Can anyone advise upon the engine bay dimensions of the 1948-50 F6/F7/F8 models ? I'm asking because I don't own one.

I'm starting to plan a diesel conversion project, and am interested to learn, or determine, which gear timed engines will fit.

I don't want to use a Cummins 4BT or 6BT. They're good engines, but I already have the 6BT in a Ford Cargo, and Dodge Ram, so I want a different solution. I have a spare Mercedes-Benz OM617, but it's too small at only 3 litres, and a spare Detroit 8v-71, but that's way too big. I'm considering Deutz engines, but not sure whether a 6 cylinder will fit, or if a 5 cylinder is the maximum that will work.

Reply me if you've done a diesel conversion in an old Ford, or if you've seen one and know which engine was used. Thanks !

Stark

 

There is a member on this site that has a Mercedes powered truck that is happy with the results in his fat fendered ford.

 

Go here for a nice diesel repower threaad.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ld-thread.html

 

Deutz engines are great candidates for repowers. Both the 914 air cooled and 2012 liquid cooled engines would be a good fit. I guess you already know that Deutz engines are offered as standard and optional equipment in many European brand trucks, and many domestic trucks have been repowered with them. I've worked on many models all the way up to the 16M640 marine engine.

 

Welcome to FTE! I am installing a Mercedes OM617 in my '49 F4. I believe the link Ray posted is for my build. The OM617 is about as long an engine you can comfortably fit in a '48-'52 F1-F8 without cutting any thing. Power wise it is very similar to the '49-'53 Mercury flathead and a little more powerful than the diesels that Ford installed in the F4-F8 trucks for export. The 4BT would fit nicely and have a little more power than the Mercedes. Everyone that has personally seen my truck says that the Mercedes engine looks like it belongs in there. I understand that it is fairly easy to get more power from the Mercedes diesel, I will leave mine stock for now and see how it does. The Ford 6.9, 7.3 and Powerstroke diesels would fit, I measured my 6.9 before I decided on the Mercedes, but it would be very tight. My 6.9 is in a van, I think the V8 diesels would be just about as miserable to work on in my F4 as it is in the van. If you do decide to use the OM617 be sure that you mark the flywheel and crank before you remove it, it must go back on exactly like it came off. There are 12 evenly spaced bolts holding it on the crankshaft.
Mark

 

Im using a 7.3 powerstroke from a 1995 f350 in a 1949 F7 im building. It actually fits like a glove and looks like a fasctory install. Ill take some current pictures of it tomorrow and post them