Thread: Can't find the engine number.

I can't remember where it is - but I'm pretty sure it has been mentioned by someone before in this section. I just did a search but could not find it quickly though.

John

In all the other engines that I have seen, the number is in the location in the picture that I have shown. But not in my engine.
Aaron.

Looks like its been ground down. This was done when an engine swap happened . Technically , or legally , you are supposed to notify the relevant RTA authorities when you swap an engine over , but sometimes people would just grind the number off and say its a ' new ' block ' from the factory .

Mike

Originally Posted by Aaron IIA

I am trying to locate the engine number, but can't

Aaron

You seem to be looking in the correct location - get a wire brush on the area indicated and see if you can bring up the number.



It is unlikely that someone would machine the face for the exhaust manifold but is possible.

Another possibility is that replacement blocks were available which didn't have the engine number stamped. Some actually some came to light in the UK recently.

These blocks were usually for warranty claims or cracked blocks and the policy was that the original number would be stamped at the dealers workshop when the original block was removed and destroyed.

Yours could be a replacement block where the number was never stamped.

Diana

The area that you circled is the exact area that I paid close attention to with the wire brush. No numbers. In the area that I have circled in red, there is one letter followed by one number. I have also heard that it might be a factory replacement block. Must have been quite early as it is still a 1600. I am guessing that it is a 1600 by the threaded aluminium oil filler tube and the welsch plug on the exhaust manifold face.
Aaron.

Aaron

Highly likely a replacement block but given that it has been completely dissassembled to change the block determining what the capacity it is by the rocker cover is less than 100% accurate.

The numbers you mention are probably only casting or batch numbers and of no real help in your quest.

I seem to remember that all the IOE engines have a solid core plug in the location you mention, these are usually screwed into position and then machined off.

Given that the 1600 continues from 1948 to the end of 1951 it is still likely that it is a 1595 cc. For your 1949 it would be good if it was an early side plate block rather than the later Welsh plug, but chances of a replacement block being that type is low.

By the way what is the chassis number? (You don't have to give me all numbers just the thousands and hundreds (after 866) would be of interest.

We wait with interest to see the progress.

Cheers
Diana

The car number picture.
You are quite right about figuring out the real capacity of the engine. If the engine was replaced whole, it is most likely a 1600. If only the block (and pistons) were replaced using the original bolt on pieces, it could be either capacity. Seeing as it runs quite well, we will have to find out at a later date.
Aaron.

Originally Posted by Aaron IIA

The car number picture.
You are quite right about figuring out the real capacity of the engine. If the engine was replaced whole, it is most likely a 1600. If only the block (and pistons) were replaced using the original bolt on pieces, it could be either capacity. Seeing as it runs quite well, we will have to find out at a later date.
Aaron.

Aaron

That's a fairly early 1949, as you know the 1949 production actually started at 8663001 (although the manuals suggest they started at 8660001) . With production running about 1000 per month and with the last of the 1948s were still being assembled in the 1949 calendar year, I would think that yours would have been assembled around April 1949. Do you have any clues to the date? There are dates on wheel rims, radiators and electrical components etc.

Cheers
Diana