My '73 Ford Bronco

I have had my Bronco for 2 years now. It is a '73 w/ 302, 3 on the floor, and a 3 inch Susp. Lift.

About 4 months ago my stock carb sprung a leak. I replaced it along with my intake Manifold, with and Edelbrock Performer Intake and an Edelbrock 600cfm Carb. The difference in power was significant. Anyway on my way down the road, My oil pump went out the oil pressure guage did not change so I was unaware that something had happened until I threw a rod .

Now that the History is over I will get on with the current story.

I happened upon a 351W that had been used to power a motor home. The engine seems to be in good condition. So I purchased it. After getting it home. I decided that since the engine was not installed. I would replace the Timing chain, Gaskets and Freeze plugs.

Question 1:

How the heck do you remove a freeze plug?

This may be a silly question but I have tried several methods which have not worked, Mostly because I don't want to damage the Engine. Is there a tool to use?

Question 2:

Is there a way to find out what year the engine was made? Where do I find a serial number or something that will give me a clue.

The only Thing I can Verify myself is that it is a 351W, and it was set up to run on Propane.

I know it is long, Please forgive me.

It runs on Propane? Never heard of that with the exception of racing rigs or nitrous/propane boosters. I don't know where the serial number would be but I am sure you can find it. Taking out the freeze plugs can be a bit difficult and you will damage them. Use a flathead screwdriver and hammer to pry them out. That should work.

Not worried about damaging the freeze plugs. I have already purchased Brass replacements.

The hammer and Screw Driver Trick I will Try again. Should I really care how hard I hit the thing? Do I have to hit it hard to knock them out. I may have been trying to be a bit to nice to the freeze plug/

Thanks for your Answer by the way.

Also After Finding the Casting number on the block, Passenger side behind where the Starter is mounted. I found the casting number to be.

E5AE-C3B

it was casted in 1985. and it is a ford engine part. I have tried researching this.

and found this site that helps with Casting numbers. http://reincarnation-automotive.com/casting-numbers-page-2-ford-casting-numbers-explained.html

I may have ended up with a 302 block. I cannot find anywhere that says a 351 matches this part number. Only 302's.

Is it true that 351W use 302 Block. It is just the Heads that are Different?

The only reason I am asking is I still have not found a casting number on the Head which may help me find some other details on the replacement engine I found.

If it ends up being a 302 I will still be happy as I have the intake and Carb and Distributer that will fit right in from my Old engine.

Thanks in advance for any Help.