If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You must be an NCRS member
before you can post: click the Join NCRS link above to join. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
alright.... before I begin the tear down of my newly rebuilt (but suddenly smoking on one side only after 2000 miles) motor, I'm wondering where I might find a replacement head for my 1960 (if needed) and what I will need to look for when/if I find one . I assume I will need the same casting number but I am not aware if there is a date code stamped somewhere that I should attempt to duplicate?
What makes you think that you need a replacement cylinder head? The engine could experience a lot of problems that will have no effect on either cylinder head.
However, if you do need one, it would probably be best to try to obtain one that matches the other head with respect to casting number. It's not absolutely essential from a functional perspective considering that there will undoubtedly be other very similar heads of different casting numbers that you could use. But, it would still be best to use a "matching" one and obviously better from an originality standpoint.
For your application, the cylinder heads should be GM CASTING #3774692. As far as dates go, it only has to precede the engine build date by 6 months. While the dates of the 2 heads on an engine were usually fairly close together, it's uncommon that they match exactly.
Joe, Thanks for the cast number but where would I look to find the production date you spoke about. By the way, I don't know yet if I need a head. I am just trying to plan for every eventuality when I find the reason for the oil consumption. It could take months to find a head and then have it reconditioned. Don't want any down time next spring!
The casting date will be found under the valve cover in the same general area as the casting number. It will be an coding consisting of a letter followed by 2 or 3 numbers. The letter indicates the month, the last number indicates the year and the numbers in between indicate the day of the month. If you look at the top surface of the head, it's very easy to find.
Mike Thanks for the photo, A picture is worth a thousand words! SO I should just try to duplicate the numbers I find as close as possible or within 6 months prior to the build date of the engine right?
We use cookies to deliver our services, and to analyze site activity. We do not share or sell any personal information about our users. For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.
By clicking "I AGREE" below, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our personal data processing and cookie practices as described therein. You also acknowledge that this forum may be hosted outside your country and you consent to the collection, storage, and processing of your data in the country where this forum is hosted.
Tweet
Comment