Asking for a friend

[fOXTOOTH]

I know you guys probably get asked alot but, please forgive that I cant find this specific info....
My friend sez he has an 8N C
serial # NM 21 1
I thought all 8N' #s began w 8N? What specifically does he have?
Thanx, jfox

 

[Eman85]

Where did you or your friend find that number? Is it from the engine block pad on the side of the block?

 

[wore out]

I know you guys probably get asked alot but, please forgive that I cant find this specific info....
My friend sez he has an 8N C
serial # NM 21 1
I thought all 8N' #s began w 8N? What specifically does he have?
Thanx, jfox

"8N C" isn't the model number of the TRACTOR, it is a CASTING CODE on the engine block indicating it is the later version of the engine block, made to accommodate a "side-mount" distributor which involved swapping the generator over to the LH side of the block, this happened at S.N. 263,844.

The link below offers up MUCH more info and shows where to look on the block for the serial number, and also talks about "date codes" on castings, which show when the part was CAST, then it was "seasoned" for a time, then machined and made ready to go to the production line.

I've seen estimates that the casting dates would pre-date the assembly of the tractor by a few weeks up to nearly a year.

https://fordtractorcollectors.com/identify-my-tractor/tractor-id-history/

 

[soaked]

Your friends 8n C casting date codes to
December 21, 1951.

The letter i was not used, so September code is the letter J, leaving M for Dec.

433578 was the first 8n C.
8n C have the thicker 90 thou sleeves.
Their serial # begins and ends with a diamond shape, like this

This one also has a date code on the head

M 7 1 is Dec 7, 1951

The " month" letter is not readable, but the 17 and 1 are.
I'm curious how many units higher your friends serial# is from my 440934.
Can you please post it?

 

[zuhnc]

My 1951 8N has the 8N-C casting; serial number is 378716 and it does not have any markings before or after the serial.

 

[soaked]

My 1951 8N has the 8N-C casting; serial number is 378716 and it does not have any markings before or after the serial.

Hi zuhnc,
Do you think your original 1951 8n B engine was replaced by a Ford Dealer at a point where 8n C engines were available? Is the stamped font of your "1" that of a capital i with a top and bottom line--- and is the "6" a letter b like the New font?

Can you read your raised casting code?

 

[zuhnc]

The casting codes on all the components are about the same (within a year), so I think it is original. I will have to look at the codes, but it is 20*F outside, and I don't like to go out in the cold. Should be 50*F this weekend. so will do so then.

 

[fOXTOOTH]

Preciate the info.
EMan85- IDK where the numbers are, but I think I have to ask him more stuff anyway...
WoreOut, Pretty kool stuff in that link. I have a 52 Ferguson, so not used to reading about the Fords, altho my other friend Mario (of course) has two older 8N's that Ive done some work on
Soaked- I will get back w him and ask him to look for the correct serial nmbr, post it here if he can find it.
He sent some pix, I'll try to post. When he sent them to me at first I thought it didnt jive cuz the nmbrs seemed to suggest early, early 8N, but I know those have a front dizzy, so I asked and he sent the last pic w the side distributor. I'll ask him to look again.
It is a nice tractor that has been fully restored....how much would something like that go for? Probably too much for me, and I need a tractor I can use, so....

 

[soaked]

Ive seen 6-8000 for very nicely executed ones.( on bring a trailer auction)
Most up here in western Wa on craigs list in the 4-5000 range sit for a long time.

I see a fuel pump block off plate, an item not found on 8n tractors.

Looks like the plugs are sitting up, maybe in anti fouling extensions?
Likely pertronix ignitor in the distributor.

 

[fOXTOOTH]

Man you got a good eye- IDK enuff about these tractors, but am willing to learn!
What would the block off plate signify, other than not found on 8N? 2N?

 

[fOXTOOTH]

Update: no update on serial # yet. I'm beginning to think he may not find one or it may not be legible bcuz of the paint job

 

[Eman85]

It is a nice tractor that has been fully restored....how much would something like that go for?

The fully restored always comes into question. Most don't get a full restoration but they get a shiny paint job. It would take documentation for the mechanical work done to worth it to pay for a fully restored tractor. Do a little looking around at what parts and machine work would cost just to rebuild the engine.

 

[soaked]

A block off plate is installed when a mechanical fuel pump is not being used.

N series engines were used in many diferent applications, not just tractors.Generators, combines, pumps, air compressors, even trucks, and gpw 4x4 jeep like vehicle. Some had rivited on ID tags instead of hand stamping the block. I dont know the ID tag location on the engine.

John

 

[Farmalldude45]

Man you got a good eye- IDK enuff about these tractors, but am willing to learn!
What would the block off plate signify, other than not found on 8N? 2N?

Fuel pump pad would indicate an industrial ( or non tractor, such as combine or baler) engine swap, or a block replacement. I think replacement blocks had the pump pad and were not stamped with serial number. I also think this might be a serious hit on collector value.
Good luck.

 

[Non-farmer]

I know you guys probably get asked alot but, please forgive that I cant find this specific info....
My friend sez he has an 8N C
serial # NM 21 1
I thought all 8N' #s began w 8N? What specifically does he have?
Thanx, jfox

Lol - no intent to disrespect you or the thread, but I've been on the internet long enough that i've come to equate "Asking for a friend" with "I have a question, but I'm embarrassed to ask it so I'll say it's for someone else."

Nice to be on a board where it really means exactly what it says

 

[bob p mn]

As has been stated fuel pump block off plate likely means an industrial engine has been installed. The industrials I've seen had an aluminum tag riveted to the top of the bellhousing. It would be found under the battery tray if I remember correctly.

 

[fOXTOOTH]

Still no response from owner, I'm thinking he cant find anything

 

[Jim L WA]

A few photos of the whole tractor may help with identifying the actual model.

 

[bluerooster]

Fuel pump pad would indicate an industrial ( or non tractor, such as combine or baler) engine swap, or a block replacement. I think replacement blocks had the pump pad and were not stamped with serial number. I also think this might be a serious hit on collector value.
Good luck.

Mabe, mabe not. Depends on how the owner took care of it, and documented it. Reminds me of a 1969 Corvette that sold a while back for several million dollars. It was original to the "nth" degree. except the engine was not original. It was period correct, and same as the original, but not the original. However, there was a paper trail showing than the engine was replaced by Chevrolet under warrenty, some time in the early 70's. (I think '71) Without that documentation, it would be just another '69 corvette. instead of one of only 2, ZL1s ever sold.

 

[fOXTOOTH]

A few photos of the whole tractor may help with identifying the actual model.

It's not my tractor & I'm a little reticent asking because he obviously (to me) doesn't
want to draw more attention to it, maybe because it is taking up his wife's parking space in their garage haha