L Block emergence

[SJ Lambert]

Thanks to Gary's recent advice I can now date the engine block castings that are about the place.

I've long incorrectly presumed that L block didn't appear until lip seal engines were introduced, Andrew Bodge's pictures of his engine in the "engine identification" thread also show an L block that started life as a rope seal unit, in '66 or earlier by the sounds of it.

I've recently got an L block off Ed Holly that's casting date is 1st September 1966.

I'd be fascinated to learn what dates other people's L blocks carry and see when the first were cast!!!

A partial "catalogue" of dates would be great!!

So, here's Gary's cipher, go to it folks!!!

Cheers

James

The area inside of the ellipse is the casting date.







It can be decoded by using any of the Ford casting date codes as specified by many of the sites that can be found by google by doing a search on Ford casting date codes
http://www.google.com/search?q=Ford+cas ... CAcQ_AUoAA

here is one that is pretty good,

http://www.fordclassics.com/forddatecodes.html


Identifying Casting and Manufacturing Date Codes

There are some key attributes about date codes. For starters all date codes are alphanumeric ? containing both letters and numbers.

A ?casting date code? provides the exact date when the component was produced at the foundry. A casting date code can be found, for example, at the rear of the engine block, usually above the starter, or between spark plugs on a FE cylinder head. You will notice that the casting date code was actually formed during the casting of the component.

A ?manufacturing date code? provides the exact date the assembly took place. Note manufacturing date codes are typically stamped or inked. If the component has undergone machining, it is possible the manufacturing date code may have been removed. As such, it is a good idea to document the manufacturing date code prior to engine work, (e.g.: milling) as this could remove the manufacturing date code forever.

Below is an example of a casting/manufacturing date code:

Casting/Manufacturing date code: 6 B 10

6 = 1966 (Note: You will need to identify the decade via part number on the component first)
B = February
10 = 10th day of the month

FIRST CHARACTER = YEAR WITHIN DECADE (0 - 9)

SECOND CHARACTER = MONTH (i.e.: A = JANUARY; B = FEBRUARY; C = MARCH; D = APRIL; E = MAY; F = JUNE;
G = JULY; H = AUGUST; J = SEPTEMBER; K = OCTOBER; L = NOVEMBER; M = DECEMBER) (Note: There is no 'I' in the month identifier)

THIRD CHARACTER = DAY OF MONTH

With the elipse being the casting code at the front left hand side of the block above the generator/alternator bracket mounting bolt holes.