The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Engine question again

So I have searched for a few over the last day or so, Trying to find out what size engine is in my 54 chevy COE. I read a post awhile back regarding markings on the side of the block but cant find any info on that post. Any body help?

Thanks

Found it I think. Sorry to start a new post. Will have to do more research I think looks like I'm a few numbers short.

What Engine Serial Number did you find, Dodgecummins?

It is pressed into the block to the rear of the distributor.

Here are locations of engine ID codes. Post any of them here and people woll help you decode them.

Thanks, I will be back at the truck today and will snap a Fer more pics. I do have the 2 bars stamped in the block tho. G114 is listed just below the 2 lines.

Thanks for the Web site.

G114 is most likely:

G = July
1 = 1st
4 = 1954

The two bars might indicate a 261.
However, the head and block casting codes will confirm the cubic inches.

Found B59 848 850. Can't read the engine stamp.

Where did you find that code?

Look at the photos in the link I posted above it looks like a code shown in Photo 4 (the meaning purpose of that code is not clear). It is not the head date casting code.

You want the codes at photos 1-3 and photos 5 and 6.

Good luck.

I had a '54 COE, & a '55.1 COE at the same time. Both had 261's in them. One had the bars, and one did not. Best to go by the casting number on the passenger side of the block.

photo 1 = I will have to pull the distributor / cant see anything around that area.
photo 2 = I have the 2 marks with numbers I gave
photo 3 = I can read 2 of the numbers. I will have to try and polish the ledge and bring up the numbers better.
photo 4 = Those are the numbers I gave in above post.
5,6,7 I will get as soon as I get the valve cover pulled.

The hole question behind all of this, Looking to order a gasket kit / water pump? I guess I cant do that until I get these other numbers. We where wondering if the 2 engine sizes would be the same kit number?

Thanks again for all your help. I will get the rest of the numbers some time this week if i can make it to the shop.

The major difference between the 1954 261 and 235 engine gaskets is the head gasket. There are six extra coolant-passage holes in the 261 head gasket.

So I pulled the valve cover today and found this casting number, 3836850. Under that it says GM then a 5.

3836850 was used as a 261 head casting code from 1955-1963

The head date casting code is also under the valve cover (Photo 7, with location indicated above the photo).

So this is all i have for ya. I cant read the engine s/n for the life of me. So if it sounds like I can order a gasket kit for a 261?

Thanks again for all your help.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/...vy%20COE/20150811_161335_zpsjxsiizrx.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/...vy%20COE/20150808_145718_zpsgqogtpop.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/...vy%20COE/20150811_161349_zpsyj9kj0lw.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/...vy%20COE/20150809_150911_zps5smyvmky.jpg

Only the 3rd link works for me.

That photo shows a code that is not useful in IDing the head.

On top of the head is
C 8 2 and to the left is Con 9 with 3836850

side of the block is B59 / 848 / 850

Behind the starter is C 1 1 4

That is all I can read. I guess I will order all my parts off a 261 and hope for the best.

3836850 - head casting code - 261 head - many years

If C 8 2 is the head date casting code (PHOTO 7 on my page), it is from 1962
C = March
8 = 8th day
2 = 1962

"side of the block is B59 / 848 / 850" - no meaning for this code (if this in location of PHOTO #4 on my page)

If C114 is the block date casting code (PHOTO 2 on my page):
C = March
11 = 11th day
4 = 1964
That would be a replacement block (1963 was last year a 261 was regular equipment in one model of trucks, supposedly).

No block casting code: PHOTO 1
between and below the distributor hole (left-top) and road-draft-tube hole (right-top)

261 is a good bet

By the way:
Con 9 or Con X was simply the Conveyor number in the factory - it is not useful in ID-ing the head or block or the year/date.

Well again thanks for all your help. I was hoping the engine would have been original to this truck. The truck shows to have 42k miles on it. I will order gasket kit, water pump and so forth off a 261.

Good luck - you should be OK.

Let us know how this proceeds.