff is produced in the aftermarket especially dress up parts. Send me a private message if you are interested in another 223 VC and we can take it from there. Thanks.

Here is a photo of a 1955 223 VC and a 1960 VC (top one)

 

Here's an interesting thread,hope it helps:


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-vs-223-a.html

And a little more info from NumberDummy:


10-22-2010, 10:06 PM
NumberDummy

Ford Parts Guru
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Hacienda Heights, CA
Posts: 35,519

Quote:
Originally Posted by fabmandelux
There is an easy way to tell the difference. The 223 has the valve cover bolts in the middle of the valve cover (like a Y-Block) and the 262 has the bolts down the side like a "normal" valve cover.

The PCV valve should flow all the time. PCV valves have a calibrated orifice that allows flow all the time (one way only, that's why they "rattle"). Different valves have different size orifices, so you must make sure you have the correct valve for a 262.
In 1960, Ford changed the 223's head & valve cover to the 8 bolt type. However, the 223 uses a different head and valve cover than a 262, ditto for the v/c gasket.

COAE6584A .. 1960/64 223 V/C Gasket / 8 tabs / 8 23/64" holes / .170" thick. Also fits 1960/64 223 Passenger Cars.

C1TE6584B .. 1961/64 262 V/C Gasket / 8 tabs / 8 21/64" holes / .125" thick.

8) 371065S .. V/C Bolts / 1960/64 223 & 1961/64 262. Also fits 1960/64 223 Passenger Cars.

C1AZ6A666A .. 223 & 262 Smog Valve. Also fits 1961/64 223 Passenger Cars.

The 223 uses a different harmonic balancer than a 262. The 223 has a one sheave (groove) pulley, the 262 has a two sheave pulley.
__________________
Bill // Retired Ford Parts Manager // SoCal Chapter member // Part Number Research: 1928/2001 FoMoCo vehicles.

2011 F150 5.0L 2WD Lariat Super Crew.

 

yeah, 223's and 262's are completely different animals, even though they look similar on the outside....

i also have an extra valve cover you can have....need to check if it is early or late one though...

Aftermarket dress up aluminum valve covers were made years ago....they show up once in a while on ebay for crazy prices...not sure if they were ever made for the later motor though...

 

The Offenhauser valve covers for 215 and early 223s are still available in aftermarket. I haven't seem much for the later 223s.