Engine number

The engine number is usually a sequential identification number.

It is mounted by the engine manufacturer in a visible location of the engine block:

• On a milled / machined surface by impact marks, or
• In the casting of the engine block as a raised numbers and characters.

Among the manufacturers of the documentation of the installed motors and their associated numbers are kept. Since most manufacturers keep such records longer than required by law, there is a possibility the originality of a vehicle with respect to its first motor to be checked ( vintage ). Also, it can be checked by means of an eventual identification part, if the engine ever built belongs in this body, and whether the motor power corresponds to the data given in the papers. Therefore, it is advisable always a test of the engine number on purchase of used vehicles.

An example: a VW Beetle 1200 with 34 hp / 25 kW has original an engine with the code letter D. A engine number could be:. D 1234567 This number is stamped below the alternator in a milled surface between two VW markings. Is now in the car with an engine code letter F or H is installed, the engine power is not right. The vehicle has then 'll both get a 40 hp or 44 hp engine; a change in the vehicle license and an upgrade of insurance is required accordingly.

In earlier times, the engine number was also part of vehicle documents: replacing the engine in the event of damage or replacement had to be entered in the papers. However, this rule is obsolete since the 1970s.

Nevertheless, the engine number still represents a certificate: with their help can be tracked whether the built-in motor is the one that was installed by the vehicle manufacturer in the vehicle.

• Mark
• Internal combustion engine