Unusual 1938 248 Engine serial number

[DavidNA]

I am looking at a 1938 46S coupe at the moment, and after checking out the engine serial number it does not conform to standard Buick numbering

The number appears to read

S(or 8) 38 090 KAN

It is a 248 cc unit ?, with the oil filler on the valve cover, I am not too sure but the carburettor looks like a later model.

Pics attached

Any help help in ID would would be welcome

Thx

David

[1939_Buick]

Got be a 248 or 263 (1950's) The big 320 ci will not fit. Certainly its been re stamped (badly) at some time. Rebuilt probably.

More photos from the spark plug side will show more: the shape of the breather & position of the dip stick and if a pad with taped holes (indicating 1948 or later)

The ribs on the valve cover changed over time: not 100% sure but those may be later

Oil filter non standard, but many cars have these fitted.

Edit:

The round shape beside the engine number indicates to me it may be a 47 or later engine.

Not 100% sure but think they are more squarish pre war

Edited August 18, 2012 by 1939_buick (see edit history)

[DavidNA]

Attached side pics of engine with the oil dip stick showing located towards the rear of the block

Rear view of the carb.

Thx

David

Edited August 18, 2012 by DavidNA (see edit history)

[Guest Grant Magrath]

Wouldn't the shape of the manifolds be a giveaway? And if there's a hole for an oil line under the distributor?

Cheers

Grant

[1939_Buick]

Have seen the stepped (1939-52) manifold on 1938 and non stepped (1938 & before) on 1939 and later cars

Reasonably sure the engine above is 1947 or later

Image (green engine) below from a 1938 (or so the web page stated).

Grey manifold is 1939-52 style (Is a genuine 1939 as no lug on no 8)

Edited August 19, 2012 by 1939_buick (see edit history)

[Glassesguy]

I agree with Allan. Serial number doesn't make sense; but it looks like a 1941 to 1947 block has been installed but using the 38 manifolds and carb. Not unusual for this to happen. The 1946 Buick Service Bulletins show how to do this as part of their postwar Replacement Engine Program. I'm doing this now with my 37 40C as the original engine block disappeared years ago per the previous owner. The car came with a 1947 engine assembly. Fortunately the 37 manifolds and flywheel housing were saved. I'll need to change the front support as there were changes in the front engine mounts starting in 1939 vs the previous years.

[DavidNA]

Thanks everyone for your help, with your assistance, I reckon what I may have here is

A reconditioned 1941/50 engine with the 38 manifolds and the original 1938 ancilliaries, the other points are the side covers with no X bracing and the curved recess behind the distrubutor which would point it towards being post 1940 . It has the original spark plug cover, the valve cover with the side ribs is later, the spark plug cover has the rounded rather than squared off ends. I think that probably as suggested that a recon engine has been supplied post war and fitted using the original ancilliaries rather than dropping a complete replacement engine in.

Now one final question, how does the 1941/50 engine differ from the early engine - more bhp , does it carry lip seals rather than felt / rope seals on the timing chain cover, and will it have shell bearings rather than babbit bearings. Any other advantages / differences I need to look for internally?

Pics of the 1938 manifolds on the engine below together with comparative between 1938 and 1941 engine side plates and spark plug cover

1938 and 1941 248 engine

Thanks

David

Edited August 19, 2012 by DavidNA (see edit history)

[1939_Buick]

Some good images in post 42 here http://forums.aaca.org/f162/1950-248-a-255094.html

The front engine mounts changed 1948 ? (the tapped pad). But with the original plate style mount will fit previous years

In 1940 the 248 ci oil pump capacity was increased 20% (so is better)

Shell bearings in late 40's / early 50's

But with a re built engine you can have anything

Edited August 19, 2012 by 1939_buick (see edit history)

[Guest Grant Magrath]

Put it this way, we ordered an engine recon kit for the 39 coupe, not knowing it was a 47 engine, and everything except the fan belt fitted!

Cheers

Grant