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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 26
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Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 26
I have looked at the block ID pages and can't find anything that matches the information stamped on my block. The. Stamp shows: GCA 281766. The head stamp is 3835499. If anyone has a suggestion as to where I should look I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.


Wreckin' Ball

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'Bolter
'Bolter
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Is the block number punched on a flat surface or is it a casting number? Same with the head which sounds like a casting number.


1949 Chevy 1/2-Ton
"Sedgewick"
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1989 Caprice
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'Bolter
'Bolter
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A quick search of casting numbers for the head got me as far as 3835497 which is a 216 c.i. head. I am sure someone else will have more for you.


1949 Chevy 1/2-Ton
"Sedgewick"
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1989 Caprice
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Wrench Fetcher
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Sedgewick,

First off thanks for helping! The block number is stamped in a flat surface on the block. The head number is a casting in the head itself. I can't find the correct head casting number either. I found the same number that you did listed in several places but mine ends with 99 not 97. Just trying to figure out what motor I have in it before I start ordering parts.

Thanks again.


Wreckin' Ball

I'm gonna need a bigger hammer!!!
Joined: Sep 2001
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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
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GCA is the enine serial number preface for a 1949 4000 series truck 216 engine

I found 3835499 as a 1950 head casting code.

Here are locations of head and block casting codes, including date casting codes. Post what you find.

http://www.1954advance-design.com/Web%20images/casting-code-photos/low-press-codes-ser-nums.html

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Wrench Fetcher
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tclederman, Thanks for the help and advice.

I ran the VIN number when I first looked at the truck before I purchased it. I was assembled in April 1949 in Kansas City. I wondering why it would have a 1949 block and a 1950 head. I'm assuming that at some point someone switched the heads.

So, regardless of the year of the block and head your thinking it's a 216 engine?

That's really what I was looking for. I wanted to know what size I was dealing with and what to expect if I need to do any major work on it.

Are there any other suggestions that you might have for me with this engine?

I recently got it running and it sounds good. No knocks or ticks. Carb is leaking a small amount and I want to rebuild it. Of course I am going to change all of the fluids and replace the points and probably the spark plug wires.

thanks again for your help.


Wreckin' Ball

I'm gonna need a bigger hammer!!!

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