239 Y Block Questions

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Oct 10, 2014 | 03:07 PM

HkyswiM

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 309

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From: Northern IL

239 Y Block Questions

Hey guys. I was going to swap a 302 into my 55 f100 but recently came across a running 239 y block and think this may be closer to what I dream of for the truck since I want mainly a stock occasional driver.

Guy selling it says the front and rear seals had been leaking and that at highway speeds once he let off the gas some smoke blew out the pipes but says it ran fine. He just pulled it this spring so I can't see it run. I'm not a master engine guy and don't know much about this engine so was wondering your thoughts. I'm going into this with the assumption that I will need to rebuild it, but what should I be looking for in these engines?

He also said it appears to have been rebuilt before and is willing to take the heads off to inspect if I'm a serious buyer. I won't be able to see the engine in person since he is many hours away, but I will have an inlaw pick it up so that's why the questions.

Thanks for the help and any questions I should be asking him.

Oct 10, 2014 | 04:39 PM

raytasch

Believe Nothing

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 7,514

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From: W. Central FL.

The 239 Y block is a bit different from the larger members of that family. Parts are more scarce, read generally more expensive. There are good running and rebuildable 272 and 292 Y block engines and cores available. Smokes, leaks, figure on a rebuild as you already know. JMHO, but I would go larger if I were staying with the Y block.

Oct 10, 2014 | 09:11 PM

HkyswiM

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 309

Likes: 9

From: Northern IL

Okay thank you for your input. I looked around and found a 292 about the same condition close by also. I was just thinking the 239 cause that is what my truck came with from the factory.

I'll look further into this 292 before I do anything further.

Oct 10, 2014 | 10:58 PM

Harrier

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,680

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From: Jefferson City, MO

I have a 239 and I will have to agree with Ray. The water pump is unavailable anywhere. You can get a lot of parts at the local parts store but there are some that just can't be found. Things will be just a little easier with a 272 or 292.

The larger engines will work great and no one would know the difference. Shoot, not many even know about the 239 (well except for this forum) it only was around 2 years.

Keep us updated on what you decide. I really like that you are looking to go with the Y-block no matter the size.

Oct 11, 2014 | 07:07 PM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Simi Valley, CA

B4A-8501-D .. 239 Waterpump - 1954 Ford Passenger Cars / Obsolete ~ 73 available NOS

EAT-8501-B .. 239/256 Waterpump - 1954 Trucks / Obsolete ~ 4 available NOS

Oct 11, 2014 | 07:59 PM

Harrier

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,680

Likes: 1,251

From: Jefferson City, MO

Quote:

Originally Posted by NumberDummy

B4A-8501-D .. 239 Waterpump - 1954 Ford Passenger Cars / Obsolete ~ 73 available NOS

EAT-8501-B .. 239/256 Waterpump - 1954 Trucks / Obsolete ~ 4 available NOS

Well I'll be, before I had mine rebuilt. (That's an easy job for folk that do that work.) I looked all over for one and couldn't find one.

So, do you know what they are asking for the truck one? If I had money available I would buy one.

Oct 11, 2014 | 09:32 PM

HkyswiM

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 309

Likes: 9

From: Northern IL

So if I'm able to locate a decent y block to rebuild am I also looking at having to fab up some motor mounts or will these engines fit already? My 55 came with the 239 but was swapped to a 223 sometime during its life before I got it.