Help with difference between 144 and 170

[Hot 6t Falcon]

Howdy,

I came across a way to tell the difference between a 144 and a 170. But I NEED to verify this info before I pass it on as gospel. If this holds up, it would certainly be a nice piece of info when spoting engines and wondering what they are.

I don't have access to either a 144 or 170 right now.

Here's what I need help checking.

144: the diameter of the freeze plugs are 2 1/8, 3 plugs

170: the diameter of the freeze plugs are 1 3/4, 3 plugs

200/250: the diameter of the freeze plugs are 1 3/4, 5 plugs. I verified these two by checking the two blocks in the shop.

Dennis

 

[aribert]

Did not the 170 have a "T" stamped on the block somewhere near the port for the PCV / road draft tube (seems like it was on the machined surface above the port - don't have my 170 anymore to check).

 

[wallaka]

Did not the 170 have a "T" stamped on the block somewhere near the port for the PCV / road draft tube (seems like it was on the machined surface above the port - don't have my 170 anymore to check).

Yes. The 144 has an "N".

http://classicinlines.com/Ident.asp

 

[Hot 6t Falcon]

Howdy, and Yup,

You are both right - sort of - The 144 and the 170 had "N" and "T" ID's from the factory.

BUT if the engine has been rebuilt - and given a head gasket surface decking of the block the T and N will be gone.

You added a good piece of info though for those reading the post just to learn and file info away.

Dennis

 

[AzCoupe]

BUT if the engine has been rebuilt - and given a head gasket surface decking of the block the T and N will be gone.

Good point.

I may have either a 144 or a 170 laying around. I'll see if I can get some measurements on the freeze plugs.

 

[Crosley]

I looked at my ford 170 engine from 1962 Falcon.

Freeze plugs measure about 2.100 diameter and are Dorman # 555-073


My block has the T stamped on the deck area , drivers side near PVC port.

 

[Hot 6t Falcon]

Thanks Tony and Mike,

Well, that mostly shoots these dimensions. The 2.1 would be nearly 2 1/8 (2.125) inches. Dorman calls it 2 1/16 inches.

Or maybe I have the numbers backwards.

Anyone with a 144 ci available?

Dennis

 

[kukm66]

From the engine blocks I have had, the following codes were:

N = 144
U = 170
T = 200

 

[Crosley]

I only guess my engine is a 170 ... the car was 40 yrs old when I bought it.

It is a 3 freeze plug block, with 4 mains on the crank shaft.

It certainly was low on power..

 

[63redtudor]

kukm66, the block codes were different from the codes found on the VIN, I'm not sure why. If you look carefully, you'll see that the "N" or the "T" that almost appears to be cast on. I first found out about these when I read my '60-3 falcon manual. I have 2 170s, a '61 & a '63, & they both have the "T" on the road draft tube boss.
I also have a '65 manual & the codes aren't mentioned. Anyone have a '64 manual? That was the one year where the 144/170/200 were all in production (though apparently there were a few '63 200s?). I have seen a '64 144 in a junkyard & it doesn't have a block code on it, so maybe '63 was the last year. Interestingly enough, Dennis, this 144 also had hydraulic lifters & the 5/16" dizzy shaft. Never measured the freeze plugs though.
Edwin
ps. Crosley, thats a better picture than I have on my site! (I might have to steal the pic... ).