The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Tough VIN question

I have a 54 3100 and am having difficulty understanding the engine ID number. Mine has 2 lines stamped into the block. Can anyone help me figure out what the top line actually means. The numbers are stamped in as follows:
FA24035
0019250 F54X
As I understand the bottom line, I have a 54 engine from Flint... correct? but what does the top line mean? Also, does this motor have solid lifters?

I'm not sure about that upper number, but the lower number is indeed a Flint produced 235 3100 application with solid lifters.

Thanks, it is a 1954 correct?
I was thinking that the top number may indicate a Factory Authorized replacement block, maybe a warranty thing back in 54?

Yes, it is a '54.

I think you could be right in thinking this is a factory replacement engine. The bottom line could have been stamped in by the dealer to keep the title straight as they often used the engine number as the "VIN". I would do a little more digging. You could decode the block casting no. and date code to give further info on your engine. That info can be located here.

Is your block casting number,
3835911 or 3701481

F54X codes are here .....
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/54057.htm

Thanks Oilrag, where do I find the casting number?

Never mind, I just opened your attachment. I can't see the ones behind the starter but what I can see is K123.

Thanks tclederman, the picture were helpful but now I'm still confused. There is no block casting numbers at all. The block date code looks like CON4 K123, no Captains bars.
The engine serial number has two rows:
FA24035
0019250 F54X
I hate to be a pain in the butt but would really like to know what I have here.

K123
My guess is:
K = 11 = November
12 = 12th
3 = 1953

You are right about it being odd that the engine serial number has two rows.

Maybe someone will post an explanation (or a good guess)?

The block casting number on a 1954 is located low on the block, forward of the fuel pump, as shown here.

I do not recall ever seeing two lines stamped into the distributor pad. It is my understanding that factory replacement engines were delivered with a blank pad. The new owner would usually stamp the serial number from the old block, and then scrap the old block. However, if block was to be used in a truck or car of a different year or application, there could be some confusion about what to do. I've seen blocks with no numbers, but not two sets.

Do you have a photo of the distributor pad numbers? Do both lines seem to be have stamped with the same set of stamps?

Hoyt

The block casting # is gonna be on the passenger side.
I think in 54 it is toward the front.
The numbers may be filled with oil and dirt.....

Your 235 block, with solid lifters, was cast in Nov 1953
and installed in a 1954 3100 series truck (54X).

By K123, new model 54 trucks were on the showroom floor.

Thanks Oilrag & hoyt, the block casting number is right where you said. It's down low so I can't really read it till it warms up around here (25 degrees in the garage).
As far as the serial numbers stamped into the distributer pad, they are stamped from the same set of stamps and look perfectly even and level like a professional job.