Inliners International Forums General Discussion Ford 240 engine code

I had to replace the water pump on the 68 Ford. The local auto parts store showed 2 listings for that 240 inch engine, a B code and an E code. The engine in the car is an E coded job so I got the right pump as far as that goes. They couldn't tell me what the difference, if any, would be on the water pump; and what the difference was from a B code engine to an E coded one.

So does anyone know? None of my Chevy books are a help.

Ford had some low compression engines, maybe thats it? Not sure.
Edwin

Hey Mike, Are you sure the difference isn't between a car and truck motor considering the radiator spacing. Don't know if you know this, but your 240 can be made into a high reving 300 with internals changed, ie; crank, rods,pistons. Also some performance 300 parts work on the 240.

Thanks guys. All my Motors Manuals of that era call for only one full sized passenger car 240 and it is around 9.2 compression ratio. Shooting from the hip here because I don't have the book in front of me but I remember it is over 9.

Hate to admit it but back 30 years ago I actually worked of a nation wide fleet of Ford trucks and saw a lot of 240 and 300 engines. Other than providing a pay check I never got romantically involved with them and needless to say whatever I used to know about them I quickly dismissed and forgot. Lesson learned is don't burn your bridges behind you.

Drew, 2 parts stores both showed the B and E code listed under the Custom and the Galaxie. They are both full sized passenger cars. No truck of any size was in the list. Maybe a taxi or fleet version was offered and that is the difference?
I found the E code on the aluminum engine ID tag that is held on with the coil bracket bolt on the side of the head.

It's no big deal at this point but it is one of those things that might be interesting to know or need to know at some point.

I checked with members on a Ford truck forum I belong to. They have no idea what differences the codes represent. Just to reiterate what Mike says, it sounds like the codes may only apply to 240s in passenger cars.

A well kept secret from the sounds of things. At least it is unanomous - nobody knows what it is.

Thanks for the responses and efforts.

It probably has to do with the engine calibration - spark curves, carb calibration, EGR type, etc.