My engine number starts with zero, any significance?

[Richard Holler]

Hi all, I have been a long time lurker for many years, just registered today!

I was looking up the details for my 63B S T6 Karmann (ignore that 019 distributor, the correct VJR4 BR18 has been rebuilt and reinstalled)

and noticed that the engine code was not working right on the serial # lookup on this site, so went to that other site and it did find my 7 digit number and it seems to appropriately match my vin and year.

What was the reasoning for adding a zero to my particular engine in 1963?

[Doug McDonnell]

Late 63 build number. Discussion here where it is discussed that the cases may have changed with reinforcement: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=46419&hilit=1963+engine+numbers

[Mike Wilson]

If you read the thread Doug referenced, my original engine was 0700702. Still hoping it will resurface one day...

Mike

[Richard Holler]

Late 63 build number. Discussion here where it is discussed that the cases may have changed with reinforcement: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=46419&hilit=1963+engine+numbers

Thanks for this, so it appears these are pre C engine cases then with B internals? I suppose my next question is what are all the differences between a pre C and B engine case, your thread pointed out some flywheel reinforcement, I did find another thread about a larger oil pickup... Anything else to note?

[Doug McDonnell]

I think larger oil pickup tube started in 1960

[Vic Skirmants]

I think larger oil pickup tube started in 1960

Nope; about 1962-63.

[Brad Ripley]

The only explanation for engine numbers starting with a "0" I have seen in Pellow ABC pg 245-246, Rev 3.5. See below for Spec Book pages (combined) 8-11. As you can read, Harry doesn't have any real explanation about the earliest group, 085001 - 085670. He thought it had sometime to do with Karmann Hardtop models -- wrong! A search of those engine numbers in Cherneff's search list shows Roadsters and Coupes. There is nothing in the T-5 parts catalog indicating anything different about those engines.

However, when it comes to the later group of engines, the T-6 parts says those engines got a 16 mm oil suction pipe. Harry thought those engines had better reinforcement ribs around the #1 bearing area.

Anyone know of workshop bulletins or other documentation about these mystery "0" number engines?

[David Pateman]

I just added a reply to the thread linked in post 2 that may be of interest.