Can't find enging serial number or data plate

[ftl900]

Today I looked across the front and the back of the engine block, right below the valve covers front and rear, and can't find a serial number or anything at all- no marks in the block, and no sign of a data plate or anything at all.

I've been told it was a 5.7, and told it was a 5.3, altho I can't find any info on a 5.3 marine engine.

Any suggestions?? I really learn more about this engine to get it running better, and I have to start somewhere with it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Can't find enging serial number or data plate

Ayuh,... It appears to be a SBC, dressed in Volvo garb... I'd Guess a 305 or 350...

 

[rebars1]

Re: Can't find enging serial number or data plate

Bondo, what is SBC?

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't find enging serial number or data plate

SBC = Small Block Chevy

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Can't find enging serial number or data plate

That fuel line hose should really be steel.

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't find enging serial number or data plate

This thread is nothing more than a continuation of your other thread here.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=392753

In that other thread I suggested it was probably a 231. The reason I determined that is things like the cooling system, the power steering pump type, the YEAR the model was available etc. One reply said it might be a 225, but the PS was different, well DUH, that is why the model numbers are different. along with the years they were used.
You can look at the block casting numbers and find out if it's a 5.0 or a 5.7. But no one uses the 5.3 block.

http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm

 

[ftl900]

Re: Can't find enging serial number or data plate

Yeah, I continue to struggle with identifying the engine. I looked all over it with a flashlight and a mirror trying to find a data plate on it. I've had two I/O boats before this- one new, so it was easy, and the other a Cobalt, and I didn't do much besides replacing the blower and working on the tilt wiring. So I don't know much about what I'm doing, and frequently don't know what to ask to get the answer that will help me.

Don- thanks for explaining the SBC term- I hadn't heard it before either.

I bookmarked the MORTEC website, and I'll check casting numbers on the block after the rain lets up tomorrow or Tuesday- thanks!

Anytime I try to find parts, they want to look it up by engine specs, and that's where I put on a blank look because I don't know what to tell them. I already replaced the water filter, and the oil & oil filter. It has NGK BF6RS plugs in it, so I know I can use those or the MR43T, but I would like to replace the distributor cap and points as well, and that requires info I don't have, or I don't understand.

Bt Doctur - Why is the steel fuel line preferable? I've used rubber lines on , cars, trucks, ATVs, street and racing motorcycles, but I don't have the marine experience to understand why a metal line would be critical or more important in this application.

Thanks again for everyone's help- I did a compression check on it today- highest was 130 (left rear), lowest (front right) was 110, and all the other cylinders were in the 120 range. The boat dies when shifting into gear, so I suspect a carb rebuild may be in order, but I want to do the electrics first- probably because I know how to do those things.

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't find enging serial number or data plate

Does your engine have points or electronic ignition? Can you post a picture of the back of the engine showing the distributor.

Why is the steel fuel line preferable?

It's a safety thing. In a car or truck if the line leaks, the gas goes on the road. On a boat it only makes it to the bilge. There all you need is a spark and BOOOOOOM.
Steel lines is the preferred method by manufacturers on the pressure side of the fuel pump, as the lines pass the fire tests. On lines from the fuel tank to the fuel pump, Marine type 1A fuel line must be used.

 

[ftl900]

Re: Can't find enging serial number or data plate

Does your engine have points or electronic ignition? Can you post a picture of the back of the engine showing the distributor.

[the fuel line is] a safety thing. Steel line is the preferred method...

I'll get a good pic of the distributor and area as soon as Florida dries out a bit.

Thanks for the info on the fuel line as well. In hindsight, it seems perfectly obvious. Mine came with the metal fuel line zip tied to the rubber line, so I'll inspect the fittings on the line and both ends that it connects to, to try to determine why it was swapped out for rubber.

So when I go to NAPA or our local marine dealer (AFTER I verify the block casting numbers), if I tell them 1988 AQ231, they'll be able to look up parts for it with just that??

I really appreciate your help and advice. Sometimes I get answers to things that most everyone else understands, but still leaves me in the dark.

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't find enging serial number or data plate

if I tell them 1988 AQ231, they'll be able to look up parts for it with just that??

You don't even have to say 1988. If you say you have an AQ231A or B, they should be able to find all the parts that are available as aftermarket from their source.
There are many things that are Volvo only, no aftermarket.