Decode engine Casting numbers?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,346
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From: Rapid City, SoDak
Decode engine Casting numbers?
Ok, I assumed that there would be an easy online doo-hicky that did this easily but if there is I sure can't find it.
I am hoping that I bought a really clean old 300 I-6 but i'm wanting to make sure.
Engine casting number on the block is:
D7BE
6015-CA
As near as I can tell D7 means 1977, I have no idea what B means (someone said Bronco???) and E means engine.
Whether any of that is correct, all i'd really like ot confirm is that it is indeed a 300.
Help please!
I am hoping that I bought a really clean old 300 I-6 but i'm wanting to make sure.
Engine casting number on the block is:
D7BE
6015-CA
As near as I can tell D7 means 1977, I have no idea what B means (someone said Bronco???) and E means engine.
Whether any of that is correct, all i'd really like ot confirm is that it is indeed a 300.
Help please!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 69
The easiest way to tell a 240 / 300 from the smaller sixes is the smaller sixes have an integral intake manifold (cast into the head) and the 240 / 300s have a bolt-on intake. Many other external clues, like the placement of the oil filter and distributor, also exist.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 4
From: Rapid City, SoDak
The easiest way to tell a 240 / 300 from the smaller sixes is the smaller sixes have an integral intake manifold (cast into the head) and the 240 / 300s have a bolt-on intake. Many other external clues, like the placement of the oil filter and distributor, also exist.
To clarify, do all 300's have the big panel on the driver's side that holds in the oil? My 240 does and I keep hearing they're the same engine, different stroke?!?
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,132
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From: W (BY GOD) V
The 250 was not introduced until 1968.
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I am hoping that I bought a really clean old 300 I-6 but I'm wanting to make sure.
Engine casting number on the block is: D7BE-6015-CA
As near as I can tell D7 means 1977, I have no idea what B means (someone said Bronco???
) and E means engine. Whether any of that is correct, all i'd really like to confirm is that it is indeed a 300 (it's not).
Bronco was not available with the 300 I-6 until 1980, and this is not a 300.
Intake manifold cast as part of the cylinder head, it's either a 200 or 250 I-6 from a 1977 Ford or Merc 'mid-sized' Passenger Car.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,298
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From: South central, Minnesota
What's the #'s/letters to the right of the casting # under the Ford oval? The casting #'s will give you a general idea on the vehicle and age. The #'s/letters under the Ford oval are the date code. That will tell you the day, month and year the block was cast.
You've got a 1977 or newer 250 small 6.
The 144, 170 and 200's only had 3 water pump bolts. The 250's had 4 water pump mounting bolts.
I can't find what the "B" stands for in the casting #. It's not a Bronco since the only 6 cylinders available in the 77 & older Bronco's were the 170 & 200. 78 &79 Bronco's were only available with the 351M & 400 V8's. Like what was already mentioned the 300 wasn't available in the Bronco until 1980.
Being a 250 I'm guessing it probably came out of a Granada. The Maverick was also available with the 250 but I believe it would be a "D" instead of the "B".
You've got a 1977 or newer 250 small 6.
The 144, 170 and 200's only had 3 water pump bolts. The 250's had 4 water pump mounting bolts.
I can't find what the "B" stands for in the casting #. It's not a Bronco since the only 6 cylinders available in the 77 & older Bronco's were the 170 & 200. 78 &79 Bronco's were only available with the 351M & 400 V8's. Like what was already mentioned the 300 wasn't available in the Bronco until 1980.
Being a 250 I'm guessing it probably came out of a Granada. The Maverick was also available with the 250 but I believe it would be a "D" instead of the "B".
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: W (BY GOD) V
B = Bronco (1970-1973)
B = Maverick (1975-1977)
B = Fairmont (1978-1983)
B = Maverick (1975-1977)
B = Fairmont (1978-1983)
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
No Fairmont or Zephyr came w/a 250.
250: 1969/73 Mustang; 1969/74 Fairlane/Torino; 1970/77 Maverick/Comet; 1975/80 Granada.
The list in post #10 is next to WORTHLESS .. has a gazillion errors and omissions!
KULTULZ didn't know this, but I do, because I knew the two IDIOTS that originally "made it up."
The two IDIOTS published the "Red Book" that was sold in book stores in the 1970's. Others have taken and used the info ever since.
The IDIOTS were members of the Fabulous 50's Ford Club, and "made it up' is exactly what they did.
