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Bob cacy

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    Oldsmobile block identification

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    57 minutes ago, lump said:

    Joe, 

    I'm certainly no expert on Oldsmobiles, and I may be about to learn something worthwhile here. But if true, this information is a little bit shocking to me. 

     

    The fact is that cast engine components, like heads, intakes, exhaust manifolds, and blocks, were usually cast in GM plants where most other GM cast components came from....Chevy, Buick, Cadillac...and Oldsmobile. At least as far as I knew. The casting numbers and casting dates were obviously not created to help future restorers and hot rodders to identify components; rather they were put on the components as a part of GM's attempt at improving quality control (as you likely already know). Thus, if GM started to receive a large number of warranty claims on the same kind of components on recently-sold new cars (cylinder heads for 1968 Buicks, just making up an example), they would examine the failed parts---noting the casting numbers (which would refer them back to original blueprints), date codes (which helped them figure out when the component was made, so they could match up the failed part with actual production documentation), and even the actual time of day the component was produced (those familiar little cast-in raised-letter clockfaces). Then, HOPEFULLY they could identify a common failure, and either redesign the part or tighten up production standards at a certain plant on certain shifts. 

     

    Now, again, I am definitely not an expert on Oldsmobile casting numbers, but it sure does seem unusual that GM would have broken their protocol for Oldsmobile engine blocks (especially since we know that Oldsmobile intakes, exhaust manifolds, etc, did indeed carry casting dates on them). I will contact a couple of Oldsmobile experts, if I can recall their contact info, and ask for some insights. 

     

    Again, I hope I won't seem accusatory, disagreeable, or arrogant. I have no Oldsmobile blocks lying about to go and check. This one just catches me by surprise, because after all those hours I spent in GM factories researching the books I have written, I really had a strong impression that GM's quality control system for cast iron and cast aluminum parts was corporate-wide. 

     

    Best wishes to all. ----Lump

    T

     

    57 minutes ago, lump said:

    Joe, 

    I'm certainly no expert on Oldsmobiles, and I may be about to learn something worthwhile here. But if true, this information is a little bit shocking to me. 

     

    The fact is that cast engine components, like heads, intakes, exhaust manifolds, and blocks, were usually cast in GM plants where most other GM cast components came from....Chevy, Buick, Cadillac...and Oldsmobile. At least as far as I knew. The casting numbers and casting dates were obviously not created to help future restorers and hot rodders to identify components; rather they were put on the components as a part of GM's attempt at improving quality control (as you likely already know). Thus, if GM started to receive a large number of warranty claims on the same kind of components on recently-sold new cars (cylinder heads for 1968 Buicks, just making up an example), they would examine the failed parts---noting the casting numbers (which would refer them back to original blueprints), date codes (which helped them figure out when the component was made, so they could match up the failed part with actual production documentation), and even the actual time of day the component was produced (those familiar little cast-in raised-letter clockfaces). Then, HOPEFULLY they could identify a common failure, and either redesign the part or tighten up production standards at a certain plant on certain shifts. 

     

    Now, again, I am definitely not an expert on Oldsmobile casting numbers, but it sure does seem unusual that GM would have broken their protocol for Oldsmobile engine blocks (especially since we know that Oldsmobile intakes, exhaust manifolds, etc, did indeed carry casting dates on them). I will contact a couple of Oldsmobile experts, if I can recall their contact info, and ask for some insights. 

     

    Again, I hope I won't seem accusatory, disagreeable, or arrogant. I have no Oldsmobile blocks lying about to go and check. This one just catches me by surprise, because after all those hours I spent in GM factories researching the books I have written, I really had a strong impression that GM's quality control system for cast iron and cast aluminum parts was corporate-wide. 

     

    Best wishes to all. ----Lump

     

    23 hours ago, joe_padavano said:

    That is the casting number. It is the same number used for ever Olds 350 block cast from the 1968 to 1976 model years. Only the VIN derivative stamp on the driver's side of the block near the #1 spark plugs will tell you the year.

     

    On 8/12/2019 at 9:05 PM, 61polara said:

    That looks like a casting part number on the intake manifold.  What is needed is the VIN number stamped on a pad somewhere on the block.  

    Thanks I’ll check the block under the number one plug. I took out the the original distributor and replaced it with electronic ignition, would that change what type of spark plug I use or just go with the year of the block. 

    4A4C654A-6AB6-4CB5-A679-2BDFE0A82DAD.jpeg

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