The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop engine serial number?

I've attempted to determine what engine it is I have in a 49', 3800 series. With the crud removed behind the distributor, I see the following FII2IJ, can anyone decipher or lead me as to how, or am I looking at the wrong markings to find out what engine it is?????

er... that doesn't look like a 216 serial. Have a look at this page and verify that the number is complete and/or correct.

(if it makes you feel any better, I didn't know what year my engine was from until yesterday when I scraped the crap off of it and ran the number.)

Thad, search the side of the motor for CASTING number, should be low on the block and foreward. Also look back behind the starter for date code also a casting number. Your original motor should have tall side cover, two studs holding on the rocker cover, water pump way up on the block and just under thermostat housing. My 'OLD'1940s 235 high torque motor also had the numbers 235 stamped into the pan on distributor side. good luck

That serial number reveals that the engine was built at the Flint plant (F) on November 21 (1121). The J suffix is for a '57-'62 Thriftmaster 235 backed by a 3-speed tranny. The J engine was used in the '57 34,35,3700 series, the '58-'59 31,32,36,3800 series, and the '60-'62 C10-20-30 series trucks. The casting date code on the block would pinpoint the year.

Great info!!!!! Thank you Xram53.... Now I think I understand why the radiator in it now does not fit properly and has been altered. Now to try to find out what to do about the water pump/fan and find an original radiator that can be bolted in it again, any comments anyone?

[facepalm]

Sorry Thad. I didn't even think about looking at the 235's.

Radiators can be found from time to time in the swap meet section of the site, and they turn up on e-bay.

I know that American Classic carries them, as do several other vendors.

I'd like to ask for help again in establishing the the or application of the engine in my 3800 series. I now know that it is a 235, but is it possible to take it to the next step?? I, today, scrapped of the crud next to the serial# pad and located a casting number of "K197". Is this a number with the unfo I'm asking for?

That would be the block casting date code, which decodes to November 19, 1957. That fits with the build date of 11/21 (from the serial number). This engine was likely used in a '58 model, as the '58 models were introduced in October of '57, I believe.

Thanks Curt, you are helpful, Thadley