The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

What does it mean when an engine number begins with an 'S'? Does it mean that the original engine was replaced at a Fordson dealership? Were 'S' designated engines ever fitted on the production line ie when the tractor was new?

Best

Adrian

Another question: does the letter 'S' stand for anything?

Best

Adrian

Hi- from what I've heard - the s numbered blocks ment industrial - not sure why the prefix is an S - but I think they were fitted in like digger conversions and general industrial use tractors - anything non agricultural -

Check this site
http://www.selen.nu/cgi-bin/trsnr.pl?lang=en

The "S" engines are replacement parts with unknown history

"S" serial number engines are industrial engines from combines, road makers, generators etc. They were never used on tractors from new, the engine number is the serial number and if a new block was fitted, the serial number should have been stamped into the new block (at least it was at Wrights of Dereham) as that would have been the number on all documentation for that tractor. In later years when engines were being swapped willy-nilly then "S" numbers started to creep in on tractors.

Thanks everyone.

Brian, when you replaced a block at the dealership, how did the system work? Were some blocks dispatched as blanks from the factory to dealerships to use as replacements, allowing you to stamp the original number on the block? What about the casting date on the block? A replacement would show a later date to the original serial number. Unavoidable, I suppose.

Best

Adrian

All new blocks came in blank. Remember it is the tractor serial number not an engine number so that is why it was so important to transfer the original number. The serial number would appear in the log book and, in theory, you would have to re-register the tractor when you changed the block if it came ready numbered. Lorries had a serial number on the chassis and so did combines so the "S" numbers had less importance and this was why they were not recorded in the same way as the tractor.

The date code is not relevant to registration back in the day however the serial number enable you to get an old number plate re-issued.

Why was the engine no used as the tractor serial no on the log books, rather than the no off the flange?

The number on the flange was moved to under No.1 Injector around 1955. You would also loose the number on the flange if you changed the block or clutch housing and have to re-stamp it. It is a Serial Number not an engine number.

On a Dexta you have a serial number and an engine number but for some reason they did not do that on the Major.