'39 Buick Century - engine block number

[C-Lamb]

 

 

When I looked it up, I don't think "J" was an option.  Any idea what the leading character means? Did I overlook something in the decoder tables? 

 

[MCHinson]

Just a complete guess, but I would think that the most likely explanation would be that the engine was replaced many years ago by a Buick dealer. When a replacment engine block was installed the dealership would stamp the original engine number into the new block. Perhaps a careless mechanic picked up a "J" stamp instead of a "6" stamp and simply stamped the replacment block incorrectly.  

[C-Lamb]

Seems like a reasonable idea.  Engine runs well and was a bit skeptical about it's condition, that could be a reasonable explanation. 

Thanks for the quick response. 

[1939_Buick]

Does look like a Buick factory stamp.  Re stampings are often not as straight/uniform. Or use b as a 6 and I for 1

1939 engines numbers start at 3572652

1940 engines numbers start at 3786214

With another digit at the start for series 4 - 6 -8 -9 (40 60 80 90)

Which would/should make your engine 6 3604223

 

Any casting numbers on the block?

 

Edited May 28, 2022 by 1939_Buick (see edit history)

[DonMicheletti]

While not easy to locate, there is a second location for the engine number behind the water pump. The 2 numbers should match.

Here is a photo of the number, behind the water pump, on my '38 Special

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

34 minutes ago, DonMicheletti said:

While not easy to locate, there is a second location for the engine number behind the water pump. The 2 numbers should match.

Here is a photo of the number, behind the water pump, on my '38 Special

 

  Excerpt the series designation is omitted I believe.

 

  Ben

[C-Lamb]

21 hours ago, 1939_Buick said:

Does look like a Buick factory stamp.  Re stampings are often not as straight/uniform. Or use b as a 6 and I for 1

1939 engines numbers start at 3572652

1940 engines numbers start at 3786214

With another digit at the start for series 4 - 6 -8 -9 (40 60 80 90)

Which would/should make your engine 6 3604223

 

Any casting numbers on the block?

 

Where would the casting number be?

[C-Lamb]

10 hours ago, DonMicheletti said:

While not easy to locate, there is a second location for the engine number behind the water pump. The 2 numbers should match.

Here is a photo of the number, behind the water pump, on my '38 Special

I guess I have to remove the water pump to see that?

[Terry Stock]

Thanks Alan. With a bit of imagination the J turns into a 6, just like the 6 after the 3.

[DonMicheletti]

Yes, the water pump has to be removed to see it