Hot Rods Weird ford flathead identification

I bought a rebuilt flathead with under 1k miles on it out of a 46 Mercury about a year ago. All the signs says it's a 59 a-b but it passes the pencil test above the timing cover.

Here are a couple pics please let me know what you think

Thank you

GotIt

 

The marker is not sitting on the timing cover either. Should have noted that.

The water ports are two round lower holes in the center and a keystone or v shape at the top

 

Did you measure the bore when you had the heads off? Could be a wartime-ish replacement block, which got the 59 stamp, small bore, and then might have the early-style front slope to go with the small bore. Maybe.

 

Bore is 3.287 so it's a stock 3 3/16 with .100 overbore

 

I have never heard about the pencil trick. what does it mean?? Please tell this old man about it.. Thank You..

 

I always thought the "pencil test" had something to do with boobs...........

 

I would suggest you ask this over on the Ford Barn. Those guys know all about flatheads & the different variants with them. Bill

 

Just copied this from the ford barn


The front area of the block above the timing cover on a prewar block comes down like a "J", leaving a space where you can rest a pencil right above the cover. A normal 59A comes down like "/", and a pencil rolls right off.
There have been sightings of 59's presumably made with a mix of foundry patterns showing the early front...
But whatever you have, you'll be happier keeping your pencil in the glove box.