Engine questions.
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4wd Low
Joined: Mar 2025
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Engine questions.
I have a 1952 ford f1 which is supposed to have a 215r engine in it but it instead has a bored 223 painted like a 215 in it. Is the 215r just an early release of the 223? I'm pretty positive that someone rebuilt it before. This engine has the same stroke of a 223 and I don't know how to check the cam to see which cam it is. It has a carter carb on it. The bore is 3.692 and for a 215 it should be a 3.56 bore (according to my book) any help would be appreciated.
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Western NY
A factory 215 is 3.5649. A Factory 223 is 3.6274. A bore measurement of 3.692 exceeds the book .060 max bore oversize for a 223. The last rebuild likely brought it out to .060 oversize.
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4wd Low
Joined: Mar 2025
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Thanks for the information. My book doesn't have that precise of measurements so that was very helpful.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
Is the engine apart or is it together and running? While it's interesting information to have, if it's a running engine in a drivable truck, I wouldn't get too concerned about the details and just drive it. The 215 and 223 were of the same engine family and share a lot of parts. There were several running changes in the engine and heads along the life of the engine, 1952-64, so it may be more important to know what year it is if you need to buy parts for it.
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4wd Low
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this engine has the distributor dead center.
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4wd Low
Joined: Mar 2025
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Is the engine apart or is it together and running? While it's interesting information to have, if it's a running engine in a drivable truck, I wouldn't get too concerned about the details and just drive it. The 215 and 223 were of the same engine family and share a lot of parts. There were several running changes in the engine and heads along the life of the engine, 1952-64, so it may be more important to know what year it is if you need to buy parts for it.
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Cargo Master
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Keep us posted on what you may need, because this is the place you'll find 'em, other than eBAy.
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4wd Low
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the drive gear on this one is in the front just under the water pump.
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Western NY
Jon, the usual advice is to let the machine shop doing the rebuild source the parts as they are the ones machining to fit. I'd also want a machine shop to evaluate the block as it already is past the books max bore. That could mean the wear on other items are also beyond standard over/under sized offerings and so it may be more economical to use another block. They should also be able to determine how much meat is left on your specific block to go beyond book specs of that is viable.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2018
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I think I have crank bearings for a 223 and rings and maybe some other parts that might be interchangeable. All new. Let me know what you need and I can look.
the best source for parts for those motors I have found is Cleggs. He also knows everything about these engines.
the best source for parts for those motors I have found is Cleggs. He also knows everything about these engines.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Deerbrook, WI
My 52 F1 has a I6 215 that was bored out to accommodate 223 pistons and rings. The shop doing the work said it could be rebored at least one more time. Welcome and good luck with your project.
Jim
