55 Yblock help please
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 291
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From: Crossville, Tennessee
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.
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.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,513
Likes: 394
From: W. Central FL.
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.
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.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 815
Likes: 29
From: Richland, WA.
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.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Crossville, Tennessee
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.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,513
Likes: 394
From: W. Central FL.
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.
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.
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Lead Driver
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From: Jefferson City, MO
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
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
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 291
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From: Crossville, Tennessee
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.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM