Carrier Engine Identification
 

Right, so I need a few tips on engine ID for when I'm out perusing auctions etc. How do I tell if a Flathead V8 was originally fitted to a carrier or not? Part numbers, identifying features etc

Cheers,
Alex :salute:

English, canadian, New Zealand, we had them all here.

Unless your planning a "concourse" carrier project, then the only option is a 3 3/16" bore,24 stud motor.
And no, I have no idea about serial numbers of flathead v8s. They are a bit vague. ask Bruce B. down your way.

I don't really mind what year of flathead goes into a carrier, but I would like to know what I should be looking for anyway. :coffee

O.K, Here goes from memory (hat on and head down)
 

The LP2 and LP2A's had a 95 hp 24 stud truck engine.
The Canadian carriers (Universal Mk1*) were 85 h.p. 21 stud, but later on some units had their replaced with 24 stud motors.
The British Carriers are identified as No.1 MkI, or No.2, MkI., or No.3, Mk1. etc.etc etc. (is that o.k. Michael?)
This will likely raise an arguement, but at least in Jan. 1943 (the date of the Chilwell, Universal carriers, workshop instruction book. the book clearly states on page 3;
No.1 is the 65 hp engine, (21 stud, 18mm plugs)
No.2 is the 85 hp engine, and (21 stud,18 and 14mm plugs)
No.3 is the 95 hp engine (24 stud, 14mm plugs)
I have added the comments in brackets. Pretty much everything Ford had built by 1945, had been used in carriers.

Are you putting one together?

Michael: Thanks for that. I didn't realise the TL stampings went as far as engines too. Very interesting. Thanks.

Lynn: Thanks for that. I realise that they would've fitted any engine from the range, but was just trying to work out what would be an identifying feature of an engine that had been fitted to a carrier from factory. Cheers.

Flat sump
 

Alex, if you stumble across a flathead engine with the flat bottom pattern sump fitted then chances are you've got yourself a carrier engine. Also you should look for the extra oil gallery fitting on the left rear upper flywheel housing (standard engines have pressure out fitting only - carrier engines had extra fitting for oil return to the gallery from the carrier oil cooler)

It is pretty important to try to find a block with this extra fitting - carriers tend to run fairly warm even on a cool day. While it is possible to drill and tap the extra fitting into a standard block, it is a pain in the #ss to have done.

Also with a non flat bottomed sump the engine won't clear the hull floir and mate up to the carrier engine mounts.

good luck

Phill