How to tell 230 from 218

[Jim Benjaminson]

Much easier way to tell whether its a 230 or a 218.  The engine number stamped into the left front corner of the block will have a "diamond" stamped after P24*-     Didn't have a diamond so had to use a star here to illustrate.

[David Pollock]

 A 218 has a 4 3/8 stroke.  A 230 has a 4 5/8 stroke, the bore size for each is 3 1/4,   remove the timing plug over # 6 cylinder, insert a straight rod such as a welding rod and starting at TDC, turn the crankshaft 180 degrees. Measure the distance the rod has dropped into the cylinder.  dp

[TodFitch]

The same block was used with the same bore, the difference is in the stroke. There is a pipe plug on the #6 cylinder above the piston intended for finding TDC, but with a long enough rod you can measure the stroke to determine which is which. Unfortunately, I don't recall the stoke for either off hand but that is something that should be easy to find.

It is my understanding that the fluid drive equipped 230s came with a eight bolt crank but none of the 218s did. So if it has a eight bolt crank that should be a give away.

[Savoy54]

How can you tell a 230 engine from a 218?  I have the chance to buy a freshly rebuilt engine, but I want the 230 for my Powerflite tranny.  Thanks, Chris