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This is a parts truck, from what I can determine, the frame and title are 48, the cab is 49, now I’m trying to identify the engine. Here’s several pictures and the only numbers I’ve been able to locate, if I’m missing some, point me in the right direction.
Assuming the heads are original to the rest of the engine, you've got the last iteration of Ford's Flathead engine, EAB, used in 52-53. It's considered the best of the bunch.
Assuming the heads are original to the rest of the engine, you've got the last iteration of Ford's Flathead engine, EAB, used in 52-53. It's considered the best of the bunch.
thx, and yeah it’s a early good engine. I don’t know if it’s been overhauled in the past, but it’s solid, 90-92lbs compression cold, throttle closed, 21” vacuum and with clean fuel it runs great. Unfortunately the tank was a mess, so I’d clean the filter, pump and carb and it’d run great for a few hours. I have a new tank.
As for the heads, I have no idea if they’re original. I’m hoping there’s some other telltale that will identify the engine.
As for the heads, I have no idea if they’re original. I’m hoping there’s some other telltale that will identify the engine.
AFAIK, there is not without tearing into the engine to see which running changes and/or updates there may be inside, and that's assuming it was never rebuilt with different parts. Back then, engines were routinely rebuilt or swapped out about every 60-80,000 miles. Just be happy you have a good running flattie.
Googling I saw where later engines had numbers stamped on the block by the intake manifold that were visible with the manifold on. No such luck, I can only see one stamped letter “Q”.
I took a better picture of the numbers on the block, but I can’t make out the last digit, it appears to be “F 23” then another digit or maybe even 2. So I know this was manufactured on 12/23 but I don’t know what year.
Casting numbers aren't particularly useful, and I don't think they indicated a date of manufacture in the 8BA/EAB era. There's really only a few important differences between the earliest 8BA and the last EAB, most notable being the lack of hardened valve seats in any engine after '50, and Rotamatic valves that went along with the lack of hardened seats.
The numbers stamped into the intake surface haven't been on any of the 4 blocks I've had. Other factory stampings were there, apparently QA marks.
Well, I guess I’ll never know for sure, but it runs and seems to have lots of power. I’m concerned about some of the parts I might need to pick up, like exhaust. It seems that the manifolds are different on the various versions of the engine. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it, and judging from the rust on my exhaust that might not be too far away.
Your exhaust manifolds and water pumps look stock for a truck. I can't see if you have the 52-53 car narrow belts or the pickup wide belts, but given the pickup water pumps I'd expect the wide belts. The heads and oil filter lines are 52-53 car. I greatly prefer the 52-53 oil filter line with the oil pressure sending unit up by the filter where you can get to it. The last thing I can think of that might be different is the oil pan, but guessing it is the correct truck one. It is pretty short work to swap the outside parts between engines when swapping 8BA style flatheads.
Your exhaust manifolds and water pumps look stock for a truck. I can't see if you have the 52-53 car narrow belts or the pickup wide belts, but given the pickup water pumps I'd expect the wide belts. The heads and oil filter lines are 52-53 car. I greatly prefer the 52-53 oil filter line with the oil pressure sending unit up by the filter where you can get to it. The last thing I can think of that might be different is the oil pan, but guessing it is the correct truck one. It is pretty short work to swap the outside parts between engines when swapping 8BA style flatheads.
So from this it appears that it’s a mish mosh of parts. The belts are wide. I wasn’t aware that EAB heads were car only, I thought I read that they were on trucks too. I haven’t compared the oil pan and I’m not sure I’d know the difference. Another thing is the numbers on the casting seem to indicate it was made in late 49 and there’s some blue paint on it, but of course it could’ve been repainted at some time.
This is very helpful. I’m mostly concerned about buying the correct parts, this information will help.
Bob crack a beer and think, I have a EAB !! LOL we have several even automatics
by “beer” you mean Jack and Coke right?
You’re right, this engine has guts to spare. I want to know as much as I can about this engine, mostly so I can buy the right parts are they are needed.
For example, I will be replacing the exhaust and going to dual sometime soon and need to understand what parts I need. Some of the kits I’ve seen have a manifold pipe that makes a U turn, so that must be for the manifold that exits in front for the crossover pipe. Mine don’t, but I guess that’s a manifold question, not an engine question.
Oh...and my cousin suggested an automatic, just s he’s getting ready to replace the auto in his barracuda with a 4 speed.
