8n serial number

[Steelerfan]

Good evening everyone, I have a 8n that I bought to possibly restore but I’m a little lost on what year it may be, it does not appear to have a serial number on the block where my other 8n’s have it but instead it has a industrial plate on it with the serial number of 1039-L29CS type 4-23. I cannot find any information on this at all can anyone tell me what year this is or if it even intended to be on a 8n, thanks for any help

 

[tsherry]

For fun, I used ChatGPT and this is what came back:

Did Ford Industrial engines have a number like 1039-L29CS type 4-23?

ChatGPT said:​

Yes, Ford Industrial engines, which were often used in various commercial, construction, and agricultural applications, did have a numbering system that could resemble the serial number you provided. These engines were part of Ford's larger line of industrial powerplants and were sometimes used in tractors like the 8N, especially if the original engine was replaced or if the tractor was used for industrial purposes.

Ford Industrial Engine Serial Number Structure​

Ford Industrial engines typically had a serial number or model number that looked different from the standard tractor engine serial numbers. They might have more alphanumeric codes or include additional designators for specific uses.
Your serial number "1039-L29CS" could match the format of a Ford Industrial engine, and here's a breakdown of the possible meanings:

Breakdown of "1039-L29CS":​

1. 1039: This could be the model number or the engine's unique identifier. Ford Industrial engines sometimes had model numbers in this format, and the "1039" could be related to a specific series of industrial engines.
2. L29: This might indicate the specific engine series or configuration. For instance, Ford used codes like "L" or "N" in their industrial engine designations to signify specific models. "L29" could be an internal code for an engine configuration, possibly pointing to a flathead 4-cylinder engine, which was used in many Ford tractors and industrial applications at the time.
3. CS: This could be a suffix code that might indicate the engine's specific version or a particular manufacturing location. Ford used various suffix codes to specify engine versions, modifications, or variants.

Ford 8N vs. Ford Industrial Engines​

• Ford 8N Engine: The Ford 8N tractor engine had a specific serial number format (typically 8N-xxxxxx), and it was a 4-cylinder, flathead engine with a displacement of 119.7 cubic inches (2.0L).
• Ford Industrial Engines: Ford's Industrial engines, such as those used in forklifts, generators, or construction equipment, had serial numbers that sometimes followed different conventions. For example, the engines used in construction machinery, pumps, and other industrial applications often had alphanumeric serial numbers similar to what you've described (like "1039-L29CS").

The "Type 4-23" in Your Serial Number:​

This could be a production or manufacturing code. The "4-23" might indicate the production date (April 23, or possibly a code for the year and day of manufacture), or it could refer to a particular configuration or specification of the engine.

Possible Next Steps:​

1. Ford Industrial Engine Documentation: If the engine is indeed a Ford Industrial engine, you might be able to identify it more precisely by consulting Ford's industrial engine manuals or parts lists. These often contain serial number breakdowns for engines used in different applications.
2. Compare with Known Ford Industrial Engines: Check if your serial number matches any of the Ford Industrial engines known to be in use during that period, especially engines that might have been used in construction equipment or other machinery.
3. Contact a Ford Industrial Engine Expert: If the engine was replaced with an industrial version at some point, a mechanic or expert who specializes in Ford Industrial engines might be able to confirm the origin and specifications of the engine.
4. Look for Other Marks on the Engine: Ford Industrial engines often had casting numbers or other identifiers cast into the engine block that can provide more clues about the engine's origin.

 

[Steelerfan]

Thank you

 

[bob p mn]

I have run across a couple of those engines, one I installed in a N for a neighbor years ago, I don't remember if it was a 9,2, or a 8N anymore but they bolt right in and work fine. I've also got a buddy that has one in a 8N that I got running for him after it had sat for years. Seems like I heard one time that those industrials were not a sleeved engine, but not sure about that. Both of those were side mount distributors.

 

[Kirk-NJ]

Just look behind starter there will be an 8n embossed with a tag with a block casting date code. Last number will be year. Also take a mirror and look at date code on top of head. This should give you some idea of when the engine was cast