MTFCA Forum

When I overhauled my engine, I found a second number on the left side (bottom right - see photo): 52318. What does this number mean?
The engine number at the water inlet is C 171352; a Canadian production.

Casting Date - May 23, (19)18. It was before they went to the round markers common on later engines...

Looks like a casting number, I would assume that it means that the block was cast on 5/23/1918. Makes sense, since according to Bruce's book, engine serial number C171352 was assembled in early August 1918.

Early heads also have the same casting date - I'm thinking it was probably a stamped metal plate screwed onto the mould for the casting... My 12/7/15 head from the block of the same date has one similar near the back edge... part of why I'm fighting not to lose that head to the numerous cracks it's starting to develop...

A large forum with a lot of knowledge. Thanks for the replies to everyone

As said, a casting date but the block might not be a Ford factory one? it has no logo on the side. It's around the time that Canada started pouring their own blocks so it does raise a question was the first several months a blank cast?

My first reaction was the same As Kerry's. Possibly a non-Ford replacement. Ford at that time was beginning to have problems with after-market suppliers offering cheap and poor quality replacement parts. That is why the "Ford" script began being put on MOST T parts from the authorized manufacturers the following year (1919).
But then I saw the Canadian serial number, and realized that was also about the time that Canadian blocks were being cast in Canada. It may well be the early version of an authorized Canadian casting. I think the circle-date began in late 1918 for both USA and Canada. And as Ford almost always did during the model T years, there would have been some considerable crossover time when both date marks were being used.
An intriguing block for sure! I would happily use it, and enjoy pointing to it for many years to come in the parking lot "show and tell" on tours.

I have at late 1917 Canadian engine block with the same casting date location, with serial number C138960. I believe you have an authentic Canadian Ford block.
BTW, the changeover from the inline casting date to circular casting date on the Canadian blocks appears to have taken place after their USA counterparts. I have a Canadian block cast 3-29-20 which is the straight inline style and one cast 4-29-20 with the circular casting style.

Rich C.

Here is a later Canadian engine with the serial number and the cast date near.
I can see a C; a 6 and a 8 on the casting date , I don't know what they are standing for, perhaps Canadian august 26??

Andre
Belgium

The Canadian engine blocks used casting dates through to the end of production whereas these dates were discontinued in USA production starting in 1922. For whatever reason, the Canadian blocks revised their casting dates around 1923 using an alphabet letter to designate the year. “A” for 1923, “B” for 1924, “C” for 1925, etc.

Rich C.