New guy needs help
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 29
From: northeast Ga
New guy needs help
I have just got a 54 panel out of the barn to start on.It has a y block with auto trans.I was told it was a 239 when I stated looking it over I found a tag that tells it is a rebuilt motor. The thing starts and run good with 50 lbs oil pressure.The question is ,How do i tell what motor it really is?How rare is this motor trans compo? Should I keep this original or go for a newer drive train?If I upgrade what do you think of deasel power?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 200
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From: Brandon, MS
You need to report back to us the engine code for starters. You should be able to find it on the side of the block and/or near the distributor.
A 239 has an engine code starting with EBU. Glad to hear that it fires up for you. As for keep it original, the choice is yours. I would but that is just me. The EBU, 239 engine was only used in the 1954 models fords.
A 239 has an engine code starting with EBU. Glad to hear that it fires up for you. As for keep it original, the choice is yours. I would but that is just me. The EBU, 239 engine was only used in the 1954 models fords.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 39
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From: Santa Rosa, CA.
54 239 y-block
The 54 239 is a little different then the 55 and later y-blocks. 239 did come in 55 ford trucks also. For drive ability I would keep the automatic. If the engine needs to much work I would go with a later 292.
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6
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There is a very good likelihood that your replacement engine is a 292.
It was common practice in the late fifties, and sixties to do that. The 239
used if trucks in 1954 was usually, if not always a cleveland engine like the
292. The engine in 1954 cars was built at the Dearborn plant, and does differ
somewhat from the 292 series.
It was common practice in the late fifties, and sixties to do that. The 239
used if trucks in 1954 was usually, if not always a cleveland engine like the
292. The engine in 1954 cars was built at the Dearborn plant, and does differ
somewhat from the 292 series.
New User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: So. Portland, Maine
If it is a '54, the automatic can't be original. Ford didn't put the automatic it trucks until '56. There were EBU engines also built as 256 ci. The 256 used the 239 crank and the 272 bore, the 239 rods and a higher piston top than the 272. Whatever it is, I would recommend keeping it automatic for the drivability, although the automatic really needs a 292 in front of it to be the least bit lively.
New User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: So. Portland, Maine
I guess I had a brain fart. I was remembering an article in Ford Times in 1956 where Ford had a "pull off" between a F100 with manual trans and a F100 with automatic. The automatic pulled about twice as much as the manual. The load was on a drag on dirt, as I recall. I don't recall an automatic on a pickup before that, so I was locked into the idea that they didn't exist. Always room for education, thanks.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Island Southeast Alaska
As it's a Y block and runs as you say. I would leave it there for sure. Don't fix what ain't broke.
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 29
From: northeast Ga
not started yet
Thanks for the information.I have a 38 packard on the lift now and I have not been able to get started on the panel.Its getting nice up here in New York and I wish the packard was done ,a couple of days and we will start the panel.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,532
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From: northeast Ga
Ifound numbers over the starter it looks like 3D3.Could it be upside down and read EDE.there is also a long number onthe drivers side by oil filter witch would give me engine code?
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Lancaster, So Carolina