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Discussion Topic:
Original Engine Identification
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Tracker |
08-19-2011 @ 10:47 AM
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New Member
Posts: 157
Joined: Oct 2009
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Can anyone tell me if there is a way to determine if a 1951 Mercury has its original engine ? Are there numbers on the block that correspond to the vin or body plate ? Thanks. Tracker
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Stroker |
08-19-2011 @ 12:14 PM
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Senior
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Tracker: The short answer is no. Early Fords (and most cars of that vintage) do not have a VIN number. Your body plate may tell you where your car was built, color and trim codes, and a driveline number may tell you the serial number of the engine/transmission assembly, but there is no correlation between the two. The modern VIN number came about as an attempt to cut down on auto theft-related "chop shops", and therefore appears on many components (some secret), to assist in criminal investigations.
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supereal |
08-19-2011 @ 3:31 PM
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I agree with Dan. In short, as long as the engine has the four inch crank, why care? "matching numbers" is a hoax to charge more bucks.
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Tracker |
08-19-2011 @ 4:22 PM
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New Member
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Thanks for the replies. The question came up when I was working on replacing the water pumps. These are wide belt and I was under the impression the 51 was equipped with narrow belts. What ever it is, I'm happy with it... it delivers surprizing stock performance in such a heavy car but even with OD, it is a beast on gas consumption Thanks again. Tracker Tracker
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ford38v8 |
08-19-2011 @ 5:32 PM
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Tracker, you are in possession of the most prized of all Ford products as far as long distance travel is concerned. The '51 Merc is literally a driving machine. Suspension, power ratio to weight, aerodynamics, comfort, it just all comes together in the '51 Merc. Enjoy your ride and consider your destination as secondary to the fun of the trip.
Alan
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TomO |
08-20-2011 @ 7:32 AM
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Tracker, the 51 Merc should give decent mileage on the road (18-20 mpg) and less around town (12-15 mpg). If you are not getting near these numbers: Check the carburetor for leaks, especially around the fitting for the gas line. Check front end alignment, toe in out of specs can eat gas. Check brake adjustment. Check tie pressure. Check your spark plugs for correct gap. Check for vacuum leaks. Check compression Check timing with the vacuum advance vacuum line disconnected and plugged. Check your left shoe and foot for lead. These are the most common causes of poor mileage. A worn out engine or a slipping clutch can also affect mileage.
Tom
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Stroker |
08-20-2011 @ 4:58 PM
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TomO: Great advice! I'm a little perplexed however regarding the admonition regarding the left foot/shoe lead inspection requirement. Wouldn't this be more of a problem regarding frequent throw-out bearing replacements, and/or clutch plate wear? I was taught to "never ride the clutch". I can see that substantial lead addition would have made that habit much harder to kick. Dan
This message was edited by Stroker on 8-20-11 @ 4:59 PM
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ford38v8 |
08-20-2011 @ 5:49 PM
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Picky, picky!
Alan
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Tracker |
08-20-2011 @ 7:02 PM
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Thanks for the check list. I have gone over all these things with others who know a lot more about engines than I do but every thing comes up normal each time. If this car gets more than 11 mpg on the hi way with a three speed ovcerdive I would be astounded. I have had several tell me its because of the rear end being geared so low ...4.0 ? as I recall. However, its factory stock and has never even been opened. I love the car but for the obvious reason, I don't drive it much on trips. It has recently developed a slight clutch chatter and I plan to change out the clutch assy if I can ever find one. Tracker
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TomO |
08-21-2011 @ 9:41 AM
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Dan, I admit that I added some lead to the left shoe to balance the lead in the right shoe. Because of this, I sometimes get my left and right shoes mixed up. I tried to remedy that problem by driving barefoot, but found out that this is not legal, so I bought a new pair of driving shoes. Now I just have to remember to put them on. A few years ago, there was a 51 Mercury with OD driving with me on one of the Motorfest tours. On the way back to Auburn, we stopped to fill up, he took 2 gallons of gas less than I did. I typically get around 15-18 mpg when I drive 55 or slower. Above that speed, my gas gauge looks like the tank has a hole in it. Tom
This message was edited by TomO on 8-21-11 @ 9:58 AM
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