Engine identification

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Mark Erbesfield
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Engine identification

#1 Post by Mark Erbesfield »

Can anyone help me ID what this engine came out of? I have looked at all my books and I don’t find a number remotely close to this block number.
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57 356A
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Jon Bunin
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Re: Engine identification

#2 Post by Jon Bunin »

Mark, it's a '58 1600 serial number.
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Mark Erbesfield
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Re: Engine identification

#3 Post by Mark Erbesfield »

Thank you Jon. I have a guy who wants me to buy it from him, but it looks pretty rough. Block and some accessories but no cylinders or heads. Not sure it’s worth the effort to rebuild.
57 356A
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73 911S
66 Land Cruiser FJ45LV
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Martin Benade
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Re: Engine identification

#4 Post by Martin Benade »

I wonder what the extra stamping are, look slightly like 4-leaf clovers.

It sounds like some parts, not an engine.
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Vic Skirmants
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Re: Engine identification

#5 Post by Vic Skirmants »

Definitely 1958. The short timing mark was used on the thermostatic valve engines.

Mark Erbesfield
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Re: Engine identification

#6 Post by Mark Erbesfield »

Is there any way to know from the outside if a block is usable? Or do you have to tear it down?
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73 911S
66 Land Cruiser FJ45LV
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Wes Bender
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Re: Engine identification

#7 Post by Wes Bender »

Have to tear it down. Might be usable with or without repairs, but you can't tell from outside.
Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.....

David Nicholls
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Re: Engine identification

#8 Post by David Nicholls »

Hello Mark
That’s a dilemma that we’ve all faced. To buy, or not buy.
If you decide to, buy, make sure that you have another $10-15,000 to finish the engine.
All the Best
David

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Wes Bender
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Re: Engine identification

#9 Post by Wes Bender »

There has to be some reason that the heads and cylinders were removed and the work then stopped. If you're looking for an engine to build and you can get it for little enough money that you are willing to possibly lose, buy it.
Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.....

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Thomas Sottile
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Re: Engine identification

#10 Post by Thomas Sottile »

You would probably were going to replaced the cylinders anyway and the heads wold need machining so if you can get it at a good price what else is missing?

Jon Bunin
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Re: Engine identification

#11 Post by Jon Bunin »

Mark Erbesfield wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:06 pm Is there any way to know from the outside if a block is usable? Or do you have to tear it down?
Mark, you can post clear, well-lit photos of the engine from all sides, and of all numbers stamped into it, for us to review.
Here are some things you can observe from the outside...

Do all three case sections have the same stamped number, in the same font? Are the numbers stamped across the top of the case halves appropriate for that '58 1600 serial number?
Has the case been welded, due to an internal failure or an outside impact? Has the the oil cooler stand been welded?
Does the oil cooler stand have any numbers stamped on it, indicating that the case has been bored?
You can inspect the case for visible cracks, and test any suspicious area. You can look inside the case, with the sump plate removed.
Mark Erbesfield wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:44 pmI have a guy who wants me to buy it from him, but it looks pretty rough. Block and some accessories but no cylinders or heads. Not sure it’s worth the effort to rebuild.
You say no cylinders or heads, but what about pistons or connecting rods?
If the connecting rods are still mounted to the crankshaft, they can be easily removed to see the four crankshaft journals condition, the bearing size and bearing condition.
You can also identify the connecting rods, and see if any are discolored.
Is the flywheel mounted to the crank? If so, you can check for excessive crankshaft endplay, which could indicate a crankshaft or case issue.
Jon Bunin

Mark Erbesfield
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Re: Engine identification

#12 Post by Mark Erbesfield »

Here are some pics the guy sent. Looks pretty rough to me. Probably better to buy a complete engine to build. I wanted one that I could learn on. I am building my 912 motor right now w a professional. The idea was to do my own after I finish the 912 for my 356A.
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Vic Skirmants
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Re: Engine identification

#13 Post by Vic Skirmants »

Missing all the case bolts and nuts?

Mark Erbesfield
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Re: Engine identification

#14 Post by Mark Erbesfield »

Vic Skirmants wrote: Thu Mar 28, 2024 8:10 am Missing all the case bolts and nuts?
That right there seems suspect at best. Why remove those and put back together. If that’s how it works.
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Wes Bender
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Re: Engine identification

#15 Post by Wes Bender »

Vic Skirmants wrote: Thu Mar 28, 2024 8:10 am Missing all the case bolts and nuts?
Yet the nuts appear to be on the third piece.
Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.....

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