Ford 8n Serial Number Confusion

Hey all. I've inherited my uncle's 8n recently. I've looked at a lot of posts here, but am still confused on determining the number of the tractor. Horizontally right behind the starter on the left side, it's got N F 200. I've read that the letter is the month, and the number is the day, but not sure how to convert this one. Right below it, it's got the following, vertically: "8N-B 1". I'm fairly sure I'm not lucky enough that this is number 1, but would like some confirmation from knowledgable folks like yourselves when you get a chance. I'm guessing that the 1 is likely the casting number if anything. There are no other numbers that I can see, nothing with starts or diamonds or anything, I've cleaned down to bare metal and still these are the only one's I'm seeing. Thanks!

You need to find the serial number. See tip # 71.

N F 200 s the casting code for the mold for the block. F is June . 20 is the 20th day and 0 is the year, June 20th, 1950.


8 NB 1 is a side mount block.
75 Tips

Thanks for your reply Bruce! I actually read that post yesterday (tons of useful info, got it bookmarked already!).

There is not number where it's supposed to be though, literally not a mark or scratch, I even tried sanding it down a bit, which is the main thing that led to me posting this.

You're welcome.

Try some paint remover and a green scrubby on the serial number location. Once you get to bare metal, use a flashlight.

But at least you know you have a June, 1950 sidemount engine in it.
75 Tips

Very possible the engine was replaced at some time and the serial number was not transferred to the new engine.

I have a 52 that does not have the serial number in the normal place. someone installed an industrial engine in it and it had a data plate on top of the bell housing. It is a late 8n block.

(quoted from post at 08:15:57 08/16/19) I have a 52 that does not have the serial number in the normal place. someone installed an industrial engine in it and it had a data plate on top of the bell housing. It is a late 8n block.

Click to expand...

Thinking it may be pieced together from different years. It's got the foot starter switch/solenoid as well, and I think those just carried over from the 2n/9n on the early 8n's right, or was it an option you could get?

I was excited about the possibility of no 1, until I researched the side mount distributor's via the changes by year and all that lol. In the process of replacing all the electrical and fuel system now, and painting a bit along the way.

Thanks for your responses, I appreciate it!

The 9n and 2n had a mechanical starter switch, the 8n has an electric switch and starter solenoid.

Forget serial numbers. Unless you have an early 9N or early 8N that you are restoring to all original, serial numbers don?t mean a whole heck of a lot. The important points to know about your tractor is A) Is it a front mount or side mount distributor; B) Is it a 3 speed or 4 speed transmission; 3) Is it a 6V/POS GRN or 12V/NEG GRN electrical system, and if an 8N is the generator on the RH side or LH side? If it?s on the LH side it should have a side distributor on the RH side. Engine blocks were hand stamped with a serial number AFTER they passed QC Inspection and break-in test period, not before and not when the block was cast. The block casting code was a tag attached when the Rouge cast the sand molds. The casting code only means that was the date the block was cast. Then were stored for 30 days until machined, assembled, and tested. If engine passed it then got a serial number hand stamped on it. If it failed it was either fixed or scrapped out. Many engines were swapped out when the originals got blown. It?s not uncommon to find an 8N engine block on a 9N or 2N tractor. One should invest their time and money into the important things about their tractor and if a newbie, start with the essential manuals. Know what your tractor can and cannot do, how to do your own repairs properly, and what your system is set up for. That?s my advice.

8N ENGINE CASTING CODE:

N-SERIES TRACTOR SERIAL NUMBER HAND STAMP LOCATION:

FORD 8N TRACTOR ESSENTIAL OWNER/OPERATOR/PARTS/SERVICE MANUALS:

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)