I know this question is annoying to a lot of members, but I've checked the block numbers, I've checked a BUNCH of previous posts, & I'm tired of googling all the different sites that "help" ID these blocks. I'm hoping that I can find someone that is a "God" at identifing these motors by numbers and photos. My car is a 1953 Chevrolet special 150 Handyman Wagon, 3 speed no thrills packaged car. I researched that it "more than likely" came with a 216 motor originally. I don't have access to the original owner any longer, so history is not an option. My very knowlagable friend thinks it's a 235 out of a 1962, but can't say for sure. Here is what I know: Block cast number is 0233I08F547 The valve cover has the four screws around the outer lip. The oil fill is at the front of the valve cover. I don't see the triangle on the driver's side of the block. Oil pressure is high but I currently don't have a number to back it up. (factory gauge is not working) I'd like to ID it exactly so when I go to order engine parts, I'm not surprised when they don't fit right for a 1953 235. Here are some pics for reference. Please speak up if you can't see specific details of the motor. Thanks in advance for any positive identifications.
Got any better pictures of the waterpump? If the entire pump is outside the engine it is 1954 or older. If the pump is mostly inside the engine block and has the 4 bolts evenly spaced out it will be a 1955 or newer motor.
That number doesn't show up on any of the lists I've found. However, the vents in the valve cover indicate it's from a 53-54 235 with full pressure oiling. That does NOT mean that is what the engine is. It could be an older valve cover on a newer engine. That number on the head, on the intake side of the valve cover would be helpful. It's definitely NOT a 216. It's a full pressure oiling engine
0233108 is the production number, F547 is the engine code and there are websites which should be able to tell you what that means exactly - if the motor is out of a car or truck and so forth. (yes, the "I" is really a one.) Note how the last 4 digits are stamped differently from the others (higher up). The casting number is cast into the block, not stamped, and is on the side sticking out of it in large numbers - it's usually buried in crud, but it will look like that number in the top of the head along the edge of the valve cover, which shows in the last picture. Edit: even at 5:30 am there's guys working faster than I am. Well at least at that time the post below me showed ahead of me.
On the 235's I have the casting number is not behind the distributor. The number on the pad behind the distribitor is as described above. An "engine number." Look for the block casting number between the pan flange and the cast ridge just above the flange up front between the fuel pump and the plate sticking out that holds the timing gear cover. Unless you have washed the engine you will need a wire brush to get the grease off. The numbers will be smaller than most casting numbers.
F54Z is a 1954 235 as stated. The stamped code next to the dizzy is the serial number. Visual clues that help are the type of motor mounts on it, the type of water pump, 4 bolt valve cover, and the lack of a oil distribution cover on the drivers side. On pre-55 engines, the block casting number is is the lower front passengers side corner of the block, and the date code is back by the starter.
not on topic but that oil filler cap looks out of place. see if you can scrounge an original, "tall" one.
1954 as stated, I think it has a later head but has the 54 only valve cover. motor mounts, water pump are good clues. There were no 53 Chevys with 216 motors from the factory. Get a 55-62 valve cover with breather style cap, it's a bolt on and gets rid of the drool of oil and stink from cover vents
Thanks to all of your help! The water pump does use 4 bolts, sorry I don't have a good pic when I was out of the car. Here is a pic from up top: By what some of you have said, I'm looking at the wrong number stamped on the block? I guess I'll continue to look for any other numbers back by the bell house covered with 50 years of crap. I'll get a close up of the head cast number too. Thanks Again Guys!!
The later blocks, 58+up?, need a flat adaptor plate on the motor mounts. cause the bolt holes are slightly off from the 53-54 mounts. The later blocks also use the later water pump. I can't see the details of the WP. KInda looks like the early high mount pump tho. But the fan goes faster on the older pumps and needs the early small bladed fan. The earlier cars had a oil press gauge that was full scale at 30, the 54 PG cars had a guage that was full scale at 60. But theres no numbers on the gauge, right? Only on the bezel, so it's a crap shoot there, too. Any engine could go in any car and any gauge could be changed also. Looks like the head number could be xxxx848. That's the good one if that's what it is.
The stamped number tells you that is for '54 model year for a standard shift car as stated before. The block casting number for a '54 will more than likely be between the pan flange and the cast ridge just above the flange up front between the fuel pump and the plate sticking out that holds the timing gear cover. NOT back by the bell housing. Unless you have washed the engine you will need a wire brush to get the grease off. The numbers will be smaller than most casting numbers.
The DATE CODE is back by the starter.... None of this matters as it has been properly identified as a 1954 235...
Here is a couple more pics for now: I'm still scrubing around the motor looking for any other numbers. I'll keep posting them as they come visable. Thanks again for all your help! BTW, if anyone is bored and wants to see all my random pics of my progress you can check it out here: http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i242/AudioDreamer/1953 Chevy Handyman/
Not sure how this got missed, F54Z stamped on the pad IDs the motor as I and several others have said.
You're welcome- glad to be of assistance! And since the pad on the engine block indicates '54, it looks like you have an engine that hasn't been mixed and matched around.
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