I am searching for a replacement motor for my '97 F150. The VIN is 1FTDX1866VNA74402. I understand the 8th digit represents the motor type and because it's a 6 the motor type is Windsor. In searching for the new motor I found that you could have a 6 bolt or an 8 bolt flywheel. Does anyone know how you can tell?

 

The dealership might be able to run the vin number and tell you. Other than that you might have to pull the engine and look at it.

 

4.6L motors

Romeo

Cam sprocket attatchment: Bolt and spacer
Flexplate/flywheel: 6 bolts
Main bearing support: Jackscrews
Valve cover bolts: 11
Oil pump: Standard volume
Piston pins: press fit
Vin 8th dig: w

Windsor

Camsprocket attachment: Interference fit
Flexplate/flywheel: 8 bolts
Main bearing support: Dowels ( Prevents main cap deflection)
Valve cover bolts: 14
Oilpump: high volume
Piston pins: full floating
Vin 8th dig: 6

 

https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp

 

kingfish, I was gonna post that too.
But it only goes back to 2000.

 

Thanks for the info. Called the dealer and he tells me I won't be able to tell if it's a 6 bolt or 8 bolt by the VIN. Says I have to physically look at it. To look at it does that mean you have to pull the motor or the transmission?

 

Yes, but depending on exactly whom you spoke with at the dealership, he might not have the slightest idea what he's talking about.

This doesn't address your bolt question, but you might find it interesting.

 

Here is the read out of your VIN Number




VIN Results New Search
VIN: 1FTDX1866VNA74402

World Manufacturer Identifier - 1st, 2nd, 3rd Positions
VIN Code: 1FT
Assembly Country: USA
Make: Ford
Body Style: Pickup
Restraint System Type (Passenger Cars) or Brake Type and GVWR Class (Trucks and Vans) - 4th Position
VIN Code: D
Brake System: HYDRAULIC
GVWR Class: Class D
GVWR Range: 5,001 - 6,000 Pounds
Line,Series Body Type - 5th, 6th, 7th Positions
VIN Code: X18
Vehicle Line: F-150
Body Type: SUPER STYLESIDE
Vehicle Type: Truck/SUV
Engine Type - 8th Position
VIN Code: 6
Engine: 4.6 L
Cylinders: 8
Fuel: Gasoline
Model Year - 10th Position
VIN Code: V
Model Year: 1997
Assembly Plant - 11th Position
VIN Code: N
Assembly Plant: NORFOLK: NORFOLK, VA
Production Sequence Number - 12th - 17th
VIN Code: A74402
Prod Sequence Number A74402



New Search

 

Ummm - that part's useful ....

As opposed to what other choices? Fred Flinstone?

Another source: http://www.fordf150.net/howto/decodevin.php