[KScottB]

I have an 82 Mercury Capri that has a 289 Engine. I know that its not the orig engine but I want to know what year it is but I cannot find the block casting numbers anywhere. Ive checked behind the starter and Intake both places where I was told it would be. It has a 6 bolt bell housing, so if anyone has any ideas to where they are located it would be a great help. The guy I bought it from told me it was a 289 because he rebuilt it but he said he didnt know what year it was and it has 289 Heads. I was also told that some years didnt have a block number but I didnt think that was true or not. Thanks for any help you can give me.

[Jonk67]

If it is indeed a 289 it should have casting numbers, I haven't heard of any production blocks not being stamped. If the engine is in the car you would have to remove the starter to see them, they are cast into the block on a ridge to the rear of the block just above the oil pan mounting area and just below the freeze plugs. Laying on your back under the passengers side of the car you would look straight up to see them, you may need some degreaser and a tooth brush to unearth them. They should start with C5='65, C6='66, C7='67 most probably. If you find it starts with a D = '70's and the next no. will be the year.
E='80's and after that I think they dropped the numbering.
How to read fords casting numbers
Jon