Hey there! I'm new to the nailhead scene and want to determine which engine was installed thru p/o, he said it's a 401 from mid 60's, only digits i found on valley pan are in the attachment, is that enough to verify or where to look additionally? Only # i can deliver too is 1356562 from dip stick oil, which means '62-'66 Riv Regards Ron
I think up top on the block. Either where the transmission and block meet or somewhere near the heads. Take a wire brush, you never know what grime can be covering up
I did, there was nothing... So to look at the flange, where block is mounted to bell housing near the starter or passenger side, can it be seen from engine bay or better from underneath? Regards, Ron
There's a casting number on the top of the 'bell' just behind the distributor. You can then look it up on the Team Buick page. But it will not positively ID the block. https://www.teambuick.com/reference/casting_numbers_nailhead.php The stamping on your block, C247847... I believe the 'C' is the assembly plant, South Gate , Ca. The Team Buick site narrows that 'C' stamp to a 65 or 66. The 1966 block included cast-in loops to R&R the engine. There is one on the water manifold and one on the bell behind distributor towards the left side. I'm leaning on it being a 1965 401, based on the 'C' stamping and info from The Team Buick page. I think the 425 was standard for the Riv in 1966. You can check date codes on the other engine components to help determine the year. Is this in a Riv? What trans does it have? There are some Riv experts here that can help if they see your post.
It's a '58 Super and has the flightpitch dynaflow behind... There is also one thread left on the thermostat housing/crossover pipe to fit the bracket from power steering, po told me, so that it isn't a 364 engine, but this won't help to determine, if it's a 401 or not?! Next weekend might be a chance to look at all these spots u told me here, then i post about the findings... Regards, Ron
Are you located in Canada? This looks like a Canadian built engine serial number. C247847 C = 401 V8 from Series 4600 (Invicta/Wildcat) 247847 = sequential number, range for 1962 Canadian built engines was 239,724 to 248, 976 Canadian built engines didn't use an engine production code like US built engines and the 425 was only built in the US.
^^ That would make more sense since the 1962 engine would bolt up to a Dynaflow trans. If it was a 1965 engine, the crankshaft flange would need some mods to bolt to it. If the threads in the water manifold are stripped, maybe you can drill/tap it deeper and install a stud. Redrilling/tapping for a Helicoil or threaded insert are other repair options.
Car is located in Germany and threads on water manifold are still ok, i retapped them all for proper connections and used coppergrease to prevent from rust... Regards, Ron
