Confirm Engine Size & Suffix Code Questions

RTR · Dec 26, 2010

I just want to double check the size of my engine before I order the head gasket for it. The ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER reads (all I can make out) "M 251,644 K". I am thinking its a C-113 just from the serial number range, but wanted to double check. Also, I've looked and looked, but can't find any info on the suffix codes. What does the letter "K" stand for?? THANKS!!

Farmallhal · Dec 26, 2010

According to Guy Fay's IH Tractor Data Book the suffix K stands for cast-iron pistons. Hope this helps, Hal.

RTR · Dec 26, 2010

Thank you so much!! I Need to get me a copy of that book!! Seems like there is a ton of good info in it.

So, what is the reason for the cast iron pistons???

Farmallhal · Dec 26, 2010

I can't answer that for you as I'm not too involved with the smaller Farmalls. There are several folks on the forum that can probably answer that for you like CNKS, Janicholson, rustyfarmall, El Toro, Jim Becker and several others. Good luck with your project, Hal.

D Slater · Dec 26, 2010

Like farmallhal lots of people that post know more than I about the small farmalls. Guessing you have a early SA tractor that was kerosene or distillate. Not uncommon for IH to use the cast iron or grey iron pistons in those engines at that time. Think with that engine serial you have a 113 engine like was used in a regular A before some changes were made on the engines.
If engine is not from a SA, pay no notice to this post.

CNKS · Dec 26, 2010

Look at the old head gasket and compare it to the water passages in the block.If the holes in the gasket are a lot smaller than the holes in the block and it has a water pump it is a C123. If the gasket has large holes in it it is a C113. However the engine serial does appear to make it a Super A. If so the engine serial prefix should read FAAM. The year is likely 1948.

RTR · Dec 27, 2010

(quoted from post at 08:13:07 12/27/10) Look at the old head gasket and compare it to the water passages in the block.If the holes in the gasket are a lot smaller than the holes in the block and it has a water pump it is a C123. If the gasket has large holes in it it is a C113. However the engine serial does appear to make it a Super A. If so the engine serial prefix should read FAAM. The year is likely 1948.

The engine had very heavily stamped numbers/letters, however the only thing I saw was the "M". The "FAA" wasn't stamped, but it could have been stamped lighter and not been visible after 62 years. The rest were VERY Heavily stamped and clear.

We have had several of the Super A's with the starting tank option; but haven't had but 2 with the "K" suffix code. Just wondering what that was used for, and any other info that could be useful.

CNKS · Dec 27, 2010

I'll vote for K being cast iron pistons.

Jim Becker · Dec 27, 2010

I don't think the head gaskets for a 3" bore are available any more. Everyone supplies one for a 3 1/8" bore and calls it good enough. There are 2 variations, large water passage holes for engines without water pumps and small water passages for engines with water pumps. You want to choose the right gasket for water pump or not.

RTR · Dec 28, 2010

(quoted from post at 08:33:42 12/28/10) I don't think the head gaskets for a 3" bore are available any more. Everyone supplies one for a 3 1/8" bore and calls it good enough. There are 2 variations, large water passage holes for engines without water pumps and small water passages for engines with water pumps. You want to choose the right gasket for water pump or not.

Thank you so much for all of the help and clarification everyone. Very much appreciated!!

Confirm Engine Size & Suffix Code Questions

RTR

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Farmallhal

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RTR

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Farmallhal

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D Slater

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CNKS

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RTR

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CNKS

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Jim Becker

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RTR

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