A lot of Ford engines look very similar. Some parts are even interchangeable between engine families. This can lead to confusion and buying the wrong parts. However, it's easy to tell the difference between them. You don't even need to look for casting numbers! You just need to look at the top, front of the engine. In this case, the engine type is 4.6 liters and 8 cylinder engines for F-150 and F-250 Ford models. 4 (also known as the 'check digit') is a randomly-generated compulsory number for all North American manufactured vehicles Ford F150 trucks included. This is calculated from the other numbers in the VIN. The Ford part number on the box shown at left is on the top line: B8A-9431-A. Other information indicates it was an Engine Engineering Division design, weighs 9 pounds, provides information on the quality control inspection, and the date packed. A typical Ford part number looks like this: C5SZ-1005-A. Here's how this number is decoded. ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERS. The engine number was also the serial number of the car. Engines were numbered when they were completed, and for the most part went into a chassis within a day or so. However, some engines were assembled and numbered at branch assembly plants.
221, 260, 289, 302The 221, 260, 289 were originally designed for the Fairlane and produced only in the Cleveland engine plant from 1962-1965. The 1964 289 casting number for all 289s was C4OE-6015-C (later an F suffix). In 1965, this number was changed to C5AE-6015-E for the 289 2V, 4V and Hi-Po (note the change to full size Ford designation and 6 bolt bell housings). In mid-year 1966 the Windsor plant also began producing 289s. The casting numbers for these were (C6AE-6015-C with a '289' and 'WF' in the lifter valley. In 1967 both Cleveland and Windsor produced 289s using earlier year casting numbers but with updated date codes. These two blocks were interchangeable, but there were probably some minor differences. Near the end of the 1967 production run, Cleveland ran out of 289 blocks and substituted their new 302 block, C8-OE-6015-A and marked with 302 in the lifter valleys. This block wasn't intended to see action until 1968. Note these 302 casting numbers returned to the intermediate size Ford or Fairlane lineage. Hence, a late model 289 coming from the Cleveland plant might have a 302 block with 289 innards. The Windsor plant had an abundance of 289 blocks for 1967. In 1968 Cleveland only made 302s, while Windsor continued with the 289s. It appears Windsor also tooled up for 302s but the plug was pulled before they got to make any. They did however, design and produce a 302 block that was used on 289s after the stock of 289 blocks was depleted. The number was C8AE-6015-B with 302 marking in the lifter valley. At the very end of the model year some additional 289 blocks must have been discovered as the older C6AE-6015-C blocks appeared again. In 1969 Cleveland continued with 302 production. Windsor dropped 289 production and took up the 351. In 1970 Cleveland came out with its newly designed 351. In short: C8OE-6015-A is a 302 block from Cleveland from a 1967 289 or a 1968 or later 302 (check date code). There is no code stamped on the block itself that can be used to identify the cubic inch displacement of the block. Casting numbers can be helpful, but some blocks used several different casting numbers, and in some cases, one casting is not interchangeable with the other. Engines are identified by a tag attached to the engine. This tag is used on all late 1964-1970 models and located under the coil attaching bolt. On the tag is the displacement, assembly plant, model year, change level, engine code (useful in identifying high performance engines) and date of production. This tag is easily lost or replaced with a fake tag, so don't rely solely on the tag for identification. Cylinder HeadsCasting numbers for cylinder heads may change from year to year. For example, the code may be cast as C6ZZ-A in 1966 and C8ZZ-A in 1968 even though they are the same cylinder head. Special heads are required with emission controls from 1965-1966 for the emission system to operate properly. Beginning in 1967, all heads have provisions for emission control systems. Casting numbers are usually the same or nearly the same as the part number. Cylinder heads cast with a '5' as the second digit were most likely installed in a 1966 model. | Pictures courtesy of Cruce Motor Rebuilding
The casting number is located where the starter bolts up to the bell housing. Removal of the starter is necessary to see the number 390FE V-8 Big Block The casting number is located where the starter bolts up to the bell housing. Numbers can be horizontal or vertical. In some cases, they are not there at all! 1965 model 289 Head Head casting number is under the cylinder head. Gehl equipment. 1965 model 289 Head Date code location is under the valve cover. |
Old Ford Vin Number Lookup
What You Can Learn From a Ford VIN Lookup
Ford Engine Serial Number Search
Every vehicle manufactured by the Ford Motor Company has a unique vehicle identification number. This VIN number is set by the manufacturer which describes all the vital information about that vehicle. A Ford VIN lookup will reveal the manufacturer, production year, engine and drive train, make and model, and much more. The easiest way to find the VIN on a Ford is to reference the registration card or the Ford vehicle title, if you have that in your possession. If that is not available then it can be found in multiple places that are permanently stamped on the vehicle
How to Find Your Ford VIN Number
- Embossed on the metal tag on the driver's side dash board
- Stamped on the Ford driver's side door
- Engraved on the frame of the Ford
- Stamped on the Ford's original engine
- Find the VIN on your Ford's registration card
- Located on your Ford's vehicle title
Your Ford VIN can be located in multiple places on your car or truck. If for some reason this is difficult to find or the VIN is not readable then you can also find the Ford VIN number on your registration card or vehicle title.
