need help on the correct 216 eng code

[drb51truck]

Im trying to replace my eng in my 51 3100 chevy truck with the correct casting # but it seams that the more I look, more diffrent numbers I come up with. Can anybody tell me what they should be. What do the judges look for.

Thanks Dave

[Guest De Soto Frank]

As far as casting numbers go ( raised numbers ), you're probably best-off going with the date code that is cast behind and slightly above the starter motor...

Chevy engines going back to about 1929 used the same date code for six-cylinder block castings.

The code deciphers thus:

First character is a letter, indicating "month": A= January, B= February, etc.

Next one or two characters are the calendar day ( 1st thru 9th are single-character)

Last character represents the year ( last digit only ).

So, a 1951 Chevy block should have a casting date code something like this:

"C 19 1" ( This would mean March 19, 1951 )

There is a small complication when it comes to the 216 (and early 235 engines), as they were made from 1937 through 1953: when you see a year code of 1, 2 or 3, are you looking at an engine made in the 1940's or the 1950's... ???

At this point, you have to look at the engine number stamped in the flat boss next to the distributor mounting, and see what model car/truck that engine was originally from...

In terms of show judging, that casting date behind the starter is pretty hard (if not impossible) to read on an engine installed in the truck... don't know how picky the judges would be looking for the "correct" engine number behind the distributor...

Beginning in 1948, Chevy car & truck engine numbers (stamped) began with the one or two-character vehicle model code: ex: 1948 Chevy car: models FJ or FK, all engines begin "FA-____".

I believe the serial code for the 3100 1/2 ton has the letter "H", so there should be some correlation bewteen the year/model code in the vehicle serial number on the door pillar, and the date/model code of the stamped engine #. ( The two numbers will NOT be the same in terms of the 5 or 6-digit unit sequence number that follows the year/model code).

Good luck with your '51... I have a '54 3600 that was my grandfather's...

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[drb51truck]

This is very good info. This is what I found out latley is the letters JBA or JBM be fore the serial # is for 1951 3100 Series and a casting number 3835497 I hope this right. Now my next question is where did the MVA come up with the V.I.N. i can not find this on the truck anywere my door jam plate only has the lbs on plate. Keep in mine truck has been in family from new so it was not like a lost Title ????

Thanks David

[drb51truck]

ok hold every thing the VIN numbers is on the door jam sorry the way the truck was sitting I could not open door all the way and tne vin # is a lot smaller then the lbs. so over all I beleave I found out it looks like my vin # is not off my eng. serial # witch is a good thing.

Thanks to all David

[Guest De Soto Frank]

David,

Just a little refinement about the number used by motor vehicle authorities to ID your pick-up...

On the black & silver ( or blue and silver) aluminum plate rivetted to the driver's side door pillar, there should be two numbers there: one is the GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight), the other should be the vehicle serial number ( stamped into the plate ).

Hopefully, your truck was titled with the serial number on this plate; frequently, older cars and trucks were titled using the engine # for ID purposes... this can be a problem if the vehicle has had its original engine swapped-out.

Beginning around 1970, vehicle manufacturers standardized the location and format of vehicle serial numbers ( under the windshield, lower corner, driver's side): now calling it the VIN number: Vehicle Identification Number.

Most clerks working at your local Motor Vehicle authority only know about VIN numbers... when titling a pre-1970 vehicle, the vehicle serial number is equivalent to today's VIN number.

Good luck with your pick-up !

[drb51truck]

Thanks Frank My truck was titled by the vin# on door plate. still checking on some engines.

David

[drb51truck]

Frank McMullen

Would you happen to no what these leeters and numbers are or mean that are located where the starter blolts on. Must remove starter to be able to see.

Thanks David

[drb51truck]

sorry the numbers are CON V4 K210 also check your email see if it correct could not send to you

Again David

[Guest De Soto Frank]

David,

Check your in-box for a PM.

Will try to help you out here...