The engine that I'm currently working on has the casting number 838710 with a 15 under that, and on the ID plate 1440841, all of which indicates that it is a 1938, if I'm not mistaken. I have a couple questions I hope you can help me with:

1. Is there any way to ascertain whether it came from a car or a truck?

2. The water pump on the engine has the number 598309 cast into it. In my big parts book (which covers only up to 1942), it says that the original water pump number for this year was 603148 and that was superseded by 598308--I'm wondering where the 309 came from--is that a later replacement number?

3. I have two NOS water pumps that I've collected over the years, neither one of which will fit this 38 engine. The boxes both say they're for a Chevy 216/235, but I can't find their part numbers in my book--must be from a later engine. The part numbers are: 3736567 with 12GM underneath; and 3757232 with GM 2. Can someone identify these 2 water pumps for me?

Thanks very much!

Jim

I have a 29-38 parts book that list the pump assy. numbers and the part numbers for all parts. It list the 1937 pump assy. as 838464(replaced by 603148) then replaced by 598308 assy. The 598309 is the cast number for the body of the 598308 water pump. Often times GM casting numbers are a digit or two different than the part number as they may use the same casting for various assemblies which use different attaching parts such as the pulleys or shafts. I also have a 29-55 book but had no luck with the other numbers you posted.

Steve,

Thanks. Yes, these are casting numbers that I'm quoting, so that explains why they don't exist in the parts book. Apparently, there is no specific way to identify these from the casting numbers.

Thanks again,

Jim

There is a Chevrolet casting number to part number interchange manual.

1929-50 book reads:

1937-38 All (use offset fan) (casting No. 598309 pulley stamped
838764) Part no. 598308

1939-40 All (casting No. 598309 pulley stamped
838905) Part no. 838903

Note: Repair parts for original 1937 water pump (part 838464 and original 1938 water pump (part 603146) may be identified by their respective part numbers. ... Fan blade 838933 must be installed with 5983
1937 series GA and fan blade 838936 must be installed ith 59308 on 1937 series GB, GC, GD GE, S.

I don't know if this helps or not.

Charlie

Thanks Charlie. That does help because it explains the 598309 casting number for those years. Much appreciated.

Jim

I too have been researching water pump casting numbers, and I found this page:

water pump

it says your 3757232 pump is a 59-62 unit. If anyone can verify this for me, Id appreciate it, since Im looking for a correct 1959 water pump for my 235.