Finally got a look at the block code in my '73 Comet LDO. It's D20E-6015-AB, casting #3F16.The casting number seems right, 3F16-(1973 June 16th). I know the part #D20E-6015-AB, means that it's a 1972-Fairlane/Torino engine. So did Ford just grab whatever engine that was closest and stab it in a Comet or Maverick? I would think the 3rd position would be a M=Mercury, or G=Comet,Montego,Cyclone? The book I have does'nt even list a letter for a Maverick. Anyone wont to add to this? O, and the assembly code on the deck reads (F19Z), which is'nt even close to any thing the book has. From what I've read, it should read somthing like (3G??, or 3H??), meaning it was assembled somtime in 1973 between July & Aug. Any thoughts on that little nugget?
Although you are correct about the O" referring to the Fairlane/Torino line, it only means that particular part was originally developed for that line. Most engine components carry either the "O" Torino or "A" fullsize Ford designation. The other letters only come into play when that part is somehow unique for that particular car. "D" was the Falcon letter and was carried over to the Maverick line, and the to the Granada. Where is this assembly code "on the deck" you listed? A partial serial number of the car is sometimes stamped on the rear of the block near the intake.
That assembly code is stamped into the head deck surface (just outside the drivers side head), near,(below) the distributor, and above the fuel pump on the front of the engine. Didnt know of the third code. The one you mentioned near the back of the intake. Can you see this code number without removing the flywheel?
Also there was no assembly "tag" on the engine. My Ford Engine Parts Interchange book shows there should be one showing CI,model year, year & month the engine was assembly, and the change lvl.
Those tags are often missing from being tossed while replacing intake gaskets or something else. On the stamped assy code, I am guessing perhaps the code was actually 3F19Z, for June 19th, 1973 (Z is the inspector's code). Sometimes the first or last character is missing because of the orientation of the stamp.
Wow, so if what you suggested is true, that would mean the engine was assembled only 3 days after the block was casted. I found the partial VIN stamped on the block behind the intake. It is the same (minus 3) as the car's VIN number. Thanks for that. I honestly did'nt know that number was there. Well you put a smile on my face today! Thanks.
