Notices
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Bumpsides Ford Truck

1972 FE 360

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 11, 2014 | 10:39 PM
  #1  
knmealer93's Avatar
knmealer93
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
1972 FE 360

I have a 1972 Ford F100 with a 360 engine in it. I have a couple of questions regarding the engine. First of all, is there any way I can tell if it is the original engine? Or even get a close estimate on the casting number off the block?

Also, it has been rebuilt in the time that I have had it in my possession, however, I have water and oil mixing somehow. I've changed the oil and it still mixes and the radiator does hold water very long. What could this possibly be? I realize it could be several different things but I am hoping you all can help me narrow it down.

If I can determine that it is the original engine then I am going to do everything I can to save it.

Also, if I find that the block is busted or something along those lines, what engine would you all recommend?

Thanks for your help in advance.
 
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2014 | 10:57 PM
  #2  
Azcannon's Avatar
Azcannon
New User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
sounds like a head gasket , no idea on the rest of the stuff
 
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2014 | 11:26 PM
  #3  
351Cleveland C4's Avatar
351Cleveland C4
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
I'm not too familiar with the internal designs of the FE. But a head gasket would definitely cause the problem.

Worst case, block cracked, replace with warmed up 390FE...
 
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2014 | 12:13 AM
  #4  
jigs-n-fixtures's Avatar
jigs-n-fixtures
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Salmon, Idaho
compression check time

run a compression check. that should let you know if you have a bad head gasket. Which is probably what the problem is.

If the compression is the same on all cylinders, get ahold off a cooling system pressure checker and see if you can identify where the leak is.
 
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2014 | 04:31 AM
  #5  
jowilker's Avatar
jowilker
Fleet Owner
25 Year Member
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Club FTE Silver Member

++ on the head gasket. No way to tell if that engine came in the truck but it is a correct installed engine for that model truck.


John
 
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2014 | 09:17 AM
  #6  
trozei's Avatar
trozei
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 8
From: Langley, BC
First off, check your VIN. If you have a 2WD 1972 F100 that was built with a 360, the VIN will start with F10Y, with the Y designating a 360.

Ford never numbers matched things, but you can look at the casting number for a date on the engine and I'd also expect it to say TE for Truck Engine somewhere. The casting number is on the lower right rear by the starter. You'll probably have to do a little gunk removal first. It'll start with a letter and then a number, most likely a D for 1970 decade and then a 2 for 1972, but it could also be something from earlier like a D1 for '71, D0 for '70, or even possibly a C9 for '69.

If your VIN has a Y and the engine casting number starts with something like a D2TE, it's probably your original engine.
 
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2014 | 10:40 PM
  #7  
NumberDummy's Avatar
NumberDummy
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
Club FTE Gold Member
360/390 share the same block, the bore is the same (4.05"), the stroke is different.

Stroke: 360 = 3.50" / 390 = 3.78."

4th digit of the VIN is the engine code, 1968/72 F100/350:

A = 240 I-6 / B = 300 I-6 / G = 302 2V (1969/72 F100 only) / H = 390 2V (2WD only) / Y = 360 2V (2WD & 4WD).

1968/71 360/390 could have a block casting number prefix of C8TE, 1972 could have C8TE or D2TE.

1968/72 360/390 cylinder head casting number prefix: C8AE .. 1972 would be D2TE

Casting date code will begin with a number.. the only letter will be the 2nd digit, 3rd and 4th digits (4th if applicable) will be numbers.

4 digit code: Similar to this: 2A24 = January (A) 24, 1972 (2). A = January, M = December, the letter I is skipped.

3 digit code: 2A3 = 3rd week (3) of January (A), 1972 (2).
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
russt66
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
8
Jul 26, 2013 09:01 AM
dogmantra
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Jul 27, 2010 08:13 PM
bigpoppav
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
8
Sep 16, 2007 09:39 AM
bigpoppav
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Sep 5, 2007 10:06 PM
sonny95667
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Jan 6, 2002 03:45 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:36 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE