The 77 block Issue
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The 77 block Issue
So I ran the casting numbers on the side of my engine and its a 77 truck engine block but whats interesting is that I am unsure where it was cast. Supposedly on the top of the block near the oil pressure sending unit there is markings to denote this. You can see an image of it here. The MCC stands for the Michigan foundry. 
So the issue is that on my block instead of the Michigan stamp there is a number 23 and where the 15 is in this image there is a symbol that I cant make out. I am starting to wonder what the Cleveland foundry stamp looks like. The reason for concern is that 77 blocks cast in the Michigan foundry had cracking problems in the water jacket until March of 1977.
So the issue is that on my block instead of the Michigan stamp there is a number 23 and where the 15 is in this image there is a symbol that I cant make out. I am starting to wonder what the Cleveland foundry stamp looks like. The reason for concern is that 77 blocks cast in the Michigan foundry had cracking problems in the water jacket until March of 1977.
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This is where I got the image from. Rumors & Myths
unfortunately he didn't have an image of a Cleveland foundry stamp.
unfortunately he didn't have an image of a Cleveland foundry stamp.
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I took a picture of it but they were a bit blurry. What I can tell from the cast it looks like it has the MCC on it but its where the 15 is on the image above and the tag number starts with 8H?1 There is a blank between the H and 1. The number on the side of the block is D7TE-A2B.
MSEE
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From: Austin, TX
The MCC seen in the photo does mean Michigan Casting Center. 351M/400 blocks cast before March 2, 1977 at MCC are susceptible to cracking around the water jackets in the lifter valley. I'm getting this information from Tom Monroe's book.
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I think what this means is that the Engine part number is a 1977 style block for a truck and the cast number says it was cast August 1, 1978 which means its ok because its after March 1977. They must have used the 77 mold for the 1978 models which could make sense. The trucks Vin says that it was completed September of 1978 which would make it a late 78 Lariat. I just finished replacing a cracked head on it that was coded as 1975 and what was interesting was the head gasket had a 1974 part number on it.
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This is HIS partial date code: 8H?1
So, August something of 1978
Josh
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D7TE-AB, AB1, AB2: These casting numbers apply to 1977/79 351M/400 bare blocks.
Since all these blocks were originally cast as 351M's, measuring the stroke will tell if it's a 351M (3.50" stroke) or 400 (4.00" stroke).
As it should....
D4AZ6051A .. Head Gasket
Fits: 1970/74 351C 2V / 1971/82 400 / 1975/82 351M.
D4AZ6051A replaced: D3AZ6051A & DOAZ6051A.
FTE is owned by Internet Brands, who owns over 90 websites. So...the same ads will be on all these sites which includes: CorvetteForum, WikiTravel, 3FatChicks, CarsDirect, etc., etc., etc.
Since all these blocks were originally cast as 351M's, measuring the stroke will tell if it's a 351M (3.50" stroke) or 400 (4.00" stroke).
Originally Posted by virgojeep
...what was interesting was the head gasket has a 1974 part number on it.
D4AZ6051A .. Head Gasket
Fits: 1970/74 351C 2V / 1971/82 400 / 1975/82 351M.
D4AZ6051A replaced: D3AZ6051A & DOAZ6051A.
FTE is owned by Internet Brands, who owns over 90 websites. So...the same ads will be on all these sites which includes: CorvetteForum, WikiTravel, 3FatChicks, CarsDirect, etc., etc., etc.
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So what your sayin Bill is that the Gasket is probably original or an OEM part and not an after market gasket, right? I was curious about it because my heads had D5 codes on them and I wanted to know if the engine was a mutt or if it had matching parts.
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So what your sayin Bill is that the Gasket is probably original or an OEM part and not an after market gasket, right?
Genuine Ford part.
I was curious about it because my heads had D5 codes on them and I wanted to know if the engine was a mutt or if it had matching parts.
Genuine Ford part.
I was curious about it because my heads had D5 codes on them and I wanted to know if the engine was a mutt or if it had matching parts.
The D5(AZ6049B) head was another updated Ford part number, replaced D1AZ6049D.
Original application was: 1975/82 351M's, 1975/82 400's, but since it's an updated part number, it could also be found on 1970/74 351C 2V's and 1971/74 400's.
Ford is in-famous for updating 10's of 1000's of part numbers every
year. Keeping track of all these replaced part numbers is/was a PITA!