hello! i am restoring a 1959 streblow boat which had a cadillac crusader marine engine (which was missing). i found a engine in canada and bought it and had it shipped. please help identify the year and size. on the back of the block above the flywheel the number 1473267. on the side of the block (which would be the passenger side) it has 2n15 sideways. any information is wanted.
thanks
mike
If we take off the "Crusader" valve covers, I think we find a flat head V-8. I suspect it's a circa 1942-45 military engine but it would take me some time to identify which series.
That does not look like a flathead to me but I am far from a flat head expert. Crusader I think started in the late 50's and went out of business in the late 90's. They were known for being more refined than your typical marine engine so it makes sense that they used Cadillacs at times.
Tom,
Sorry but I have to disagree also. It's not a flathead. It's a Cad OHV motor, probably a 365. We need someone that has the casting #'s to chime in.
Bob
Might wanna try a search here (if you haven't already :D)...
http://www.marineengine.com/boat-forum/forumdisplay.php?34-Crusader-Marine-Engine-Forum
It appears they're still in business...
http://www.crusaderengines.com/
Found a partial answer in an older thread of this very forum.
Quote from: John Washburn on February 12, 2006, 08:41:46 PMThe block number 1473267 is for a 1963 Cadillac 390.
2N15 may mean that the engine block was cast on [month???] 15, 1962.
Can't be a 63 with the distributor in the rear!
I think the key is the valve covers which are similar to those on my '49 Cad's motor. This is an overhead valve engine and leaving aside the modifications to the fuel pump stand etc. it certainly looks like it is based on a '49 -'56 Cadillac engine.
Quote from: Bob Hoffmann CLC#96 on June 24, 2011, 07:09:51 PMCan't be a 63 with the distributor in the rear!
You're right, of course.
A reasonable explanation is, the block casting number should read 14732
57 (with some grease on the 5), which would make this block a 1959-62 390.
Now, you have to find castings on cylinder heads and dual quad intake manifold (this one being older than 1959) to know more...
[Image from "Ultimate American V-8 engine data" book]
I did not know they were back in business. I have not really paid attention to marine stuff for over 10 years now. A lot of the big names in 50's and 60's marine stuff, especially the higher end had trouble getting through the 80's and 90's. Many of the names came back but are not what they used to be. Those heavy old boats with a smooth running inboard or IO are about as good as it gets for a nice cruiser.