I have two 1938 216 engines. The casting number on one is GM 838710 15
The number stamped in front of the distributor is I44084I
Second engine casting number: GM 838710 16
Number stamped in front of the distributor is KI649353
The casting numbers are obviously for 1938, and the stamped numbers are also in the 1938 range. Two questions: 1) what does the 15 and 16 in the third line of the casting indicate? 2) what is the "K" in the second engine's stamped number? Might the "K" indicate a truck engine, or a replacement engine? If so, did all such engines have the "K" designation?
In 1938 the engines are indentified as to installation by a letter or letters BEFORE the stamped engine number on the ledge.
Flint passenger car engines had no letter Tonawanda car engines had the letter B 1/2 ton truck engines had K for Flint and KB for Tonawanda 3/4 and 1 ton had AT and ATB 1 1/2 ton had T and TB
These are not raised cast in numbers but stamped.
A replacement short block would have no number stamped at all and It was up to the installer to restamp the number. If it was a complete engine it would be stamped as they were taken out of prouction in 1938.. Chevrolet used the letter I in place of the number 1 when they stamped the numbers. Most number stamp sets did not cantan the umber 1.
The 1939 block replaced the 1937 and 1938 short blocks for replacement after 1939.
You're right--I'm left-handed, so I was thinking backward: looking at the distributor, the number is obviously to the left of it (I was reading left to right!).
Gene,
Thanks--great information. Does the 15 and 16 in the casting, under the GM and number, have any significance?
I am glad you ask this question . I have ask before but can not get the answer . First , I can not find a block number . Where is it ? Next , the number behind the distributor starts with the letter "V" . I am not at the car but I think it is V267630 . It is in a 37 fordor . The distributor numbers show that it is 49 or 50 . I realize many things can happen over the years such as engine swaps , parts swaps and so on . Could anyone give me any insight on this Thanks Michael
The engine casting number is in a few different locations depending on the year in question.
For the 1938 block being discussed, the casting number should be on the passenger side behind the starter. You may have to remove the starter to see it, especially if everything is grimy down there....
1938 Canadian Pontiac Business Coupe (aka a 1938 Chevy Coupe with Pontiac shaped front sheet metal - almost all Chevy!) 1975 4-speed L82 Vette
The V267630 nuber does not connect with ant Chevrolet engine numbers. At one time a rebuilt engine may have been installled or an engine that had been rebuilt and that is the rebuilders number or a number assigned by the state. Yes, as I memtioned before if you can not see the casting number it is a later engine with the number behind the starter. You could send me a picture of both sides of the engine and I may be able to help. chevgene@msn.com
My 1938 Master has a 1940 motor. The block casting number is on the passenger's side of the block, just in front of the location where the distributor goes into the block. It is near the bottom of the block. Looking at it from under the hood, the ridge in the block obscures my view. However if I use a mirror I can see it easily.
Last edited by old216; 06/29/1909:54 PM.
My 1951 1 Ton is now on the road! My 38 Master 4 Door is also now on the road .
