VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1939 Master Deluxe engine number

The engine number on my '39 Master sedan deluxe reads R2I98494, what shows as a one, looks more like a capital I, with small bars top and bottom. Can anyone tell me anything from that number, I can't make head nor tail of any the information I've found online?

Also on starting the engine the radiator dumps a load of water. Anyone know why this should happen, engine runs sweet, doesn't appear to be any water in the oil etc.

It would help if you post a picture of that number.

If you filled the radiator to the very top I expect that there will be quite a bit of coolant expelled.

The coolant expands as the engine gets hot. After it has overflowed a couple of cycles it will be at the level you should maintain.

Most of the time the proper level is enough coolant to cover the radiator core. The upper tank will be empty when the engine is cold.

I'll try and get a picture tomorrow, not sure about how to post pictures here though.

I'll see if any coolant is expelled next time I start it. Perhaps it was overfull to start with.

Managed to get a picture, best I could get

If a forceful overboard gush of coolant is immediately after starting the engine, then it is generally points to a blown head gasket.

I hope it only occurs after your have overfilled or topped off the upper tank and after the coolant has warmed up and expanded enough to bleed some off.

Good luck with it.

Best,

Charlie

It looks like that number falls in the range of 39 engine numbers using the info at the GM Heritage site. The I is found replacing a 1 often, not sure why.

Dave

Chevrolet did not use a 1 but rather an upper case I.
1939 engine numbers ranged from 1915447 thu 2697267.
1938 numbers 1187822 -1915446
I read your number as 2198494

R for right hand drive.

The engine number looks correct for a 1939 Chevy right hand drive.

Many of the cars exported to British Commonwealth countries were produced as kits in Oshawa, Canada for assembly overseas. These would have had an identification tag (on right side of the cowl under the hood) that included the engine serial number. For reference, the attached photo is from a RHD 1939 Chevy Master Deluxe.

RHD cars assembled in the USA for export have Fisher Body and Chevrolet tags on the cowl and there is no engine serial number on them. Your tag (shown in your post asking how to clean it) indicates that the car was produced in the USA.

Thanks to all for the information, very helpful. The tag shown in the message above is nothing like the tags on my car. Looks like it's been lost and a new repro tag added with no information on at all. The other tag has very little on it, see picture attached. I've removed some of the paint today, metal is very soft, either lead or zinc I'd guess. Has SEDAN and some sort of serial number and the date 1939 with a 4 below it.

Today while investigating some wiring that was too close to the exhaust downpipe, I noticed a number stamped into the top of the chassis rail. I cleaned it up and found this 7111 - AL - 015017 - B

Tried to get a picture, was difficult but you can just about make it out in the attached.

Does it look right and what information does it give?

That is the serial number used on export cars.

That isnt the location or style used here in Aus. The number we use is stamped into the vertical face of the left rail between the rear of the front spring shackle and where the left hand drive steering box exits the chassis. The number on my 38 1/2 ton is "S38-**" but is also Holden body.
Tony