Ford 2n new engine block?

Hey guys. First time posting here.
Last year I bought a 2n. I didn't know much about them, I just wanted an old tractor because my father always talked about getting one before he passed away.
Since, I have gone down the 9n/2n rabbit hole which is this forum along with a lot of YouTube repair videos.
I only have time to work on it on weekends and it has been a real fun time.
I want to get everything on the tractor running properly before I eventually paint it.
I've done a few things to it like putting a new exhaust, new alternator, carb,tie rods, rewireing it, sparks and wires along with other minor things.
The issue that I'm having is that the engine block has what looks like a big patch on it. I guess it had a crack on it and someone screwed a plate over it with a bunch of seal maker. It works fine but I'm thinking that if I want to restore it I'd like the engine to look stock without a giant ugly plate on it.
I'm thinking that I'm going to look for a new block but I'd like to find out what you guys think.
I'm in the Poconos, PA. If anyone know where I can get a block that would be awesome.

Let me know your thoughts, and thank you in advance. I'm having fun with this tractor and am excited to be a part of this great community.

Does it leak? That is a unique repair. I have a block you could use but I am located in the St. Louis area. Surely you can get one closer.

If you tractor is just going to be a worker and it doesn't leak, I might leave it alone.

It's not leaking. The tractor wont really be a worker. I just want to restore it and keep it to ride around. I dont really want an engine with a giant patch on the side. It sucks that I can't see the serial number because its covering it. Also I can't drain the coolant from the block.
There's a lot of things that I still want to work on before i change the block, but if i can find one around I'll get it now or sooner rather than look for one once I'm ready to replace.

That repair would definitely be a conversation starter at shows!
I've seen something similar on the old Farmall blocks.

I have a good block here in Michigan if you happen to get over
this way. It's still in the tractor, so I would need time to remove it.
As HCooke said, you can most likely find one much closer.
Welcome to the forum!

Check out your local Craigslist or give Wenger's in Myerstown a call.

If it works, I would keep it as is. Now, that is a conversation getter. I have been to many steam/tractor shows and never seen something like it. Furthermore, it shows the ingenuity of those old timie farm folks to repair if possible before they would scrap. It is unique !

HEY! A "Stovebolt Four"!

That thing's got character, is it holding coolant, or are there some leaks?

Unless this is to be a "show quality" restoration, or a HARD working tractor that will get a lot of hours on it I'd try to save it, if at all possible.

I probably have an engine/block. Close to the Poconos, Great meadows, NJ 07838. My friend Ken had his 1940 9n restored tractor down at our show last month. It has the same patch. I noticed the patch but believe it or not most people didn't even notice. If it ain't leaking I wouldn't bother fixing it. If you do you will just have another run of the mill 2n. That farmerized patch will make your tractor stand out as a testament of want a farmer can do once he put his mind to it.. BTW since you are in the Poconos the Jacktown show/pull is this weekend come on down and say hello. I'll be there Saturday just look for my 9n V6 conversion. Hit the link.
Jacktown link

I agree with the others; If this engine runs good leave it as is.
When I go to a tractor show and see row upon row of Ns all pretty and polished, all competing for the most perfect, I tend to walk on by untill I see one that is still in its work clothes or has cow manure on its tires, etc. Yours is one I would definately stop and admire for a while.
It's a one of a kind tractor. One that's unique and worth saving.
If you are determined to have an N that's pretty like all the rest of them maybe you could do some swapping. Buy a complete rebuilder engine and leave this one intact so that someone who sees the beauty of it can keep it around.

You have the optional easy-access panel for the valve train... ; > ) GRIN!

I concur with the group -"...if it ain't broke..." Are you planning on doing a complete correct restoration (NOT a refurbish project) ? If so, I'd look for another N to do, there are plenty around, and for the price of a block, probably worth looking into. If not, leave well enough alone.


[i:654c4848f0][b:654c4848f0]<font size="4">Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)</font>[/b:654c4848f0][/i:654c4848f0]<table width="100" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="#000000"><tr><td height="25" colspan="2" bgcolor="#CC0000"></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

Thank you all for your input. Looks like I'm going to keep it the way that it is as long as it doesn't start leaking. It looks like it's been on there for a long time so I dont see why it would start now.
I guess when I change the coolant I'm just going to try and air blow as much of the old stuff that's in there as I can, out of the bottom radiator hose.
My next project will probably be the brakes and putting in the sure seals. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

There's beauty in the innovation and the commitment to do that type of repair. I would think you would get a lot of comments if it were on display someplace.Think about how long it took that guy to do that against how much he saved.

I think it's very cool and a great teaching tool about how things used to be. No cell phones, no Google.............

What are you calling the sparks??

Spark plugs. Sorry

Hey if it aint broke dont fix it. No leaks run it

The screw slots are out of alignment.

Tsk.

Zeke B.