Super A SAMPLE

David Lampman · Aug 26, 2011

Hi again guys,
On the block I just replaced during my Super A block change/rebuild I found something curious. I thought I would throw it out there to see what you guys had to say. About 3 inches to the right of the oil filter base is the word SAMPLE cast into the block. Yup, CAST into the block. The word is at about a 15 degree angle from horizontal. The letters are about 3/4 of an inch. The block number is 251069R1. The date code is 10-7-Q and the serial number is V252639G. What do you guys think? How would a "sample" block get on a tractor 7 or 8 years after they started making them?
Dave

Janicholson · Aug 26, 2011

In my experience, IH would use all available usable components on production tractors. This includes things like putting brakes and lights for the next generation on the tractors as they came into the factory. Auburn clutches , and Rockford clutches were also whimsically installed. Your block was likely found and used as a replacement. (my best guess) Jim

LMack · Aug 26, 2011

Would "Q" be 1944? Strange things were done during the war years. But you say it was on a SA? IH may have cast in the word "sample" to avoid having to turn the engine over to the government that was taking all the 4-cylinder engines for the war effort. Just a guess. Prototype "C's" made during the war had flat head engines to avoid being taken up in the war effort. (Don't think I am crazy, I saw one with my own eyes still working in the 1960's.)

DZA · Aug 27, 2011

Go back to Oct 2010 discussion Forums, there was several post with pics about "SAMPLE". Guy Faye had the answer and I confirmed that with my contact to McCormick International Harvester Collectrs in Madison Wi. I just had my "A" at the Dover Steam Show, Dover Ohio and had many comments on "SAMPLE" in the casting.

David Lampman · Aug 27, 2011

Thanks DZA. That answered my question right nicely.
Dave

gene bender · Aug 27, 2011

So what is the answer about the "sample' as i also have one.

David Lampman · Aug 27, 2011

gene bender,
Here is the best answer From the thread Refered to us by Jim Becker in this thread. The entire thread is here. http://www.ytmag.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=farmall&th=780897
Quoting Jim
"As I recall what Guy Fay once said, when IH was getting a new part or existing part from a new outside vendor, they would have the vendor cast the word "SAMPLE" into it. That effectively marked the part for additonal inspection or whatever when it came in. If the part checked out as OK, it got used. Remember that Louisville didn't have a foundry until 1949. Until then, all castings had to come from somewhere else, either internal to IH or not. The "NEW PATTERN" is probably a similar story but may have not been an outside casting."
Hope this helps,
Dave

David Lampman · Aug 27, 2011

CORRECTION! I said in the above message Jim Becker suggested looking in the arcives but it was DZA.
SORRY ABOUT THAT!
Dave

gene bender · Aug 27, 2011

Thanks a bunch as my engine is on a B that used the hy pump and unit from a SA or C as i havent checked the part#s all i know they did a fine job made a new bat box then cut off the Bs steering post welded to the top of the batt box then used all the hy levers and throttle levers verry clean tractor not a dent anywhere was all painted long time ago reworked the mounts for the front mounted disc plow that was used on the SA. I have two AC planting units mounted on the front use the hy system to lift and lower works well for sweet corn patches.

gene bender · Aug 28, 2011

Q is 47

Super A SAMPLE

David Lampman

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LMack

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DZA

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David Lampman

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gene bender

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David Lampman

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David Lampman

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gene bender

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gene bender

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