248 Engine ID? - Strange Numbers - Need Your Help

[JoelsBuicks]

This engine came out of one of my '38 Special's.  I don't think this is a '38 based on what I've read in this forum lately and because of the strange numbers on the block and some other features.  You'll see this in the pictures.

 

There is a number "RE-042578"  stamped into the block located just below the location where the engine number normally is.  And, the engine number doesn't look normal to me either.

 

The engine looked to be originally black in color but I have since put a thin coat of green to keep it from rusting; so please ignore the color.  Also, this engine came with one of those oil splash plates on the rocker arm and the rear main bearing housing does have a slot for an oil seal. 

 

I need to buy a set of main bearings FOR THIS ENGINE.  Years '37 & '38 are the same but different than '39 and later.  Can someone confirm that this engine is later than 1938.  I do know that it fits into a 1938 car and bolted to a 1938 transmission.

 

Thanks for your help,

Joel

 

 

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

 Joel, I agree the number on the pad does look funny. I don't know when Buick started it, but a 263 I am building has the engine number  UNDERNEATH  the water pump. Might be worth a look see.

 

  Ben

[sean1997]

Buick used RE to designate a factory replacement engine.

Edited March 6, 2016 by sean1997 (see edit history)

[Glassesguy]

Agree with Sean. Black is correct color for RE engine. 42-49 248 parts probably required for this engine. Buick had a replacement engine program in place starting in 1945. Some parts from the original engine were transferred to the RE engine depending on the year engine being replaced.

[1939_Buick]

The casting number 1328867 is later than the 1303969 on my '39's

 

From  http://forums.aaca.org/topic/192534-request-year-info/

 

Guys: The dipstick hole was moved in 1940 to a point at the back of the block near the firewall. No engine with the dipstick hole there is as old as 1939. I sold parts for years, and typically (with some variation), #130 was 1939 and some 1940, #131 was 1940 & 1941 and #132 was mostly 1942-48. #133 was 1949 and some 1950, and #134 was 1950-53 for the straight 8 while #116 was usually on V8 parts in 1953. The first key is the dipstick hole. The second key is what Allan mentioned, the location of the motor mount. Beginning in 1948 the front motor mount was moved from the bolt on plate at the front of the engine to a point about 1/3 the way back on the engine. Those engines have a "boss" on the side of the engine with bolt holes to bolt the motor mount to the block.

Edited March 6, 2016 by 1939_Buick (see edit history)

[JoelsBuicks]

Very interesting and helpful information. You can see the dipstick location in the pics and it is towards the rear.

Thank you all very much, it's what I needed to know.

Joel