Author Topic: Identifying engine year (Read 2136 times)

rob76 · « **on:** September 18, 2007, 08:20:51 am »

Anybody know how to determine what year your engine is from? Is there a range of serial numbers that correspond to year or something?
My '91 TD might not be from 91. For one, it has the AGS transmission which bentley says wasn't used in 91. Second, the cold start lever only has one position, not two. It has me wondering....

MikkiJayne · « **Reply #1 on:** September 18, 2007, 09:50:48 am »

Engine numbers are just sequential, and I don't think there is any record of year of manufacture.

That said, have a look at the plastic cam belt cover. That has a little clock type date mark which will give you a clue. It's not exact, since its just the date of that part, but if it was made in, say, 93 then your engine may not be a 91

Of course if it says '89 then that doesn't help!

Plus the Bentley is just an average of what happened when. I wouldn't take it as gospel. It certainly isn't for Corrados!

Maarten · « **Reply #2 on:** September 18, 2007, 11:31:12 pm »

Most cars are produced in one year and registered in the next, or following.

On most of the parts there are round year/monthmarks, easiest is on the head or plastic parts

rob76 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 18, 2007, 11:31:42 pm »

Thank you! I'll have to check out that cam cover!

rob76 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 23, 2007, 03:50:56 pm »

Turns out my cold start lever is probably just worn so I don't feel the first "stop". Second my tranny is code 4S which just has the same ratios as the AGS. It also has '91 as the year of manufacture on it. The head also has a 91 stamped on it. Plus it has the boost enrichment thing so I'm going to assume it is all original '91 stuff. I never could find any date on the timing belt cover. It has a barcode sticker with some numbers on it but that's it.