FE Casting Numbers

[diegokid]

I dissassembled another FE today. I more or less stopped when I noticed the cylinders had been bore .040 over, I have been told this is about the limit for a 390. Out of curiosity I looked up the casting numbers. It was a D4TE that indicates a truck block. When I measured the stroke it came out to 3.625. This doesn't meet the 360 or the 390 measurments.

My question is does anyone know what displacement this was and is it safe to go above .040 before a scrap this block?

[blykins]

Some of the TE blocks will take quite a bit of overbore. I'd have it sonic tested.

As for the stroke, 3.625" is not a common stroke. You have 3.5", 3.78", and 3.98" for common strokes.

How did you measure the stroke?

[diegokid]

I used a dial indicator set on the top of the block. Turned crank until upward movement stopped set my zero. Continued turning crank until max indication of 3.625. I even considered a bad rod or bearing and checked an oppisite cylinder, same reading. I then checked my indicator with known tools for this, it checked good.

[Woodz428]

That's not only NOT a Ford stroke, it's not any of the aftermarket ones I am aware of either. I would venture that you have measured the stroke incorrectly. What's the # on the crank, that will tell you what it is. It could be either on with that measurement. Oddly enough, that's almost half of the difference between the 2 cranks(.125). If you post the # on the crank a proper identity can be given.

[diegokid]

The only numbers I can find on the crank are the numbers where the rods and mains were turned down .010, there was a 35 stamped next to that. Its fairly nasty right now. The webbing does look different than the other 390 blocks I've seen. The webbing is flat on both sides instead of just one. I also measured the stroke using a plain old tape measure, yep 3 5/8, not .50 or .75 but dead center these two. Another note is that most of the blocks I've torn down had plugs in all the oil galleys. This motor has them tapped with allen screws in them, I'll need heat to get them out. The engine was blue with what was left of an electronic dist.

Thanks for any info

[Tom Kirkham]

Can you post some pics?

[diegokid]

Right now I can't post pics due to digital camera being DOA. When my daughter gets home I'll see if she can. Is there any way to find out how much this block can be bored. I don't know of any place close that can do a sonic check!

The stroke was measured two different ways from TDC to BDC and both are the same, 3.625 or 3 5/8 on a tape measure. I don't know of any other way to measure this.

[diegokid]

I was off today so I took another look at the block in question. I was turning the crank by hand and noticed what I thought was too long an interval between the up and down movement of the piston. Long story short both the rod bearings were loose on #1 and #5. I checked another cylinder the stroke is 3.500, number one was giving a false indication. Maybe whoever built it didn't torque these properly? Crank didn't look bad though, tightened them up and had correct stroke reading.

So a 360 with 040 overbore. Will tear the rest of the way down and have the block checked.

[diegokid]

Well the crankshaft will make a great trout line weight.

[orich]

Alot of guys punch these out to 4.130 making it a 428 bore but sonic test check first. Truck blocks have thicker walls...my 2 cents
rich

[diegokid]

Thats what Bill told me. I'll have the block vated and checked.