The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop '39 Block and Casting Numbers

Brand new to Stovebolt with a question for the group regarding the somewhat confusing decoding of block and casting numbers:

Our family '39 has been in storage for several years. We recently pulled it out for a slow step-by-step "get it running" then resto to as near to original as possible. We're pretty certain that the block & head are not original - but after running the numbers on various websites, we're still stuck on the actual date of manufacture.

Here's the block codes: CON4 G60 3693374

Some sites say '42 - '49 year of manufacture as far as the casting number goes, but we can't find a G=July 6= 6th, 0=(YR 1950?) block number that correlates with 3693374 on this 235.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks, Vic's (Victoria's) grand dad

3693374
This book shows it was 1941-1949 passenger 235

Tim, you and I know a 1941-49 pass did not have a 235.
The 1964 parts book seems to have a misprint.

Dave,

That is the only place I could find that block code.

Do you have any info on that block casting code?

I will have to look more but I do not see it right off.

If I could see some pictures of the engine it would help ID it.

My 1961 GM book shows 3693374 as "1941-49 ALL 235". This would be a truck 235 engine.
The 1964 Parts book mistakenly said "pass" instead of ALL.
All means all that used a 235.

I am curious about the "G60", could the 0 be a 9?

Thanks, Dave

This is weird, my 1951 Parts book shows Block 3835309 as the 41-49 (235) with no mention of 3693374. I then checked my 1959 Parts book and it has 3693374 as the 41-49 (235) and no mention of 3835309...

Did they recast the replacement block in the mid 50's and give it a new number making the cast date 1960?

Is there a serial number stamped on the pad next to the distrubuter?

Mike B

Gents, I have pictures of the block and casting numbers, clean and clear. Being a newbie, what is the easiest way to get the photos on the forum? Thanks! Rob

The pad to the left of the distributor is blank/smooth.

I was also thinking that the block might be a 1960 as the probability of it being from 1950 would be very remote. I have pics and read the intro ltr about posting them but I'd have to study up on the process. I could email them if that would make it easier for now. Tks, Rob

Dave, The 0 is crystal clear and prominent with no defect - eliminating the possibility that it might be a 9. This might be a real head scratcher.

Thankfully, the oil is relatively clear. Its been stored indoors and was buttoned up pretty good.

The head has a finned Offenhauser valve cover. It appears to be OEM with the worn red paint and Offy scripted logo. Other than that, the 235 is bone stock.

If we get the engine to turn over - we'll be in the plus column. Before we attempt to roll the crank and get the pistons moving, we'll be checking in with the Forum for pre-start tips to avoid any damage - or we'll just pull it apart and see what we've got to work with.

THANKS! Rob

I tried to upload the pictures. I hope this works. Thanks for any help you can provide.


http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Prisssssy5/1939/2013-03-02131229.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Prisssssy5/1939/2013-03-02131254.jpg

Can you post a pic of the whole engine, mainly the pass side?

Dave, We'll get them up in the next day or two. Tks, Rob

More pics...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Prisssssy5/1939/2013-03-08074156.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Prisssssy5/1939/2013-03-08074215.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Prisssssy5/1939/2013-03-08074232.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Prisssssy5/1939/2013-03-08074254.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Prisssssy5/1939/2013-03-08074404.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Prisssssy5/1939/2013-03-08074419.jpg

Boy do you have an interesting engine!
The big O with 48 in the center, between the distributor and breather tube, was used on 1948 and 1949 216 engines.
The casting date is a bit of a mystery.
Even if someone bought a replacement engine in lets say 1950 (the casting date) I would think you would get a 1950 engine with out the 48 in the circle.
Has me scratching my head.

I figured that this was gonna be a head scratcher. We noticed the circled 48 on the first look under the hood but didn't think there'd be any significance other than maybe a symbol for the plant where the engine was forged.

The Offenhauser valve cover and the Fenton exhaust might suggest that the original owner of the truck stepped it up in terms of HP with this motor.

Any ideas on where we can go next to source this 235's (?216?) origins? Maybe repost under a "Mystery Motor" thread or something like that?

Thanks, Rob

Dave, this is your text from 21/02/06 on a similar question about the circle-48 marking on the engine block:

"The 48 seems to be a carry over from 1948. It is strange it was not changed to 49. In 1950 there is only the big circle with nothing in it. These were the only three years Chev used this casting mark."

What we have so far is:
(48)

CON4 G60 3693374
9

The (48) lines up right above the 74. Would the solo '9' below the casting number under '33' shed any light on this mystery motor?

Tks, Rob

Still stumped, but congrats for finding a 2006 post of mine, I'm glad to see you are doing your home work.
Chev has sure done some unexplainable things through the years.

We're gonna keep digging on the origins of this motor. For a no-mistakes rebuild we don't want to go down a time and money wasting path wrt correct fit/size/application/tolerances for re-assembly.

Any suggestions on how we could link up with Stove Bolters in the vicinity of the High Desert, Palm Springs, Morongo Basin, Apple Valley, Yucca Valley areas in CA?

Tks, Rob

Rob,

My guess on the solo "9" on your block is it's the sand cast mold number. They numbered the master molds so if there was a defect after the engine was cast they knew what sand mold to look at.

Mike B

Mike,

That's a good tip - and makes sense. The inconsistencies between castings like mine, what the manuals say, and the overall general knowlege (or lack thereof = yours truly) about this issue and dozens of others in the GM records, make for some interesting research on such a 'simple' engine.

I'm still digging for the answers!

Tks again - Rob

Separate thread with pictures will show progress on Vic's '39.

Here are the head casting numbers:

C 178

Can the YOM for this motor (at least the head) be determined using these numbers?

Thanks, Rob

What is the head casting code (sorry, if you have already posted it).
3836848?
I guess that code was used from 1956 until they stopped making replacement 235 heads.

If C 17 8 is the head date casting code, and it is a high pressure engine:

C = March
17 = 17th
8 = 1958

Splash engine Tim.
More like:
C = March
17 = 17th
8 - 1948

The premier knowledge we've gathered on Stovebolt and talks with old timers in our area pretty much confirm that our block and head is a 1948 235. We'll be updating the rebuild with comments and pictures. Thanks to everyone that has pitched with info so far. We're still learning as we go...