Engine Serial # Not Visible

S

sellerby

Member
The place above the water inlet on the driver's side of the engine has the flattened-off area where the serial # should be, but no # is even remotely visible. I'm guessing that decades of paint layers and other junk have covered it up completely. Is there any danger in going at it aggressively with a wire wheel on a power drill? Do I run the risk of damaging the embossed numbers? Is there a better way to reveal the numbers?

I'm hoping that some previous owner didn't grind it off! That raises all sorts of interesting possibilities.

Thanks!
 
Sellerby, you're not going to destoy the stamped numbers by removing the paint/rust with a powered wire wheel.
 
I wouldn't worry but if you are worried start with a little paint remover to soften things up. Be aware that replacement blocks from the factory did not have numbers and rebuilders frequently added their own number. You DMV may make you lift the body so they can see the number on the frame. What number (use XXX for the last 3 digits) do you have on the paperwork?

Charlie Stephens
 
I suppose knowing what the number under the paint is might be an interesting tidbit about your car. If you can validate the font and spacing of the stamped numbers proves it's the original factory serial number, it can help date the engine. If not original it's rather worthless information because except for a small group of known industrial users and restorers whose stampings are identifiable, there's really no way to tell when and by who that number was placed there and why that particular number was chosen.

I definitely would not mess with it if the car is not yet registered. If the number you reveal does not match your title you could potentially create a headache for yourself if the DMV inspects the car. Sometimes you are better off the less they can see.
 
The title shows the VIN as A292675 and describes the car as a 1930 Ford 2DR. That VIN lacks a digit if I'm reading the Model A chart correctly. The car is definitely at least a 1930 according to body style. I'm pretty sure that it is not a B engine.

I'll give it a go with the wire wheel and report back on what is revealed. Thanks for the suggestions.
 
I'll try to paste below 2 photos: one of the entire engine and a close-up of the spot where the VIN # should be after I went at it with the wire wheel. Although it's a bit hard to tell from the photo, there is nothing detectable in the form of embossed letters or numbers. I used a strong light and illuminated the area from many angles, and also used a strong magnifying glass. Nothing. It doesn't look like anything was intentionally marred or obscured. I'm wondering if the block at some point became badly rusted and pitted, and when originally restored the VIN was lost to the ages.
 

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If this is a "diamond block" engine, it probably didn't have a number there in the beginning.

Mine is a diamond block, and while the # does match the title as well as the frame, it was obviously stamped by someone not very knowlegable about how the # is suppose to look.
 
Try lightly block sanding the number area. Sometimes the texture change from sanding the high areas makes numbers more visable. Also try side lighting so low spots cause shadows. Hard to tell anything with the flash reflecting directly off a polished surface.
 
sellerby said:
I'll try to paste below 2 photos: one of the entire engine and a close-up of the spot where the VIN # should be after I went at it with the wire wheel. Although it's a bit hard to tell from the photo, there is nothing detectable in the form of embossed letters or numbers. I used a strong light and illuminated the area from many angles, and also used a strong magnifying glass. Nothing. It doesn't look like anything was intentionally marred or obscured. I'm wondering if the block at some point became badly rusted and pitted, and when originally restored the VIN was lost to the ages.
Click to expand...

Maybe it is all in my mind but I think I can see numbers. I can't read them but I think I can see them. Do you know anyone with image enhancement software?

Charlie Stephens
 
I kind of agree with Charlie, I almost can make out a 7 or something... Maybe try laying a piece of light paper over the area and rubbing it with the side of a soft pencil lead.
 
I just went at it with some emery cloth and tried to smooth out the raised pitting. Still nothing visible, although after staring at it for quite a while I think that I saw the face of a saint. That rules out Henry! I also seemed to notice the outlines of a number when viewing the photo that I posted, but it doesn't show up when holding a light from the side (or any angle). I even tried using paper and the side of a soft pencil, but still nothing visible. I might try using an ink roller and press paper after inking the area. How would I know if I have a diamond block?
 
Yep, just found that it's a diamond block. I'll post a photo of the diamond mark below. I appreciate all the help on sleuthing out the details on my engine. Any other interesting info that can be learned from examining the engine and components?
 

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If you move over to the left, just under the second bolt on the valve cover, there is a date code that will tell you when your block was manufactured.
 
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