They had no Ford literature of any kind, based some of it on Warranty Plate codes, vehicles they "looked at" at car shows. The rest of it, they just "guessed."
For example: How many Maverick's have a B as the 3rd digit in the part number prefix? N-O-N-E = NONE!
Maverick used a D as did Falcon and Granada.
250: 1969/73 Mustang; 1969/74 Fairlane/Torino; 1970/77 Maverick/Comet; 1975/80 Granada.
The list in post #10 is next to WORTHLESS .. has a gazillion errors and omissions!
KULTULZ didn't know this, but I do, because I knew the two IDIOTS that originally "made it up."
The two IDIOTS published the "Red Book" that was sold in book stores in the 1970's. Others have taken and used the info ever since.
The IDIOTS were members of the Fabulous 50's Ford Club, and "made it up' is exactly what they did.
They had no Ford literature of any kind, based some of it on Warranty Plate codes, vehicles they "looked at" at car shows. The rest of it, they just "guessed."
For example: How many Maverick's have a B as the 3rd digit in the part number prefix? N-O-N-E = NONE!
Maverick used a D as did Falcon and Granada.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,298
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From: South central, Minnesota
Come on Bill. If you are going to quote me to say I'm wrong. Don't delete the part of the quote I wrote about I thought the only 6 in the Fairmonts was the 200.
Due to the casting # it can't be older then 77. So that rules out the Mustang, Fairlane and Torino. And since we all now know no Fairmont came with a 250. That would leave the 77 Maverick/Comet or the 77-80 Granada, Correct?
Do you happen to know what the "B" in the casting # does refer to?
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
And for correcting me when I'm wrong ( happens way too often 
) .
Due to the casting # it can't be older then 77. So that rules out the Mustang, Fairlane and Torino. And since we all now know no Fairmont came with a 250. That would leave the 77 Maverick/Comet or the 77-80 Granada, Correct?
Do you happen to know what the "B" in the casting # does refer to?
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
And for correcting me when I'm wrong ( happens way too often ) .
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 219
From: W (BY GOD) V
No Fairmont or Zephyr came w/a 250.
250: 1969/73 Mustang; 1969/74 Fairlane/Torino; 1970/77 Maverick/Comet; 1975/80 Granada.
The list in post #10 is next to WORTHLESS .. has a gazillion errors and omissions!
KULTULZ didn't know this, but I do, because I knew the two IDIOTS that originally "made it up."
For example: How many Maverick's have a B as the 3rd digit in the part number prefix? N-O-N-E = NONE!
Maverick used a D as did Falcon and Granada.
250: 1969/73 Mustang; 1969/74 Fairlane/Torino; 1970/77 Maverick/Comet; 1975/80 Granada.
The list in post #10 is next to WORTHLESS .. has a gazillion errors and omissions!
KULTULZ didn't know this, but I do, because I knew the two IDIOTS that originally "made it up."
For example: How many Maverick's have a B as the 3rd digit in the part number prefix? N-O-N-E = NONE!
Maverick used a D as did Falcon and Granada.
The B in the third prefix position (Engineering No - Not Service Part No) denotes the car line the part was initially released for. I spent a few years in parts rooms also and fully understand how the P&A System works. That character may or may not appear in a SERVICE PART NUMBER PREFIX. Example, the MUST Catalog Character is F while the actual Service PN Prefix Character is Z, while the Engineering Casting I.D. No. was usually D (all depending on time frame).
I am well aware that most info out there is on a curve. But just take a moment to re-think the subject. That particular info is correct. The B applies to BRONCO (70/73), and the car lines mentioned (MAVERICK 75/77 and FAIRMONT 78/83). The date code(s) are what identifies/separates them.
As a side note, I was re-writing and correcting all of the info on the net to try and make it more concise (to my limited knowledge). I had a crash and it took care of my notes. I may try it again.
Last edited by KULTULZ; Sep 7, 2017 at 06:40 AM. Reason: Enter More Concise Info
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 219
From: W (BY GOD) V
Did you find the date code?
EDIT-
Below is an Engine I.D. Chart used by re-builders (and I am sure it is incomplete and/or in-concise in many entries). It includes all makes but I have cropped just the FORD 250 info. While most third position characters are D (which is concise as you entered), B is also used in some 250CI casting numbers.
Last edited by KULTULZ; Sep 7, 2017 at 06:49 AM. Reason: ADD INFO