I hope someone can help! I purchased a used motor which was sold (per the VIN) as a 1981 T-Bird 4.2L V8 2bbl OHV to install in the 1981 F100. My month-long dilemma started with a leaking carb. Since I knew that 2 rocker arms were cracked, I thought I would fix all at once. But when I ordered the parts for the 255, they do not match. No parts dealer, Ford dealers, or local engine rebuilders can help me id FOR SURE what the block, intake and heads are by the markings I have taken from each. Some suspect it is 302 or 351 (windsor, cleveland, everyone has a guess), others think it IS a 255 and parts are practically unobtainable new. So here goes, be patient. I need to know what beast or hybrid beast this is. I have rods sitting in 60 weight oil and winter is blowing in Minnesota!

BLOCK: above starter: EOAE D3C with "15" stamped sideways to this number, "80" stamped on block, passenger's side by freeze plug near starter.

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80 raised stamp, driver's front behind power steering pump

MANIFOLD: 0318
R EOSE 9425 FC 10W from left to right on back

F.O. off #1 piston: 1, 5, 4, 2, 6, 3, 7, 8
2,3,5,8 ports are raised on intake. Carb is 2 bbl that attaches to raised alum. intake, one hole through each port to back of carb, into EGR valve. 2 metal fuel lines (one each bbl, driver's side larger) stick out of raised part of intake which carb attaches to, approx. half way up. Distributor in FRONT. Choke heater plate cover on pass: DOAE
OATE with 2 bolts. Flat metal plate across from it on driver's side marked with a "B", 2 bolts.

HEADS: Driver's: has a "B1" stamped on outside corner, closest to pow steer pump. Under tappet cover, driver's side: 5 bolts, no washers, and 3 "allen-type" hex heads. A broad line, not an "I" or a "1" and 9753 in a circle. Large 78, this is most prominent mark. Again, the broad line and E4. Ford emblem vertical. Symbol: like a small "c" inside a larger "C", line, P (?, maybe smaller capital D instead of line and P) Heads have metal cooling pipe connecting each other together from back (firewall) EBR tube: F814B. Exhaust valves have removeable caps. threaded pedestal, fulcrum guide, rocker arm, fulcrum, attaching bolt (not stud). Any direction as to who might be able to, or other markings/features that might positively id these parts would be immensely appreciated.

 

Hi Bruce,
Saw you had posted your problem. Glad you found the board. Since it is a V8 you would likely get more information out of the 221/260/289/302/351 bulletin board if you reposted your question there. I think the 255's similarity to the 302 might group it there. There are a couple good posts about motor id also. Hope you can find some answers, I know its driving you nuts.
Good Luck with it,
Roger

 

Thanks, I did and we'll see. I'm pretty frustrated....it's an easy job, if I can figure out what parts to get (from where!) and timing etc are all different so..........Have a peaceful holiday.