The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine Identification issues

Due to a Truck/Title VIN mismatch (as is fairly common, I understand), I went in search of the Engine Number in my 46 last night to verify that it was titled on the engine.

I'm a bit confused. As I understand it, there are supposed to be some numbers in various places on the starboard side of the 216. Just aft of the Distributor and the Dipstick tube, there is supposed to be a serial number. Just forward of the distributor, on the crank case, there is supposed to be a casting number, and somewhere around where the starter mounts up there is supposed to be a date code.

I have none of that on my engine. There is something where the casting number is supposed to be, however. There is a GM (48) cast into the crank case. (Actually, the 48 is in a circle, but it's hard to make that work on a computer).

The VIN on my pickup is 21DR-C3490, and the number on the title starts with ADCA. (It's not here and I've not managed to memorize it yet)

Any ideas as to which engine this is? It has all of the earmarks of a 216, but none of the numbers.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

There should be a machined flat that the distributor base clamps to. On that flat aft of the distributor should be where the serial numbers are stamped. Usually this takes some work to uncover. First a scraper and solvent to clean off the gunk, then a wire brush to remove the paint, which fills the stamping.

For the casting number and date code, look above the starter on the side of the block. Sometimes the number is behind the starter.

I don't remember what the 48 stands for, but I don't think it can be used to identify the engine.

Your truck serial number matches a '46 3600 (3/4-ton). The ADCA is the engine serial number prefix. That prefix is for the '216 used in the '46 3600 and 3800 trucks, so this truck was titled on the original engine, which may or may not be in the truck now.

Check this page for the location of the engine serial number. This number is stamped on the block, and as Fred suggested, the stamping could be filled with grease and crud and paint. The casting numbers could be concealed under grease, crud, and paint, too.

Thanks, Guys.

The numbers must not be very prominent.

I'll take a wire brush out there and see if I can clean it up.