I recently bought two project 8Ns. One is a '49 and the other is a '51...according to the previous owner.
So, the '49 carries the serial number 8N190569 with stars, so at least the engine is a 1949. However, there is a proofmeter in the dash with the appropriate governor to run it. Also, both drag links have the short adjustment section in them, which I believe is a later mod. I also has the pins in the radius rods, rather than bolts. The engine, of course, has the front distributor and generator on the right side.
Now for the fun. The 1951 does not have a proofmeter on the dash. It has the side distributor with the generator on the left. It has the drag links with the adjustment on the ends and bolts in the radius rods. It also has a Sherman combo trans (hi-std-lo). The engine block shows casting marks 8N-C on the left side back by the bell housing, however, the engine has no serial number. It doesn't look like one was ever stamped into the block.
I think it possible that both tractors were owned by the same last two owners and that one of them may have swapped engines. But, the patina of both seems to refute that. They both were originally red/gray, but were, at some point, repainted blue/gray. Both tractors' engines appear to be consistent, paint-wise, with the rest of the tractor. If the engines were swapped, it was looooong ago.
Ever seen an engine without a serial number? Is there any other place where a serial number can be found? Are there casting numbers on the trans or rear end that indicate the date of manufacture?
It's not a big deal, but curious.
So, the '49 carries the serial number 8N190569 with stars, so at least the engine is a 1949. However, there is a proofmeter in the dash with the appropriate governor to run it. Also, both drag links have the short adjustment section in them, which I believe is a later mod. I also has the pins in the radius rods, rather than bolts. The engine, of course, has the front distributor and generator on the right side.
Now for the fun. The 1951 does not have a proofmeter on the dash. It has the side distributor with the generator on the left. It has the drag links with the adjustment on the ends and bolts in the radius rods. It also has a Sherman combo trans (hi-std-lo). The engine block shows casting marks 8N-C on the left side back by the bell housing, however, the engine has no serial number. It doesn't look like one was ever stamped into the block.
I think it possible that both tractors were owned by the same last two owners and that one of them may have swapped engines. But, the patina of both seems to refute that. They both were originally red/gray, but were, at some point, repainted blue/gray. Both tractors' engines appear to be consistent, paint-wise, with the rest of the tractor. If the engines were swapped, it was looooong ago.
Ever seen an engine without a serial number? Is there any other place where a serial number can be found? Are there casting numbers on the trans or rear end that indicate the date of manufacture?
It's not a big deal, but curious.