Why Your Ford VIN is Important
It's very important that you have access to this information if you need to lookup recalls, safety issues or just want to sell the vehicle. If all else fails you can lookup your Ford VIN by your license plate number as well as contacting the DMV directly for this information. The VIN on your Ford can also help you lookup all the details and original manufacturing information from the factory since it's the manufacturer that is responsible for placing the VIN on the vehicle. It's also important to note that every Ford vehicle identification number is unique.
How To Run a Ford Vehicle History Report By VIN
A vehicle history report can be run on any vehicle that has a VIN, custom built vehicles are the exception. By performing a Ford VIN lookup using a vehicle history report service you can not only find out the details of the Ford but if it has had any previous issues, accidents, recalls or known safety issues as reported by the NHTSA. If you are purchasing a used Ford vehicle then you might also want to match up the VIN number on the dash, the door, the engine, frame and transmission to make sure that everything is original. This has been problematic for many older vehicles that have been worked on or have had a major overhaul to the engine, transmission or drivetrain. Knowing how to run a Ford VIN lookup can help you save a lot of potential issues down the road when purchasing a used Ford Car or Truck. It's basically the same as running a vehicle background check.
Free Government Resources To Lookup Your Ford VIN
Ford Tractor Engine Serial Number Lookup
There are a couple of free government resources you can use to perform a Ford VIN lookup. The NHTSA, or National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, can be used to lookup known vehicle safety and recall information by referencing your vehicle identification number. You can also go to VehicleHistory.gov which provides consumers with important vehicle information about the vehicle's condition and it's history. These services are completely free and have zero agenda as they are public resource provided by the federal government.
Ford VIN Lookup - FAQs
How to find out if my Ford has a recall?
Finding out if your Ford has a recall is very easy. You can visit the government website Safecar.gov and lookup known Ford recalls with a simple VIN lookup. Another option is to contact your local Ford dealership and inquire with the service department.
A lot of Ford engines look very similar. Some parts are even interchangeable between engine families. This can lead to confusion and buying the wrong parts. However, it's easy to tell the difference between them. You don't even need to look for casting numbers! You just need to look at the top, front of the engine. In this case, the engine type is 4.6 liters and 8 cylinder engines for F-150 and F-250 Ford models. 4 (also known as the 'check digit') is a randomly-generated compulsory number for all North American manufactured vehicles Ford F150 trucks included. This is calculated from the other numbers in the VIN. The Ford part number on the box shown at left is on the top line: B8A-9431-A. Other information indicates it was an Engine Engineering Division design, weighs 9 pounds, provides information on the quality control inspection, and the date packed. A typical Ford part number looks like this: C5SZ-1005-A. Here's how this number is decoded. ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERS. The engine number was also the serial number of the car. Engines were numbered when they were completed, and for the most part went into a chassis within a day or so. However, some engines were assembled and numbered at branch assembly plants.
221, 260, 289, 302The 221, 260, 289 were originally designed for the Fairlane and produced only in the Cleveland engine plant from 1962-1965. The 1964 289 casting number for all 289s was C4OE-6015-C (later an F suffix). In 1965, this number was changed to C5AE-6015-E for the 289 2V, 4V and Hi-Po (note the change to full size Ford designation and 6 bolt bell housings). In mid-year 1966 the Windsor plant also began producing 289s. The casting numbers for these were (C6AE-6015-C with a '289' and 'WF' in the lifter valley. In 1967 both Cleveland and Windsor produced 289s using earlier year casting numbers but with updated date codes. These two blocks were interchangeable, but there were probably some minor differences. Near the end of the 1967 production run, Cleveland ran out of 289 blocks and substituted their new 302 block, C8-OE-6015-A and marked with 302 in the lifter valleys. This block wasn't intended to see action until 1968. Note these 302 casting numbers returned to the intermediate size Ford or Fairlane lineage. Hence, a late model 289 coming from the Cleveland plant might have a 302 block with 289 innards. The Windsor plant had an abundance of 289 blocks for 1967. In 1968 Cleveland only made 302s, while Windsor continued with the 289s. It appears Windsor also tooled up for 302s but the plug was pulled before they got to make any. They did however, design and produce a 302 block that was used on 289s after the stock of 289 blocks was depleted. The number was C8AE-6015-B with 302 marking in the lifter valley. At the very end of the model year some additional 289 blocks must have been discovered as the older C6AE-6015-C blocks appeared again. In 1969 Cleveland continued with 302 production. Windsor dropped 289 production and took up the 351. In 1970 Cleveland came out with its newly designed 351. In short: C8OE-6015-A is a 302 block from Cleveland from a 1967 289 or a 1968 or later 302 (check date code). There is no code stamped on the block itself that can be used