I purchased a 1997 F-250 Light Duty a couple years ago and have been curious if the engine in the truck has been replaced. This is one of the earlier trucks with the 4.6L and sometimes parts buying is a challenge. The people look up the part at the parts store and bring me something that is obviously incorrect. I bring my old part in and they tell me that is from a 1998 or a 1996 or something like that but NOT a 1997.

The truck has close to 300,000 miles and there is a rumor from one of the previous owners that the engine was replaced with a junkyard unit. Either way, the engine runs smooth with no knocks and doesn't use any oil between changes so I am happy.

Where are the casting numbers on the block and what codes signify what date? Do I need to remove anything like the starter to get at this?

Conor

 

there might be a way to trace the block numbers..iDK
but the odds of getting the correct block numbers per vintage...is pretty high.

usually the ole checking the bolt heads for wear, chipped paint or wrench marks is a tell tale sign that some work has been done. But, that is easier to see/tell with less time after the repair has been made, meaning it more difficult to tell the longer time goes on.

most times salvage yards will place ID marks on major componets to correspond to their inventory system.

 

IF you still have the date stamp on the Drivers side valve cover it should be within 3 months of the truck build date. I can't really think of any 4.6L that would have easily bolted in that would cause parts problems. Even if a PI engine was put in unless you are replacing a whole head or intake there wouldn't be much of an issue, maybe an oddly placed sensor here or there would be it. There was no difference from '97 to '98 and no 4.6L's in a '96 truck.

My guess would be the parts pace doesn't have the correct info and with '97 being a new style and Ford still building the square F250HD I would bet they are mixing up what you have. Try asking for parts for a '97 F150 and I bet there won't be an issue.