The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine ID on a 61 Apache

I really would appreciate some help in identifying the engine in my 61 Apache C20. I know how to decode the Serial number and that the truck was made in Norwood, Ohio, however it seems to have an older 235 engine, because there are two unused motor mounts on the side of the block. The number on the top of the right hand side of the block when facing the engine is 3836848 with GM5 underneath-----I may be wrong, but from what I can find, the sequence makes this 1955 - 1957. On the left side is the number B50-848 with the number 850 beneath. On the left side above the starter is the number CON3 with C139 below. The engine ID next to the distributor is F3I4A. I thank you all in advance for your expertise in helping me identify this engine. A lot of things don't match up with my 61 shop manual which makes finding parts challenging.

The 3836848 is a head number on the 235. What you need to look for is either at the top of the starter or behind it, should be similar to the head number. Go to www.inliners.org for the casting nuber lists.

C139 should be March 13, 1959. The "848" heads were the casting number for the heads used 56-to 60 at least, cuz I pulled an 848 head off my '60 235 when I rebuilt it. Some 58-62 engines had the side motor mounts even if not used.

Most 55-62 2nd series 235 parts will interchange, except for some starters, valve lifters, pulleys, water pumps... Most of the Full Pressure 235's engineering changes over the years were to the internal oiling system and main bearings and happened between 1954-1957.

Thanks for the info. I thought that the side motor mounts meant it came from a different vehicle. Looks like this may be the original engine after all. Any way to tell for sure?

Prolly need to double check by running the casting number on the block, which is on the passanger's side of block. If Im right about the casting date being '59, its a little too early to be the original motor in a '61. I think there was a 3-4 month lag time at the most between engine casting date and when truck was built.

Hey Apache61,

I have a similar problem (check out my post) , and the same "CON3", however that is followed by "B123". Perhaps that is February, 12 1953? If you find out what the CON3 means I'd be interested in knowing.
I don't have any good info for you; I'm a complete rookie with a great ambition. Thanks for any help. Raymond Fowler

There are more knowledgable than me but I think those "CON" numbers tell you what line (conveyor?) the block came down. They don't say much about what the thing really is. It would be really nice to find some ol' GM assembly line person to confirm this.