to identify the cubic inch displacement of the block. Casting numbers can be helpful, but some blocks used several different casting numbers, and in some cases, one casting is not interchangeable with the other. Engines are identified by a tag attached to the engine. This tag is used on all late 1964-1970 models and located under the coil attaching bolt. On the tag is the displacement, assembly plant, model year, change level, engine code (useful in identifying high performance engines) and date of production. This tag is easily lost or replaced with a fake tag, so don't rely solely on the tag for identification. Cylinder HeadsCasting numbers for cylinder heads may change from year to year. For example, the code may be cast as C6ZZ-A in 1966 and C8ZZ-A in 1968 even though they are the same cylinder head. Special heads are required with emission controls from 1965-1966 for the emission system to operate properly. Beginning in 1967, all heads have provisions for emission control systems. Casting numbers are usually the same or nearly the same as the part number. Cylinder heads cast with a '5' as the second digit were most likely installed in a 1966 model. | Pictures courtesy of Cruce Motor Rebuilding
The casting number is located where the starter bolts up to the bell housing. Removal of the starter is necessary to see the number 390FE V-8 Big Block The casting number is located where the starter bolts up to the bell housing. Numbers can be horizontal or vertical. In some cases, they are not there at all! 1965 model 289 Head Head casting number is under the cylinder head. Gehl equipment. 1965 model 289 Head Date code location is under the valve cover. |
Old Ford Vin Number Lookup
What You Can Learn From a Ford VIN Lookup
Ford Engine Serial Number Search
Every vehicle manufactured by the Ford Motor Company has a unique vehicle identification number. This VIN number is set by the manufacturer which describes all the vital information about that vehicle. A Ford VIN lookup will reveal the manufacturer, production year, engine and drive train, make and model, and much more. The easiest way to find the VIN on a Ford is to reference the registration card or the Ford vehicle title, if you have that in your possession. If that is not available then it can be found in multiple places that are permanently stamped on the vehicle
How to Find Your Ford VIN Number
- Embossed on the metal tag on the driver's side dash board
- Stamped on the Ford driver's side door
- Engraved on the frame of the Ford
- Stamped on the Ford's original engine
- Find the VIN on your Ford's registration card
- Located on your Ford's vehicle title
Your Ford VIN can be located in multiple places on your car or truck. If for some reason this is difficult to find or the VIN is not readable then you can also find the Ford VIN number on your registration card or vehicle title.
Why Your Ford VIN is Important
It's very important that you have access to this information if you need to lookup recalls, safety issues or just want to sell the vehicle. If all else fails you can lookup your Ford VIN by your license plate number as well as contacting the DMV directly for this information. The VIN on your Ford can also help you lookup all the details and original manufacturing information from the factory since it's the manufacturer that is responsible for placing the VIN on the vehicle. It's also important to note that every Ford vehicle identification number is unique.
How To Run a Ford Vehicle History Report By VIN
A vehicle history report can be run on any vehicle that has a VIN, custom built vehicles are the exception. By performing a Ford VIN lookup using a vehicle history report service you can not only find out the details of the Ford but if it has had any previous issues, accidents, recalls or known safety issues as reported by the NHTSA. If you are purchasing a used Ford vehicle then you might also want to match up the VIN number on the dash, the door, the engine, frame and transmission to make sure that everything is original. This has been problematic for many older vehicles that have been worked on or have had a major overhaul to the engine, transmission or drivetrain. Knowing how to run a Ford VIN lookup can help you save a lot of potential issues down the road when purchasing a used Ford Car or Truck. It's basically the same as running a vehicle background check.
Free Government Resources To Lookup Your Ford VIN
Ford Tractor Engine Serial Number Lookup
There are a couple of free government resources you can use to perform a Ford VIN lookup. The NHTSA, or National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, can be used to lookup known vehicle safety and recall information by referencing your vehicle identification number. You can also go to VehicleHistory.gov which provides consumers with important vehicle information about the vehicle's condition and it's history. These services are completely free and have zero agenda as they are public resource provided by the federal government.
Ford VIN Lookup - FAQs
How to find out if my Ford has a recall?
Finding out if your Ford has a recall is very easy. You can visit the government website Safecar.gov and lookup known Ford recalls with a simple VIN lookup. Another option is to contact your local Ford dealership and inquire with the service department.How can I lookup a vintage Ford VIN number?
Ford Engine Block Serial Number Lookup
Most online vehicle resources only allow you to run VIN numbers with 17digits. Vintage Ford vehicles have fewer than this and many online resources cannot lookup those up. You will want to find a service that specialized in vintage, or classic vehicles, or you can also inquire with the DMV directy.