Thread: What engine is this & what might be the issue?

Look for the engine size casting behind the alternator, cast on the crankcase above the sump. I have seen one engine without a cast number, but if I recall correctly, it was a low compression 179. I have yet to see a 149, though. The engine numbers come in handy then, but bear in mind that EH engine numbers have a single letter prefix, not an engine size then single letter prefix.

The number cast on the inlet manifold is the part number for the manifold itself. Good luck.

Dan.
69 2A 88" pet4 (still in disguise), 68 2B FC pet6 (resting quietly), plus others, and more coming.

Okay only numbers I could find on the block are, M158363 and 7429461. Hopefully one of them will reveal the identity..

Cheers Jack

Originally Posted by jdobson

Okay only numbers I could find on the block are, M158363 and 7429461. Hopefully one of them will reveal the identity..

Cheers Jack

In a picture of yours, below, I can see part of the engine number! Look again, the number is stamped on an upwards facing flat area right next to the distributor clamping bolt. You can see part of the number just below the vacuum line to the distributor.

The engine capacity will be cast into the block on the opposite side, low down near the front of the engine, usually just behind the alternator.

Like this:

If I remember rightly the engine number can be found on the top of the forging on the drivers side engine mount mounting point and will usually start with the engine size ie: 186s56737383 just as an example or 179P52637373 hope this helps and you can find that number so we can find out what you have there with the twin barrel stromberg as stated these normally only came with the infamous 186S and 161s from the GTR toranas HR X2 and for some lucky souls the 6cyl HK HT HG monaros. I'm hoping you get the engine number soon. Oh so you read the engine number easier a bit of emery paper over the area makes it easier to read

Ok sorry I missed a post
The M in the first number states its from an EH HOLDEN 1963-1965

179 cu
M
115 (86) @ 4000
175 (237) @ 1600 rpm
Of course with its age anything could have been changed as all the cylinder heads were interchangeable as we're inlet manifolds.

http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au...gine_codes.htm

This should help to identify a few more Holden engines out there. It is missing the Torana engines but for the most part it should help

Originally Posted by dandlandyman

Look for the engine size casting behind the alternator, cast on the crankcase above the sump. I have seen one engine without a cast number, but if I recall correctly, it was a low compression 179. I have yet to see a 149, though. The engine numbers come in handy then, but bear in mind that EH engine numbers have a single letter prefix, not an engine size then single letter prefix.

The number cast on the inlet manifold is the part number for the manifold itself. Good luck.

Dan.
69 2A 88" pet4 (still in disguise), 68 2B FC pet6 (resting quietly), plus others, and more coming.

EH 149 high compression engine numbers began with the prefix H.

Edit:- If you have (very rare) a Holden engine with the suffix "R" after the numerals then the "R" means "R"epeat. This happened when the guy who stamped the number on the block casting forgot to cross it off the paperwork and did it again. Yes, the numbers were manually stamped.

It's a Holden 186 with GTR intake manifold, Yella Terra cylinder head fitted with a twin barrel Stromberg.

Unfortunately it has just blown it's second head gasket. The first time I got a garage to carry out the work and they machined the head. This time round, in a bid to save money I am attempting to fix this myself. Hoping that the head has not warped.

Anyone got any tips for doing this? I have removed the head and tomorrow I will finish the work. I assume it's a failed head gasket and there aren't any other things I should check? Thermostat gasket? There's definitely water in the oil and steam coming out the exhaust.