Bren carrier engines

[elliott1940]

Hello - I'm a Brit working in the USA.  I'm looking for an engine I could use in a Bren/Universal carrier. There are a ton of old Ford Flathead V8s out here but i'm a bit confused about which ones I could use in a carrier.

Can anyone tell me what the differences are between a regular Ford Flathead V8 and those used in bren carriers?

I'm told the later 8BA engine sumps are too deep and to use one a hole has to be cut in the carrier floor. 

My understanding is the engine I need is a model 81A  239 cu" 3.9L. Can I use a smaller 211 cu"? I think I can, it will be lower power but does it really matter?

From what I can see below I can use any pre 8BA Ford Flathead engine... Is that info correct?  There is a  1947 59AB flathead complete with transmission near me which might work if that's the case.

The LP2 and LP2A's had a 95 hp 24 stud truck engine.
The Canadian carriers (Universal Mk1*) were 85 h.p. 21 stud, but later on some units had their replaced with 24 stud motors.
The British Carriers are identified as No.1 MkI, or No.2, MkI., or No.3, Mk1. etc.etc etc. (is that o.k. Michael?)
This will likely raise an arguement, but at least in Jan. 1943 (the date of the Chilwell, Universal carriers, workshop instruction book. the book clearly states on page 3;
No.1 is the 65 hp engine, (21 stud, 18mm plugs)
No.2 is the 85 hp engine, and (21 stud,18 and 14mm plugs)
No.3 is the 95 hp engine (24 stud, 14mm plugs)
I have added the comments in brackets. Pretty much everything Ford had built by 1945, had been used in carriers.

 

I'm sorry about all the questions, I hope someone doesn't mind having a go at answering some of them.

Edited December 13, 2019 by elliott1940

[robin craig]

Can I suggest you join up to Maple Leaf Up forum as there are a large number of carrier folks there who can help . If you have issues joining  email me and I will assist getting things expeditited

Hate to drag people away from here but I prefer to look at it as an alternate quality resource

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/

[Newcoregon]

In the USA try Fordbarn.com. in fact two surplus carrier engines were sold there this Summer. still in Military crates. 24 stud 59a engines 1939-42.   newc

[elliott1940]

Thanks Robin and Newc

I sent you an email Robin! I’m familiar with Fordbarn and will focus there.

Thanks for your suggestions and help

Elliott

 

[ferretfixer]

Are they the same engine as used in the Ford V8 Pilot? Also used in the Fordson Thames Trucks in the Army Post-war I believe?

[john1950]

I believe early V8 Pilots had a version of the pre war v8 2.2 ltr Later ones had the 3.6 V8 Dagenham built engine 21 stud Idetifiable as it had ENFO cast into major parts. I think it was used in other Ford products.

[radiomike7]

You didn't say which side of the pond you need it but have you seen this one in the UK?  

https://www.milweb.net/webvert/97363

[john1950]

Ford V8 L head side valve engines differ through its production run with upgrades, 1932-35. 21 stud heads.integral bell housing, cast with block. 1936-41, 24 stud heads, different heads to previous model naturaly, water outlets moved also 1942-48  bigger big end bearings, different distributor. 1948 on seperate bell housing.

[ajmac]

Anything Ford Flathead V8 from 1938 through 1946 will be fine, the post war update which changed to the shorter bell housing is not correct but will fit with a period adaptor to an original gearbox, they continued on into the early 1950s and are probably more easily located.