Truck Repair: ford 240 gas motor, ford 6 cylinder, timing gears

Question
Is there a way I can tell what size motor I have found?I know it's a ford 6 cylinder but I do not know if it's a 240 or 300.   could you please tell me what to look for.
Thank you,
Wes Coe  

Answer
Hello Wes,
You don't give much info to go on, but that may be because you don't know what year etc, so here goes.
In Ford 6 cylinders, there was also a 170, 200, 240, 250, 300, and maybe more.
The 240, and 300 have timing gears, where the rest I mentioned have timing chains.
These are in the range of 1966 - 1976 or so.
If you had the head off, or oil pan, it could help.
If you have narrowed it down to 240 and 300, one difference is the stroke.
They both have 4.00 bore, but the 240 has a stroke of about 3.18 inches, where the 300 has a stroke of 3.98.
By getting to the top of the piston, or a connecting rod, the difference should be easily measureable with only a ruler, since one is just barely over 3, and the other is just barely under 4.
You may be able to do it thru a spark plug hole.
Obviously with the head off it would be easier, and the 240 and 300 are the only ones with 4 inch bore.
This is all from an old Motors manual I have for trucks. If you narrow it down, or have any more questions, write again, and good luck.
Van