Slick 60's

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've realized something about my 300.

It's a 240.

It has a C5AE casting number on the block. A C6AE casting number on the head. A twin-groove balancer. And an Autolite 1101 with a spark control valve--which I am told only came on 240s. I am under the impression the 300s of this vintage featured an 1101 with no spark control.

Also, no amount of measuring the stroke (using the trusty wire-and-marker method) gives me a measurement over 3 5/8". 3 1/2" was far more common, and I must've measured it half a dozen times. Allowing for the angle of the wire, I'm pretty sure I have a 240 in there.

Any input is welcome!

Sounds like a strange one! A lot can happen in nearly 50 years! You are correct on the Loadomatic;and it is more common for someone to over-measure the stroke via that somewhat in-accurate method. As you probably know, the 240 should measure 3.18, a long distance from the 3.5 you are averaging, but still a lot short of the 3.98" of the 300
Hard to tell what is in there now, but it sounds like the 240, just on the basis that few people would purposely change carb and distributor TO a Loadamatic.
Have you checked your data plate to find what was originally installed?
If originally a 240, the oil capacity without filter should be four quarts, a quart less than the 300. Base 240 -3 speeds F100's also came with a narrower (18.75") radiator and cooling fan width, but the larger ones were an inexpensive option, and, again could have been changed in nearly a half-century.
Other than those noted,(and rotating assembly), there are very few parts differences between the two. It would be nice to know, but with all the '60's Ford owners who insist they have "original" 390's, you are in good??? company!
Paul

Data plate says 150 hp at 3600, and a vin decoder says it should be a 300.

Sounds like the original "quacker" was a 300, at least!
Paul

Run it and don't worry about it. That is what I would do.

bobenhotep wrote:Run it and don't worry about it. That is what I would do.

We are birds of a feather! That's exactly what I'm going to do. I like 240s!

put an intake, carb and header on it and it will not run like either a 240 or 300. it will run like a scalded cat! after owning one, i am a believer.

ezernut9mm wrote:put an intake, carb and header on it and it will not run like either a 240 or 300. it will run like a scalded cat! after owning one, i am a believer.

I'm pretty excited, to be honest! I've never owned a 240, though I've seen several with absurdly high miles. Years ago, I was the delivery guy/warehouseman/roustabout for the Portland, Oregon-branch of Spokane-based Jones Automotive Engines (since merged with S&S).

We did a lot of R&R on old stuff, and one such engine was a 240 from a '69 Ranch Wagon with 350K on the clock. It had a set of wheels that looked like Ansen Slots, a collection of bumper-stickers and surf-decals dating from Carter's Administration, and the usual big-car rust. The guy who owned it said he bought it used in the late 'seventies and drove it all over the Western US, often towing a travel-trailer.

It ran okay, but fouled plugs and had a great deal of blow-by. We did a stock rebuild, and I can only imagine it's running yet.

Despite seeing numerous inline Fords with absurdly high miles, it still blows my mind how long these old motors last.

Best thing to do with a '66 six is get a carb and Dura-spark off a later truck and get rid of the Load-a-Matic crap. More power, starts better, runs better, more mileage, night-and-day difference.

R Pope wrote:Best thing to do with a '66 six is get a carb and Dura-spark off a later truck and get rid of the Load-a-Matic crap. More power, starts better, runs better, more mileage, night-and-day difference.

I am 90% finished with that very conversion. Really looking forward to hearing her run!

Howdy~ I have the same questions regarding my 66 SWB, 3 on the tree, custom cab.

Where would I find the data plate?


This is my first slick, which I have been wanting for a long time. What is the Dura Spark I hear so much about?

Thanks for the help!