New member here. I just purchased a 1954 Panel Van (big project) and would like help identifying the engine that’s currently in it. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer. VIN - L54K226652. Stamped number on the pad behind the distributor - F929J. Intake cast-in number - 37544844. Head cast-in number on the drivers side - B49 848, below the 848 is 850. Head cast-in on the passenger side -383 6848, below 6848 is GM 18. Thanks, Dennis
Dennis, glad to see you've posted. Engine ID is something the Stovebolt Collective can help you with. Details on what you provided will be coming soon. ITMT, here's a Legacy Tech Tip that may help out: Identifying the 216 / 235 / 261.
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804 "Charlie" - The Stovebolt Flagship In the Gallery "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." -- Winston Churchill
Dennis... look at the intake again. See if it isn't 3754644.
You are in moderated status. You need 5 posts (4 or 5, I forget) then you will be a full bolter and have full access to this site. Shoot me an "OK" for your 2nd post. Look around the starter area for the block casting date code. Post that. Look under the fuel pump area for the block casting #. Should be another 383xxxx. Post that. Then post a HAHAHA! AND YOU WILL BE GOOD TO GO.
~~ Jethro 1954 3100 Back to Life In the Dity Gallery 1951 3100 (gone) / 1956 4400 (still in the neighborhood) / 1957 6400 with dump body (retired) / 1959 3100 panel (in the woods junked) / 1978 Custom Deluxe K10 / 1993 S-10 4.3 / 2004 Chevy Crew Cab / 1945 John Deere H / 1952 John Deere B / 1966 John Deere 2510 / 1967 John Deere 1020
~~ Jethro 1954 3100 Back to Life In the Dity Gallery 1951 3100 (gone) / 1956 4400 (still in the neighborhood) / 1957 6400 with dump body (retired) / 1959 3100 panel (in the woods junked) / 1978 Custom Deluxe K10 / 1993 S-10 4.3 / 2004 Chevy Crew Cab / 1945 John Deere H / 1952 John Deere B / 1966 John Deere 2510 / 1967 John Deere 1020
Jethro ... close. After the 4th post, the newbie is out of "moderation" but it doesn't show up under his name as "Bolter" until that 5th post is made. (Doesn't really make sense but that's what happens.) On *our* end, we (Moderators) don't have to approve any of his posts after he does the 4th one.
As far as the access to the entire site, he does have access. He can even read a PM from you but he would not be able to respond. He'd get a message saying:
"You cannot add any more replies to this private topic at your current member level."
Once he reaches 'Bolter member level (following 4th post), that statement is removed and he can respond to any PMs.
When a newbie first arrives at the doorway, we try to follow him and approve the posts quickly as they come in. At times, we've engaged enough (seeing that he's online) to post answers to short questions so he'll get that 4th post in.
I'm sure you all will be able to help him ID the engine. Hopefully, walk him thru (or show him the link) on how to post images, if he needs that help, too.
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804 "Charlie" - The Stovebolt Flagship In the Gallery "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." -- Winston Churchill
Now that you know the ins and outs, YOU are no longer moderated. Next post, you'll see that 'Bolter tag show up under your name.
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804 "Charlie" - The Stovebolt Flagship In the Gallery "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." -- Winston Churchill
L = 1-ton commercial 54 = Year K = Kansas City Assembly Plant 026652 = unit number starting with 001001
Your engine serial number F929J breaks down as follows
F = Flint Engine Plant 9 = Month (September) 29 = Day J = truck (depends on year as to which model it would be in)
This engine code format was used from 1957-59. To zero in on the actual year you need to look at the casting date code location behind the distributor. It will look something like this H 15 7 (Month/day/year).
Edited in RED, I corrected my first post where I had the plant and models backwards, sorry for the confusion...
Mike B
Last edited by Mike B; 04/10/20245:53 PM. Reason: See red
Mike Boteler
1956 Chevy 3100 Resto Rod 1952 Willys M38 Army Jeep 1983 Jeep CJ7 Laredo 1984 Jeep CJ7 +++++ Silver Spring, MD
The block and head will have casting date codes like I mentioned in the above post...those will help tell you what year they were made as the same cast part number was used for many years.
Mike B
Mike Boteler
1956 Chevy 3100 Resto Rod 1952 Willys M38 Army Jeep 1983 Jeep CJ7 Laredo 1984 Jeep CJ7 +++++ Silver Spring, MD
Your second set of pictures with the B49, 848 and 850 numbers are foundry numbers for the sand castings needed to make that head. They don't mean anything to us now.
Mike B
Mike Boteler
1956 Chevy 3100 Resto Rod 1952 Willys M38 Army Jeep 1983 Jeep CJ7 Laredo 1984 Jeep CJ7 +++++ Silver Spring, MD
Dennis, you are not only good at posting pictures, *I* am impressed that you've got titles with your images. Those are so helpful. Thanks for taking the time. Aren't pictures great.
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804 "Charlie" - The Stovebolt Flagship In the Gallery "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." -- Winston Churchill
Dennis, it did for me, too. I'm on a PC using a bunch of windows at a time. I found dragging and dropping is easiest for me. If you see any of the instructions need some more 'splaining, just send me a .... PM!!
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804 "Charlie" - The Stovebolt Flagship In the Gallery "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." -- Winston Churchill
ITMT, here's a Legacy Tech Tip that may help out: 
