Q&A for How to Identify a Ford Motor

That is a part number, not the motor number which is stamped on the block. You may get a clue by googling the part number. The letters indicate a part from the cooling system. The easy way to identify the motor, if it's the original, is by the VIN (vehicle identification number). Using that, you can get all the information (including manuals) from Ford.

Yes, they do, but they are pretty hard to find.

It's a 1973 engine. D = '70s; 3 = year; E = engine. It's probably a Galaxy.

According to Google, it's a 1972 351W small block.

You could ask the dealer, check your owner's manual or check online.

C7VE would be a 1967 engine, C8 a 1968, D0VE would be 1970, and D3VE is a common head used from 1973 up to 1979. D2VE is an odd duck; not a good part, discontinued after one year for detonation problems of trying to reduce compression and emissions. Light trucks use the same head; 460 was not used on a truck until 1972 and was rare. 429 uses same heads and block, but crank and piston are different.

The VIN number can be given to a Ford dealer. They have manufacturing dates, specs, everything for the car. The VIN is found by looking on the left side dash through the windshield.

Go to an auto shop, it can be faster and easier than trying to figure that out by yourself.

The numbers you list are date codes. 5 is for the year, e.g. 85. F is for June the 6 h month of the year and 1 is the day, e.g. June 1 1975-85. Or, whatever decade the vehicle was built.

Count the spark plugs and take not of where they are, if they are in a "V" pattern from looking directly at the engine. For example if you have 4 on each side and the engine has 2 heads in a "V" shape, you have a V8. I4s exist, engine is in a straight pattern with 4 spark plugs on the top or side in total.