Serial Number Missing

The serial number on my 51 8N is not showing up on the flat plate on the block above the starter. What options do I have to find it?

On an N series, it would be on a flat spot just below the head,
on the left side of the engine block, near the oil filter housing.

Look into what years the serial numbers were on the block. I Don't remember off the top of my head, but their are several resources available that explain locations.

Replacement blocks/engines often were not stamped. Sometimes the dealer would stamp the old (replaced engine's) serial number on
the new block.

Check under your battery tray. <a href="https://imgur.com/sTzSSFM"></a>

Why? Are you looking for a Date Code ID tag on the starter pocket? Serial numbers were different and only on the boss by oil filter. Serila nubers mean nothing anyway. N's never had the s/n on the battery tray. The engine block serial number was only stamped in one place as shown. The statement that engines were left blank to replace dealers with is also false. Engine blocks were made, tested, and then stamped a certain way. None were left blank -that is a myth. The starter pocket later added a DATE CODE ID TAG WHICH ONLY DESIGNATES THE DATE THE BLOCK WAS CAST. The hydraulic pump bottom and axle housings may have a date code tag as well. NOTE an ID TAG and a serial number are not the same. ID tags are applied on the casting when it is made. A=JAN, B=FEB, etc. "I167" defines SEP 16 1947 as casting date. S/N is only hand stamped after engine is assembled, tested, and passed by QC Inspection 30 days after cast. HYD pump base and axles may have date codes as well. Again I say, do not put much into serial numbers. Unless you have a very early model that you are going to restore all original, forget about serial numbers. Engines can be and were swapped out often when a blown engine was swapped out. You could have a 9N block in and early 8N tractor and vice versa. Concern yourself with the important criteria like 3-SPD or 4-SPD Trans, Front Mount Distributor, Steering Box, Charging System -6V or 12V, and more. 9N/2N Models were different than the early 8N even though the blocks were the same. Even when Ford went with the angle mount distributor on the later 8N in 1950, forget get a s/n -means nothing as system was the same til SEP 1952. Add too the fact that it only matters what YOU have on YOUR tractor as parts got changed and switched by owners often. having the MPC and essential manuals are your best friends.


Tim Daley(MI)

Yes,

I have the plate located yet there are no numbers visible

Yes, The serial number means little to me but I have restored the tractor and want to insure it. The Insurance company is requiring it.

You don't have anything to explain. I am curious in a situation like this if you can generate your own serial number? It has been done with home made trailers.

(quoted from post at 07:35:27 02/23/21) You don't have anything to explain. I am curious in a situation like this if you can generate your own serial number? It has been done with home made trailers.

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he last time I dealt with serial/vin numbers I had to take the truck to the DMV and then to the state police for different levels of vin inspections. Your N may be a little easier to load and tow than the F-600 was.

If it's just for the insurance company and you know it's a 51. I would just stamp it myself making sure the number was in the range for the 51 model year.

Here is my Tractor

Tractorguy, that would work as long as he didn't choose a number that was on a stolen tractor list

(quoted from post at 08:45:43 02/23/21) Here is my Tractor


&lt;img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto79379.jpg"&gt;

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s that the earlier grey used on 9 and 2N tractors? Nice paint and even brake pedals.

You brought up an interesting point. I checked as far as the regional office investigating if I could generate a serial number for mine. So far it doesn't look like Texas offers that option. This morning a Ford tractor collector said he bought an N titled in Pennsylvania. Seems there should be a way to generate a serial number if your state titles tractors.

That plate on clutch hsg was used on power units. Power units have made their way into Ns as replacement engines.

What are the odds of that happening? I don't think 8n's are a high theft item.

If you don't have numbers located on the flat spot than you have a blank canvas. Buy a set of stamps and hand stamp in yourself.
<a href="https://imgur.com/UxhenBk"></a>

The gray was selected by the guy that restored it. It is the wrong color but I like it! He was told it was the right color for the year but I am sure he is incorrect.

You are correct. Power units or industrial N engines only have the plate of top of housing. I dont think industrial N engines have cylinder sleeves.

You dont insure things against theft. If hes hauling it and gets into a bad accident and the tractor is destroyed. Fire is another.

Probably just taking out additional coverage to cover the real value of the machine due to the restoration, not the resale value most trade for. You restore one really nice you can easily get 10k into it depending on what all it needed when you started.

The S/N on my 1950 8N was stamped so faintly into the block that it was invisible due to the rust. It finally showed up when I sanded that section of the block with 400 wet/dry sandpaper. and that's how I finally know that it's a 1950 8N Perhaps yours was hidden the same way and then was hidden further with the fresh paint from the restoration.